Fashion for the little ones: 52 ideas to dress up your kids

As the world’s biggest fashion labels create special collections for children, here are a few tips on how you can make the most of it.

Five-year-old North West was spotted in a little Lanvin dress. Seven-year-old Harper Beckham was twinning with editor-in-chief of American Vogue Anna Wintour at mum Victoria Beckham’s fashion show. And, thirteen-year-old Suri Cruise has a penchant for designer Stella McCartney. Is it even surprising that designer kidswear is booming? And, who doesn’t love a pretty playsuit with Burberry’s signature checks, tiny sock trainers from Dolce & Gabbana or a cashmere bunny ear hat from Fendi? Certainly, if kids embody all our aspirations, then their clothing needs to be nothing less than extraordinary.

Here’s our little guide to dressing up your kids for the most important occasions of their lives (Styling: Drishti Vij; make-up and hair: Artistry by Anjali Jain; art direction: Amit Malik; location courtesy: The Roseate. New Delhi; photography assistant: Aakanksha Chawla)(Ankit Chawla)

(From left to right) Mahika Rawat, 6, Azaya Seth, 3, Adhyann Sachdeva, 6 and Iyaan Sukhija, 3 (Mahika’s sari, Anavila; Azaya’s suit, Good Earth; Iyaan’s Kurta pyjama and waist coat, Good Earth; Adhyann’s Jacket and pants, Péro) (Ankit Chawla)

But, some special occasions call for special outfits. And yes, it’s possible to make your enfants elegant by not blowing college education budgets on designer kidswear. Some homegrown labels present multiple options to dress up your little ones in stylish yet comfortable clothes. So here’s our little guide to dressing up your kids for the most important occasions of their lives! And if that doesn’t work either, remember: Hand-me-downs will never go out of style!

Myra Khanna, 5, and Laksh Jhunthra, 4 (Myra’s sari, Anavila; jacket and pyjamas, Péro) (Ankit Chawla)

What to wear: There are umpteen options! Lehengas, kurtas, salwar-kameez, palazzos or even dhotis. “But, what parents should keep in mind is that kids don’t care about how fashionable they’re looking. They definitely won’t be sitting and participating in the rituals. They want to run around and have fun so make sure that the outfit allows that,” says Mumbai-based fashion designer Payal Singhal.

Anvi Chittodia, 8 and Azaya (On Anvi: Top, tunic and pyjama. Péro. On Azaya: Suit, Good Earth) (Ankit Chawla)

“Also, make sure that these are outfits that kids can grow into. I’d recommend buying a size bigger. If there’s a dupatta then make sure that it does not have tassels on it as they might get stuck somewhere and eventually might lead to kids getting hurt,” she adds.

Aadir Kumar, 22 months (T-shirt and dungarees, Mothercare) (Ankit Chawla)

What to wear: “Primarily something comfortable in which the kids can have fun. The most important thing in an outfit shouldn’t be just fashionable but comfortable for your kid. That’s how you’ll get the perfect picture,” says fashion stylist Rishi Raj.

(On Iyaan: Shorts and shirt, Good Earth) (Ankit Chawla)

What to wear: “Be it shorts, a T-shirt or a shirt, make sure that the size is neither too large as it might look frumpy or too tight as it could get uncomfortable for the kid,” says Nachiket Barve.

(On Adhyann: T-shirt and trousers, Nicobar) (Ankit Chawla)

What to wear: “I wouldn’t recommend buying an outfit that has no use later or has to be thrown away. So, opt for clothes that can be used as separates later,” suggests award-winning fashion designer Nachiket Barve.

(On Adhyann: Jacket and pajamas, Péro) (Ankit Chawla)

What to wear: “For an outdoor function, boys can wear cute jackets paired with pants. For an indoor ceremony, T-shirts

Kiara Singh, 1 (On Kiara: Bloomer set, veronna. Cake courtesy: Sugar Daddy Bakes by Bijay Thapa) (Ankit Chawla)

What to wear: “Since the kids are still very small and grabbing and eating almost everything in sight, it is always better to go for a comfortable fuss-free look. Clothes that allow free movement like frocks, skirts or comfortable pants look great,” says fashion designer Resham Karamchandani.

Rohaan Singh, 4. (On Rohaan: Jacket and shorts, Marks and Spencer; shoes, Adidas) (Ankit Chawla)

What to wear: “Play dates are all about movements and playing. Make sure the lengths are fine and there is no danger of kids tripping and hurting themselves. Go for shorts with T-shirts or skirts and tops. Short summer dresses are also a great choice. Opt for darker colours. Kids are bound to get messy and lighter colours get dirty soon,” feels Resham.