Anonymous wrote:I try to stick to a consistent color palette, which changes when she goes up a size. So, for example, my DD's "colors" right now are navy, purple/lavender, gray, pink, and yellow. So I only buy stuff that more or less fits that palette. I make sure the sneakers in particular are consistent with it. Earlier, it was navy, purple, pink, turquoise, and light green. The summer before that, it was red, because I found these awesome red sneakers, navy, dark green, purple, and gray. So basically I stick to a few key favorite colors, like navy and purple, and then build the rest of the wardrobe around that. I have a lot of hand-me-downs to choose from, so I don't actually buy a whole lot-- I just buy things to fill in the gaps.

Love this.

Anonymous wrote:
H&M. Seriously. Their kids are made to fall apart the second the kids grow out to of them. They are generously sized and you can create a uniform of stylish clothes for each season



Do you buy all their clothing there at one time?

I do a seasonal shop. I also endorse the uniform idea. So, in the winter, I will buy 10 different kinds of sweater dresses. My kid can pick any sweater dress, but she's not going to get pants for example (she's three). I do a sweater dress, tights, and boots every day basically for my toddler.

You made rules about which tops your 12-year-old could wear with leggings and which days your 12-year-old was allowed to wear yoga pants?

To each their own priorities, I guess.

I try to stick to a consistent color palette, which changes when she goes up a size. So, for example, my DD's "colors" right now are navy, purple/lavender, gray, pink, and yellow. So I only buy stuff that more or less fits that palette. I make sure the sneakers in particular are consistent with it. Earlier, it was navy, purple, pink, turquoise, and light green. The summer before that, it was red, because I found these awesome red sneakers, navy, dark green, purple, and gray. So basically I stick to a few key favorite colors, like navy and purple, and then build the rest of the wardrobe around that. I have a lot of hand-me-downs to choose from, so I don't actually buy a whole lot-- I just buy things to fill in the gaps.

Anonymous wrote:I think well-dressed means different things to different people. To some, it means no sweatpants. To others, it means clean clothes that match and aren't wrinkled. To yet others, it means high-end brands. So first you'd need to sort out what well-dressed means to you/your kids.

My 12 yr old went through a very heavy leggings/yoga pants phase that she's only just begun to come out of. At first she was wearing leggings (mostly capri) with all kinds of shirts and she often looked like she'd thrown her outfits on as she ran out the door. I said no. I moved all her tops that (were longer) look good with leggings to one side of her drawer and we agreed she'd pick from those each time she wanted to wear leggings. I made rules for when she could and could not wear yoga pants (yes to school on gym days).

The majority of DD's clothes come from Old Navy and Macy's, with a smidgen from H&M, and Ross. We do not buy pants unless we can identify a shirt that will go with them. To me well dressed means the clothes are not wrinkled, stained, falling apart (holes), and match.

I am looking for clothes that match, generally.

This is a great tip. Thanks!

I think well-dressed means different things to different people. To some, it means no sweatpants. To others, it means clean clothes that match and aren't wrinkled. To yet others, it means high-end brands. So first you'd need to sort out what well-dressed means to you/your kids.

My 12 yr old went through a very heavy leggings/yoga pants phase that she's only just begun to come out of. At first she was wearing leggings (mostly capri) with all kinds of shirts and she often looked like she'd thrown her outfits on as she ran out the door. I said no. I moved all her tops that (were longer) look good with leggings to one side of her drawer and we agreed she'd pick from those each time she wanted to wear leggings. I made rules for when she could and could not wear yoga pants (yes to school on gym days).

The majority of DD's clothes come from Old Navy and Macy's, with a smidgen from H&M, and Ross. We do not buy pants unless we can identify a shirt that will go with them. To me well dressed means the clothes are not wrinkled, stained, falling apart (holes), and match.

Anonymous wrote:My kid wears a uniform to school. I get like 10 of the same little polo dress, plus a pair or two of pants and shirts in the appropriate colors. Then we accessorize. She likes tights, so we get fancy tights and nice shoes.

The real secret, though, is making sure that her hair is not a mess and all the clothing is intact, unstained, etc. I make sure that her bangs are trimmed and that her hair is brushed and styled (ponytail usually, sometimes more elaborate) every day.

I dream of this. -OP

Anonymous wrote:OP, how do YOU define well dressed and well put together? Are you talking expensive looking clothes or just clean and matching?

OP here. I tend towards classic/preppy so expensive does fit. But I don't think you need to spend a lot on kids clothing to get the desired look. My problem is I think my kids' stuff is a hodge podge of different color palates and styles and I'm not sure I'm doing myself any favors with the haphazard way I shop for them. Wanted to hear what others do who feel like their kids look pulled together every day.

My kid wears a uniform to school. I get like 10 of the same little polo dress, plus a pair or two of pants and shirts in the appropriate colors. Then we accessorize. She likes tights, so we get fancy tights and nice shoes.

The real secret, though, is making sure that her hair is not a mess and all the clothing is intact, unstained, etc. I make sure that her bangs are trimmed and that her hair is brushed and styled (ponytail usually, sometimes more elaborate) every day.

My sister is pretty fashionable. She shops at Old Navy, Children's Place and Target. My niece looks cute in those clothes. Occasionally, I may purchase something from Justice or GapKids for her. But look online for outfit ideas and different catalogs. It will help.

Anonymous wrote:H&M. Seriously. Their kids are made to fall apart the second the kids grow out to of them. They are generously sized and you can create a uniform of stylish clothes for each season

Do you buy all their clothing there at one time?

OP, how do YOU define well dressed and well put together? Are you talking expensive looking clothes or just clean and matching?

sales on old navy. buy a bunch of classic pieces. i've never had a problem with their stuff.

H&M. Seriously. Their kids are made to fall apart the second the kids grow out to of them. They are generously sized and you can create a uniform of stylish clothes for each season

My kids (B/G) are in early elementary school and really don't care much about what they wear, which give me the ability to pick out everything. For those of you who consider your kids to be well-dressed, how do you go about shopping for back to school clothes, for instance. Do you buy 5 matching outfits? Sets of clothes that all work together? All from one store where it all goes?

Would love to know the secret of put-together kids!

TIA