Apr 18 2012
Styling Tips For The Family
I have this strange need to colour coordinate what my kids wear when we’re going out. Not dressing them identically, but making sure they’re wearing the same family of colours.
My friend said it’s a job hazard and I can’t help agreeing since us graphic designers are so used to making sure our artwork has consistency. So ya, colour coordinating my kids has subconsciously become some kind of art.
If anyone decides to give this a shot, here are some things you can bear in mind the next time you’re getting clothes for your kids:
#1 Get more separate pieces (tops and bottoms) instead of one-piece items.
#2 Recall what you already have and see if what you’re getting matches. (When I’m lazy, I just get black, white, or grey pieces since they’re so easy to match.)
#3 Stick to black, white, or neutral-coloured footwear if you’re not intending to get many pairs.
#4 Get coloured accessories like tights, sunglasses, belts, suspenders, or caps.
I work with an imaginary colour palette. Some of the clothes in my girls’ wardrobe are arranged by colours, so when I pick out say, a blue dress with green prints, I look for something else in the green department for my other girl. I call this the automatic palette ‘cos the print on the dress automatically creates the palette.
Then there’s the “create your own” colour palette, which is much easier. I’ll just pick out something I like for the day, then go looking for everything else that matches or fits into my imaginary palette. That’s why separates are flexible and way more fun to play with. The same denim skirt can be worn with a number of colour combinations.
Of course, I don’t have everything of every colour, so I stick with plain white/black tops and bottoms whenever I get stuck. That’s where coloured accessories become helpful. I use tights and socks to accentuate the colours on my imaginary palette when I can’t find a top or bottom with the right colour.
Sometimes it feels like I’m coordinating a seasonal fashion collection. I can just imagine my whole troop strutting on the catwalk!
I love the way she matches her kid’s clothes! and those color palettes below the images, very graphic designer & kids’ lookbook-ish :D awesome!
I think it’s awesome too! Now if I can only get Alf to join in on the colour coords…
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I’d like to know where to get really affordable stuff as kids’ clothing can be pretty expensive… Josh and Jols wear their clothes for a long time since I get larger sizes to avoid them outgrowing the pieces too quickly!
Agree that separates are better than complete outfits—Jols wears Josh’s t-shirts and bottoms that are still in good condition. But I’m always grateful whenever they receive clothes as gifts as I shop for their wardrobe only once a year (eg. $49.90 for a pair of girl’s jeans at FOX made me go ‘garps’!).
Pasar malams are great for picking up pieces for daily wear at home too. When it comes to dressing kids, I love how anything goes, since they are young and can get away especially with vibrant neon colours! Take Josh for example… he’s now requesting for more conservative colours like black and navy blue — signs that as we get older, we tend to stick to safer shades.
Layla’s “uniform” for the longest time was handmade pinafore dresses worn with a plain tank inside. I only found a pair of jeans that actually fit her recently; stretch denim leggings from H&M, which cost about half the price of jeans I think. Do you look on the mom forums for sprees and bulk purchases? For me the biggest problem is sizing; she can still wear jackets that are meant for 2yos, but she’s as tall as a 7yo at least.
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Very nice matching without looking matchy matchy. I apply these principles on myself too :)
Yeah! I love the subtlety!
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