Little Scandinavian

TheScandinavianMum

As soon as my girls took an interest in and wanted to choose their own clothes I had to change the way I dressed them. They were around 2 years old when they suddenly had strong opinions about what to wear, like their favourite nightie to a party, bright red tights on a hot summer day and summer sandals in the middle of a snowy winter. We had our battles before I realised the trick that worked for us. I really didn’t wont to kill their genuine interest for fashion either as I strongly believe that children also express themselves with what they wear. So I found a few steps I followed in order to allow my children to be dressed appropriate and at the same they they felt like they had freedom and a choice. 1. Clear out Clear out seasonal clothes and shoes, away in boxes and out of sight. Keep dressing up clothes away, with the toys. Keep swimwear with the towels. Clothes that are too big need to be away, in your wardrobe perhaps. And the clothes they have outgrown must go, even if it’s their favourite tee. I’ve created a “treasure box” with their absolutely favourites that they’ve outgrown, that we’ll give them one when they’ve become adults themselves. As a child hood memory box, together with their favourite toys. 2. Limited selection Give them 2-3 options that they can choose from. Be aware of the occasion, and explain why you have laid out 3 dresses if you’re going to a party and why they only can choose between jogging bottoms or shorts if you’re visiting a farm. Leave enough time for them to choose, at least 5-10 minutes. 3. Leaving the house rule In the house at home I let them experiment and choose completely, but as soon as we’re leaving the house they need to follow the above steps. They are now 6 and 9 years old. My 9 year old chooses clothes that are practical and comfortable. My 6 year old loves to experiment, mixing colours and fabrics, and dress in layers. But most importantly it seems like both girls have found their style that will allow them to be their own person and to grow up and flourish. To make a long answer short; As soon as they show an interest they should have a say with your guidance. Best of luck finding a way that works for your family!

TheScandinavianMum

We believe in quality instead of quantity, with buying fewer clothes with high enough quality to be handed down both one and two times. We do not hand down shoes, but again tend to buy quality shoes and rather have only the pair of shoes we absolutely need. I don’t wait for the sales but plan the children’s wardrobes carefully always ensuring there’s enough colour coordinated basics so it’s easy to mix and match to get the most out of the wardrobe. If I buy in the sales I would probably compromise on sizes, like “ahh.. it’s so cute… I know it will only last for another 2 months but it’s 50% off!” and I would most definitely pick up that most gorgeous party dress we absolutely did not need. So in the end the 20-75% you though you saved were on clothes you shouldn’t have bought in the first place. The only sale I do is that I’m always on the look out for expensive winter outerwear etc, on sale in January, for the coming Autumn Winter season. So far I’ve only gotten the size wrong one time, and then it was sold for more or less the same price as I bought it for. In the end we don’t spend that much money on clothes for the family. I rarely go shopping on the high street, as that would end up in too many impulse purchases. I rather, almost with a “shopping list”, shop online or in my favourite independent stores. And I know exactly what I’m after; Affordable, functional well made apparel that will come to good use. We think the key to make shopping for your family’s clothes affordable is to buy timeless and unisex pieces. Then throw in fashionable and more inexpensive accessories to get a more personal and playful touch.