How to find clothes that suit your kid’s personality

Every child has a vibrant and interesting personality that needs to be encouraged and cared for by their parents and loved ones. One of the easiest ways to do this is by allowing their personality to shine through with their clothing - after all it’s one of the easiest things we can control about ourselves and make choices about. 

First, ask them what they would like to wear. Let them select outfits that they want to put on and don’t question it – of course if you are going out somewhere important it’s fine to pick out something for them but at least allow them to decide how they want their hair done or what shoes to wear. 

There is a debate that child fashion is becoming too grown up too quickly, mainly because children are more aware of designer labels and want to wear them to fit in with the crowd. This is however, probably an issue down to your personal choices. With designer ranges for children dominating the fashion market and parents dressing their kids in clothing that look like it was made for tiny adults we’re not letting kids be kids. 

Let them wear mismatched socks, that clashing green jumper with the pink shirt and their hair in numerous messy plaits. Dressing them up like dolls is not going to suit their vibrant personality. 

Next, work out what they enjoy when it comes to films and cartoons. If you click here you will discover high quality clothing featuring Violetta, a much loved Disney character. Or if they prefer Spider-Man, supermarkets such as Tesco and Asda are producing clothing featuring everyone’s favourite web slinger. Choose clothing that you know represents something they enjoy and therefore reflects their personality.

Older kids however, do want to feel on trend more and more these days. With access to technology and the Internet they can see what’s current and what people think they ‘should’ be wearing. You probably think they’re growing up too fast when they pause to take a selfie and upload it to Instagram or reply to their friend on Whatsapp. A survey conducted by security firm Bullguard discovered that 80% of 2,000 parents with children aged 8 to 12 said they blamed the Internet for this trend. 

While you don’t want them to become a mindless sheep following the trends online (and you’re still buying their clothes) you could shop in places they suggest but go about reminding them that they should only buy something if they like it. Wearing the same shoes, jacket and hairstyle as the girls in the year above isn’t going to help them express who they are as a person. 

Encourage your children to think for themselves but also take a moment to remember what it was like for you when you were at the same age. The pressure to fit in can quash any personality traits your child might want to display. Clothing outside of the classroom allows them to be themselves, so perhaps allow them to go wild choosing their pyjamas and trainers for when they head outside with friends – if you can drag them away from all their tech.