Dressing up for a fancy occasion can be a hassle even for adults, considering the extravagant clothes we choose to wear and the extra accessories we need to put up a look together. The same and more goes for kids. If you’re a parent who always strives to dress their children as comfortably as possible, I understand if dressing them up can feel tricky and challenging. The smaller the child, the more we dread uncomfortable clothes, as they can be just another trigger of unwanted behaviour (which we specifically try to avoid on special occasions).
However, it is possible to dress your girl to the nines for the next fancy event and keep them comfortable at the same time. Here are our tips, our aces in the sleeve, for dressing your little lady for your next memorable affair.
Finding the Perfect Dress
When searching for a beautiful kids dress in Australia, you’ll find many options in different sizes, styles and fabrics. How can you ensure you buy the perfect dress for your little lady so she can feel like a princess and comfortable at the same time? Considering your girl’s personality, age and style preferences (if she’s old enough to have them) can be very helpful. The nature of the event or ceremony, the colour, style and texture of the dress are other significant factors to keep in mind.
Consider Your Girl’s Age and Personality
Choosing an age-appropriate option when choosing a dress for your little girl is essential for her to love and feel beautiful in. A style that sends mature vibes can make her feel more self-conscious, and a too-childish one can make her feel like a baby. Picking a style that reflects her character and personality is another factor. Ask yourself: “Is my girl outgoing or shy? Is she energetic and playful, or more on the calm and reserved side”? If she’s extroverted and loves attention, she’ll enjoy wearing a bold dress in a vibrant colour. Conversely, if she’s introverted, a more elegant option will suit her best.
Think About the Occasion
Another influential factor in picking the right kids’ dress is the nature of the event or the ceremony. For more formal occasions, such as weddings or graduation ceremonies, opt for a more elegant and sophisticated style, such as an A-line dress or a long gown with intricate details like embroidery and lacing. For casual events, such as birthday parties or family gatherings, select a more playful and fun style, such as a floral print or a boho-style dress.
The Importance of Colour and Style
Matching the dress's colour with the occasion, your girl’s character and skin tone will help you choose more effortlessly, as you can avoid options that don’t align. Formal events require colours like black, navy and burgundy, while you can pick yellow, pink and green for casual events. Pastel colours such as pink or light blue will complement your girl’s skin tone if she has a fair complexion. Darker skin tones go well with purple or deep red.
The style range of kids’ dress Australia-wide is broad; you can find romantic, bohemian, classic and modern styles. All the factors we mentioned should impact your style choice. If your girl likes boho style, a floral wrap dress might be the right choice. Broderie and lace dresses are perfect for romantic souls and girls loving vintage styles. Sequin and boucle mini dresses are the best options for modern divas.
Layering the Look
Now that you’ve found the ideal dress, it’s time to complete the look by focusing on the right complementary outfit pieces. A cardigan is the most common choice, based on the waistline placement and the dress style. Opt for a shorter cardigan if the dress has a higher waist and a longer one for lower waistlines. Ensure the cardigan’s colour, material, and texture complement the dress. Pick similar or the same colours for a matching look. To create contrast, choose a complementary colour from the colour palette, including white, beige and navy.
Bolero jackets, shrugs and shawls are other popular complementary pieces for girls’ dresses that add a touch of elegance while keeping little ladies warm and cosy.
Picking Shoes and Socks
Shoes and socks are essential for finishing the ensemble. Like cardigans, shoes should ideally match the dress colour, but if not possible, it's safe to stick to simple hues like white, beige, or blue. Ankle strap sandals, ballerina flats, and Mary Jane shoes are all options. Choose a pair that complements the garment while providing comfort and support for the princess's precious feet.
Depending on the season, consider the length and fabrics of the socks. For colder climates, choose longer, warmer socks; for warmer climates, choose shorter socks. The dress’s style and length should also match the sock style. You can also experiment with tights in different colours and patterns for a fun touch instead of socks and leotards.
Accessories for a Final Touch
Hairpins, ribbons, bows and hair accessories made of the same fabric as the dress should all be about adding an exquisite touch to your girl’s hairstyle. Age-appropriate bracelets and necklaces can add a touch of sparkle to the girl’s outfit – only ensure they aren’t overwhelming or distracting the dress.