Is it OK for kids to pick out their own clothes?
I’ll admit it—once in a while, I’m guilty of taking 10 minutes to load up on mental junk food by scanning celebrity blogs. Recently, though, I actually saw a post about Angelina Jolie and her tomboy-clad, three-year-old daughter that sparked some thought: At what age does it make sense for your kid to pick out her own outfits?
By around 4 years old, a child will be able to do a decent job putting on her clothing and shoes. Her skills probably fall short, however, if she’s deciding on the outfit herself. (Think tutus or superhero capes, a mishmash of clashing patterns, shorts in the winter time…) While your little kid’s sense of fashion might be a bit embarrassing for you, most experts agree that letting children get creative with their clothing is fine. In fact, it might even be a good thing, since choosing an outfit provides another outlet for identity expression and creativity.
Next time you start stressing about the rain boots and pajama pants combo? I say, let it go. Who knows—your kid could be onto an awesome trend.
-Marygrace, KIWI staff writer
Tags: kids clothes, kids fashion
4 comments
My 3 year old loves to pick out his own clothes. That is whenever he decides to change out of his pj’s!
I’m forced to pack away seasonal clothes or the kiddos _would_ be in shorts in winter. Other mix-n-match I’m fine with. These make great blackmail pics ;>
My two older kids (4 and 7) pick out their own clothes, within reason. I’ll correct them if it’s too far off season, but for the most part I’ll warn them and let them deal with the consequences when they’ll just be a little too hot or cold.
My 7 year old is decidedly… creative… in her fashion choices. Utterly unaware of what makes clothes trendy. It’s wonderful. There will be so many times in her life when others will criticize her clothing choices, how could I start doing that to her now?
My daughter (now 5) has always had a strong desire to choose her own clothing and accessories. As long as she is comfortable and seasonally appropriate, I see great leaps of fashion and one proud little girls as kind adults comment on her style. This one is a no brainer.
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