Tips for Shopping for Growing Girls
Shopping for girls can be a stress-free experience with a little planning. No matter what style she prefers, you can find fashionable, versatile apparel to mix and match. You don’t need a lot of pieces to create a well-equipped girl’s wardrobe, you just need to choose the right pieces. Here are some tips to help you shop effectively:
Shopping for Girls’ Pants
Kids grow fast, so it’s important to stock their closet with classic pieces that go with almost anything. A good place to start is with girls' pants, such as a pair of denim jeggings. For maximum versatility, choose jeggings in a dark wash, such as indigo or black. These pants come in many sizes, and they have reinforced knees to prevent wear and tear. Look for jeggings made from a blend of cotton, polyester, and spandex for a hint of stretch.
Leggings are another must-have type of pant for growing girls. Like jeggings, they’re enhanced with spandex. They move with your child so she can bend, stretch, run, and jump comfortably. Girls’ pants with stretch provide plenty of wear, unlike traditional jeans that kids may grow out of quickly. When it comes to colors, you can’t go wrong with a pair of black leggings because they match every type of top. You might also want to pick up a few pairs in other colors to mix up your child’s wardrobe.
In addition to leggings for girls, sweatpants are an essential wardrobe item for gym class or relaxing at home. Consider a pair made from cotton and polyester for comfort and durability. Prewashed sweatpants are super-soft to the touch and won’t shrink in the wash. Look for sweatpants with an elastic waist and drawstring, which makes them easy to adjust for a custom fit.
Shorts help your child stay cool during the summer months and come in many styles and colors. Denim Bermuda shorts come to the knee for ample coverage and have a traditional fit and five-pocket styling. For softness and the slightest bit of stretch, choose denim shorts made from a cotton/polyester/rayon fabric with a small percentage of spandex.
You may also want to pick up a few pairs of cartwheel shorts, which are crafted from cotton and spandex. Although they can be worn on their own, they’re excellent for wearing beneath girls' skirts and dresses for modesty. The soft, stretchy fabric and elastic waistband ensure your child will be comfortable all day.
Shopping for Girls’ Skirts and Dresses
Speaking of skirts and dresses, you’ll want a few of each for your girl’s wardrobe. There are classic pleated skirts in different lengths, so it’s easy to find one that works for your child. They come in versatile colors such as khaki and black to go with any color top or sweater. Another option is the skort, which provides the traditional look of a skirt with the comfort and coverage of shorts.
Girls' dresses come in an array of styles, from cool mesh polo dresses to fit-and-flare dresses in various colors and prints. A lightweight cardigan can be worn over a short-sleeve dress for extra warmth and modest style. You can also change up the look of a dress with different tights and shoes. Opaque tights help keep your child’s legs warm and come in colors to match.
Shopping for Girls’ Tops
There are plenty of girls’ tops to consider for your child’s wardrobe. An Oxford dress shirt is a must for special occasions, but kids can also wear this versatile shirt style on casual days. Oxford shirts come in short- and long-sleeve styles and are available in classic colors including white and light blue.
Knit tops are also good to have. They’re stylish and versatile, and your child can wear them year-round because they can be layered with other pieces. Stock her closet with solid color knit girls' tops, then mix things up a bit with a few graphic T-shirts. There are cute graphic tees with various themes, from outer space to hearts and rainbows.
Sweaters are another wardrobe staple for girls. She can wear lightweight short-sleeve sweaters in the spring and even summer, while long-sleeve sweaters are great for fall and winter. You’ll find girls’ sweaters in lots of different styles including pullovers and cardigans.
How Layer Apparel Pieces
It’s easy to create a wide range of outfits with a few classic wardrobe items. Look at the pieces in your child’s closet and think about how they can be layered for versatile wear. For example, you could layer a tank top or tee beneath a long-sleeve button-up shirt or zippered jacket. Sleeveless and short-sleeve dresses are also easy to layer over tights or leggings; add a girls' cardigan on top for extra warmth if needed.
When shopping for girls’ clothes, consider your child’s style. If your child has a favorite color, accent her wardrobe with tops or other pieces in her preferred hue. By starting with neutral-hued wardrobe staples, you can mix in other colors without the pieces clashing.