The development of children’s personal style is a natural part of their growth. Children love to express their personality through their apparel and color and are never afraid of the judgments of others.
However, as a personal stylist I believe that the best way to encourage children to take an interest in their looks and adopt a creative sense of expression through fashion is to allow them to shop with their parents and choose what they like because this inspires creativity and builds self-confidence.
While many mothers are reluctant to allow their children make their own fashion choices in fear that children will make poor choices. This makes children feel unsure about making their own decisions, not just about fashion, but about life in general.
On the contrary, getting children to choose the outfits they like teaches them strength and decision-making. Here are some tips from a personal stylist, to overcome this fear.
If your child’s choices are strange to you, let him or her dress as they please at least once a week. This allows them to feel independent, but in small steps. The rest of the week, give your child lots of small choices about the things that will perfectly go together no matter what they choose. For example, ask him, “Would you rather wear the blue jacket or the red jacket?” When you already pulled out a white shirt and jeans. Giving them the option makes them more flexible to follow your instructions.
If your child has to wear a certain outfit, such as the school uniform, for example, allow them to express his personality through accessories, as these details are the key to uniqueness when it comes to school uniforms. Cool socks, shoes, book bags, book covers, pens, and hair bows are all easy and can be inexpensive ways to set your child apart.
During the shopping trip with your child, buy a lot of pieces in neutral colors such as (navy, gray, white and brown). These colors will pair perfectly with any color or pattern.
Stock up on basics in neutral colors, like white shirts, cream dresses for girls and denim pieces. For jackets, accessories and shoes you can allow your child to choose bolder colors.
Muneera Bubshait
Image Consultant
The Styling Co