One of the most fun parts of Christmas, Easter, family weddings, and other celebrations has been getting my little ones all dressed up -- whether they like it or not. If you're looking for adorable and appropriate (think fuss-free) clothes for a special occasion, keep these simple wardrobe ideas in mind.
We live in a good age, when fancy clothes come with machine wash tags. Before you take that dress, sweater, handsome pair of pants or vest to the checkout counter, look at the label (or read the online description carefully). If you can't machine wash those holiday stains out of it, put it back and step away from the rack.
A red dress is perfect for Christmas time celebrations, of course, but it's also a go-to favorite for birthday parties, Thanksgiving, Valentine's Day, and church. Forgo the taffeta and crinoline and choose a cotton mix fabric so your tot will be free to move. Ruffles and a bit of flare that twirls well when your little girl spins is sure to please her and delight everyone you meet.
Put your little boy in the fanciest suit you can fine -- in seconds he will be a bit rumpled and totally untucked as he climbs, runs, and squirms. But, with a simple bow tie, I've found that even the typically disheveled toddler boy maintains a bit of "fashion" perfection.
If your toddler is just starting to cruise and has her first pair of walking shoes, then find a fancy outfit to go with those stabilizing shoes (a nice pair of white Stride Rite shoes is always fashionable!). If your toddler is a little older, you can look for girls' shoes that include a strap, like traditional Mary Janes. For boys, you might want to forgo tie shoes (since laces inevitable loosen and create a tripping hazard. Instead, choose slip on or velcro shoes that cover a good portion of the top of the foot so they don't easily slip off.
Adjustable waist bands that can be pulled tighter or made wider are one of the great clothes inventions of the modern age as far as I am concerned. If your toddler is slim or stout, you can easily make the pants fit (so they don't cut into him or slide off his backside as he runs through the house.
Clips, headbands, bows -- toddler girls look so cute in hair accessories. The key, though, is to find something that won't bother little ones and will stay in place. Choose head bands that are made of fabric and no-slip clips for a polished look that is also comfortable.
Little girls don't have to be decked in a traditional dress to look fancy. Cute leggings with a tunic shirt or sweater are just as appropriate for special occasions when paired with dressy shoes. Among the many advantages of a pant set for toddler girls is the fact that it's easier to get a little one into the car seat (a challenge with puffy dresses).
•Machine Wash Clothing
We live in a good age, when fancy clothes come with machine wash tags. Before you take that dress, sweater, handsome pair of pants or vest to the checkout counter, look at the label (or read the online description carefully). If you can't machine wash those holiday stains out of it, put it back and step away from the rack.
•Classic Red Dress
A red dress is perfect for Christmas time celebrations, of course, but it's also a go-to favorite for birthday parties, Thanksgiving, Valentine's Day, and church. Forgo the taffeta and crinoline and choose a cotton mix fabric so your tot will be free to move. Ruffles and a bit of flare that twirls well when your little girl spins is sure to please her and delight everyone you meet.
•Bow Tie for Boys
Put your little boy in the fanciest suit you can fine -- in seconds he will be a bit rumpled and totally untucked as he climbs, runs, and squirms. But, with a simple bow tie, I've found that even the typically disheveled toddler boy maintains a bit of "fashion" perfection.
•Shoes They Can Walk Well In
If your toddler is just starting to cruise and has her first pair of walking shoes, then find a fancy outfit to go with those stabilizing shoes (a nice pair of white Stride Rite shoes is always fashionable!). If your toddler is a little older, you can look for girls' shoes that include a strap, like traditional Mary Janes. For boys, you might want to forgo tie shoes (since laces inevitable loosen and create a tripping hazard. Instead, choose slip on or velcro shoes that cover a good portion of the top of the foot so they don't easily slip off.
•Adjustable Pants
Adjustable waist bands that can be pulled tighter or made wider are one of the great clothes inventions of the modern age as far as I am concerned. If your toddler is slim or stout, you can easily make the pants fit (so they don't cut into him or slide off his backside as he runs through the house.
•Hair Accessories that Stay Put
Clips, headbands, bows -- toddler girls look so cute in hair accessories. The key, though, is to find something that won't bother little ones and will stay in place. Choose head bands that are made of fabric and no-slip clips for a polished look that is also comfortable.
•Fancy Leggings Outfit
Little girls don't have to be decked in a traditional dress to look fancy. Cute leggings with a tunic shirt or sweater are just as appropriate for special occasions when paired with dressy shoes. Among the many advantages of a pant set for toddler girls is the fact that it's easier to get a little one into the car seat (a challenge with puffy dresses).
Comfort and Cuteness
In the end, your child will always look adorable no matter how he's dressed. The perfect addition to that adorable face is a smile -- and comfortable clothes that you don't have to worry about "ruining" is going to put your toddler in a better, tantrum free mood for the special event.Also remember that your tot is very likely to have an accident (or two) that may require a quick change. That's especially true if you're potty training. So be sure to have an extra set of clothes packed in your bag -- including everything from t-shirts to socks.
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