Sunday, January 25, 2009

Parent Tips: Appropriate Fashion for Young Girls

By Katie Wilber

Little girls are a joy to dress. The clothing is bright and feminine. As your little daughter grows, however, you may see the fashions start to change. It becomes more and more difficult to make sure your daughter leaves the home dressed like the little girl she is.

The media is partly to blame. The mainstream fashion industry doesnt help. Short skirts, crop tops and provocative clothing can be found for even the youngest of toddlers. Is it possible to find fashionable clothing, clothing that lets your daughter celebrate looking and feeling good, while still looking like a little girl?

Absolutely!

Tips To Find Age Appropriate, And Fashionable, Clothing For Little Girls

Seek child friendly retailers. You'll find that specialty boutiques and online retailers tend to specialize in fun and fashionable clothing for little girls.

Give her options and let her choose. Children as young as two or three can choose their own clothing. It gives them power, cultivates their own sense of fashion and creativity, and helps create a bond between you " rather than a battle. Choose a couple of outfits you think shed like and give her the option to choose from those. This way youre still in control however she feels like she has a say in what she wears.

What's your daughter's style? Your daughter most certainly has her own tastes and preferences. Do you know what they are? Does she? Take some time to find out what she likes and why. You may learn a whole new side to your young daughter and gain an understanding about her blossoming personality.

It's the little things that count. Accessories can take a simple outfit and send it over the top. Many little girls love a necklace, headband or a fun pair of colorful tights. Adding those simple items to an outfit can really help your daughter feel fashionable. Additionally, if you choose the outfit and let her choose the accessories then you can both walk away happy.

Set the standard What do you wear? Do you take pride in your appearance and dress appropriately? Children take cues from the adults in their life and you as their mom or dad are the most prominent adults. It goes without saying that being a good role model matters.

Release control. The easiest way to encourage your daughter to dress her age is to provide her with items you approve of and then let her decide. Of course there will be days when she emerges wearing the worst possible combination however assuming you've approved of all the items and are comfortable with what's in her closet then the bad fashion day is nothing more than a learning experience for her.

Boutiques and children's specialty stores can be a real benefit in the quest for keeping your daughter fashionable and still looking like a little girl. Many young girls develop a strong sense of fashion early on. Help guide them to making the right choices by providing options you approve of. - 16650

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