Kidswear for Mummies 101: Childish Fashion for Happy Mums

There’s a change coming in the fashion world. It’s been bubbling under the surface for a season and has now exploded with a triumphant spray of glitter, cartoons and colour. Much like Brobee (from the best kids’ show after Sesame Street ‘Yo Gabba Gabba’), fashionistas have turned their frowns upside down and injected their looks with frivolity, fun and freedom. The childish fashion trend is de rigeur.

Brobee is a special little guy who’s smile literally flips between sad and happy (I prefer the latter and so does MG)

You see, it’s been almost 20 years (gah!) since the bonkers ravers and club kids of the 90s affected the way we all dressed. Now it seems, if you want to be stylish, you’ve got to be down with the kids. For us mums, that means taking a longer look at the head-tilting combination your little ones have insisted on wearing today. Yep, the comic socks, Superman costume left open over their pretty floral dress is actually nailing one of the key looks of the year. It’s a liberating trend and above all breaks down the iron-clad wall of indentikit fashion slave dressing. It could be that you don a pair of Smiley Socks under your usual jeans and sweatshirt combo, or top coat your nails with a layer of glitter (lasts longer, but a slog to remove).

It’s like a fashion version of Lord of the Flies out there, the kids have gone wild and taken over. Don’t believe me? Here’s proof on the AW14 runways that kidswear is a fashion trend worth rocking.

Note Fashion is edible

Much as you hate it when your little one leaves a trail of spaghetti down their top, or screams blue murder for a Happy Meal and spills their ceral. It’s all about repping your favourite flavours with pride!

L-R Anya Hindmarch, Moschino & Chanel

Decorate your Denim

Mom jeans have got the giggles. Go crazy in the craft corner and upcycle your denim with patches, frills and cheeky trims.

L-W House of Holland, Asish & Marc by Marc Jacobs

Take it Back to the 70s

I strongly believe the 1970s was the golden age of kidswear… alas I had the 80s to contend with! Deep collars, collar blocking and clashing prints – make like Winnie from the ‘Wonder Years’.

L-R House of Holland, Viktor & Rolf & Mui Mui

Raid the Dressing up Box

Mix and match your layers and proportions and ensure your knitwear and outerwear has room for you to ‘grow’ into them.

L-R House of Holland, Christian Dior & Giles Deacon

Remember Barbie Does it Better

Your dream wardrobe should match Barbie’s Dream House, frothy, sparkly, cropped and just like a spoiled princess.

L-W Betsey Johnson, Asish & Chanel

Take comfort in Teddy

Teddy can become the finishing touch to a stylish outfit…soft and comforting textures to stroke the stress away!

L-R Fendi, Christopher Raeburn & Christian Dior

Rainbow Brighten your Beauty

Pigtails, crayola eyelids, glittery nail art, crimping and multi-coloured highlights – just think ‘What would my daughter do if I let her loose in my beauty drawer’ (I went to a 7 year old’s birthday party last month, who was allowed to wear make-up for the occasion and she looked like…)