How to Dress Your Children Like Royals

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dress your children like royals
Photo: People Magazine

When Prince George made his first public appearance on his parents’ Australian tour in 2014 wearing a totally adorable smocked number with a Peter Pan collar, the Southern girl in me did a little happy dance. I knew that meant that classic children’s clothing was going to make a comeback. Today I am sharing how anyone can dress their children like royals, even on a budget!

Before I get to the key attributes of the classic children’s clothing worn by Prince Geroge and Princess Charlotte, I think it needs to be explained why parents choose to dress their children this way in the first place. Now I obviously can’t speak for William and Kate, but being from the South I can tell you the reasons many traditional Southern mothers choose this same style for their children:

First, children are only children once. Classic children’s clothing allows us to savor and enjoy that sweet, innocent, and oh-so-short season. Children can dress like teenagers . . . when they are teenagers. 

Second, classic children’s clothing allows people to notice the child first and not their (loud) clothes. This is a key design element of the Florence Eiseman line, a favorite brand of the once American “royal” children: the Kennedys. 

Third, traditional children’s clothing never goes out of style. When you look back at photos, you will never think, “Why on earth did I dress her like that?!” The royals never have to worry about those regrets. 

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Prince Charles and Prince Anne as children. Photo: BBC

So what are the keys to dressing your children in the same classic style as the royals? Here are eight attributes to remember as you shop on any budget: 

1. Soft or traditional colors. 

Copyright: HRH The Duchess of Cambridge 2016. NEWS EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NO COMMERCIAL USE (including any use in merchandising, advertising or any other non-editorial use including, for example, calendars, books and supplements). This photograph is provided to you strictly on condition that you will make no charge for the supply, release or publication of it and that these conditions and restrictions will apply (and that you will pass these on) to any organisation to whom you supply it. All other requests for use should be directed to the Press Office at Kensington Palace in writing. Undated handout photo released by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge of Princess Charlotte taken by the Duchess at Anmer Hall in Norfolk in April, as the young Princess will celebrate her first birthday on Monday May 2.
Copyright: HRH The Duchess of Cambridge 2016.

Royal babies typically wear pale pinks, blues, yellows, usually in solids or tiny floral prints, and the traditional colors of red and navy. This soft yellow eyelet dress from Lucky is adorable or this dress set from Carter’s is so affordable. 

2. No graphics, characters, symbols, or phrases. 

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Photo: People Magazine

You won’t ever see Prince George wearing a Batman graphic tee or Princess Charlotte a polyester dress with Elsa on the front. Reserve the slang and catchy phrases for hipster babies! 

3. Smocked for special occasions. 

dress your children like royals
Source: ABC News

We all remember the adorable red smocked button down Prince George wore for Princess Charlotte’s baptism – very similar to the one Prince William wore as a child. (In case you haven’t noticed, button-on shorts are a must-have for boys’ traditional attire!). If you can’t swing Prince George’s Rachel Riley hand-smocked outfit (the blue is adorable for Spring!) check out Smocked Auctions for affordable and adorable smocked clothing. 

4. Traditional Leather Shoes with Strap.

dress your children like royals
Photo: Daily Mail

Both boys and girl babies can wear Prince George’s Rachel Riley’s T-Bar shoes. My girls have always worn these Footmates (boys can wear, too!) and I also like these L’Amour Shoes for girls. And white Keds are reasonably priced and look good with just about anything! 

5. No metallics. Ever. 

dress your children like royals
Photo: The Today Show

Sorry, but you won’t be seeing Princess Caroline donning sparkly gold shoes to meet her great-grandmother. And while we are on the subject of sparkly, no tulle either. (Unless it’s for dress up play, of course!)

6. Knee-high socks all year round.  

dress your children like royals
Photo: The Today Show

Even in the middle of winter, you will find “traditional” boys in shorts and knee highs. There’s something about seeing those chubby toddler legs that just makes you smile! Find knee highs on Zappos

7. A cardigan completes the outfit. 

dress your children like royals
Copyright: HRH The Duchess of Cambridge 2016.

A simple dress from Old Navy can look so much more “royal” paired with a white or pale pink cardigan. And this mint green dress from H&M or this one from Laura Ashley London would be so darling. 

8. Monochromatic makes it easy! 

dress your children like royals
Photo: Express UK

When in doubt, go for a monochromatic look like Prince George often wears. Navy shorts and a sweater from Lands’ End – or this royal blue sweater on Amazon – with a white polo looks absolutely adorable on a little boy. Add some navy crocs for an outfit he will wear again and again!

What style do you prefer for your children? Comment below!

 

 

**Affiliate links were used in this post. 

3 COMMENTS

  1. I am a new mom and want to have my kids be cute and stylish. I love the smocked pants that Prince George was wearing. I have always loved the girl smocked dresses but never realized that you can do smocked pants. I will definitely get some dresses and pants. Thanks for the great fashion kid advice!

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