Anonymous wrote:No claims to chic perfectionism here. However, these are my fashion guidelines for my kids:
1. Rock-n-roll haircut that is kind to messy hair -- a bit of follicular muss adds to the "hipness" of the look. Godsend for making a messy kid look more intentional. Also helps that we live in the PNW where this kind of look is considered cool and normal rather than counter-cultural.
2. Several really good and durable basics that you can layer layer layer. I don't mind spending a little more $$ on pants that otherwise would get scuffed and ripped. Again, we tend to go for "cool" rather than precious. For this, www.peekkids.com or www.zarakids.com . To layer with less expensive options, we go for H&M and sometimes Gap. Sequins are the t-shirt embellishment of choice for my preschool and almost third grade girls--layer, layer, layer: leggings + skirt; long sleeve shirt under short sleeved T; dress + blazer. That sort of thing.
3. Let your kid mix and match wacky patterns that make your eyes bleed. They're young: they make it work. Funny how "wearing all my favorite things at once" can make a great statement when you're ages 4-10.

Hell, it works for women in their 60s too: Think Betsey Johnson!