Bonjour lecteurs! Sorting out our winter clothes a few weeks ago, I thought it would be nice to put together a post with Kids’ Wardrobe Essentials for your children to look fabulous while remaining cosy for the colder weather. What have you bought so far? Here is my Frenchie Guide for your little ones to look super cute and smart.
Basic Items
Kids grow fast and we need to replace clothes quickly. Back in the early days, I used to buy more clothes for Stanley as he was changing clothes every day.
But now he is at school and wearing his school uniform 5 days out of 7, I have really minimised his wardrobe.
He has a couple of jeans and some good quality sweaters to be comfy at home or at the park. Plus some t-shirts, et voilà!
And for some fashion inspiration, I often buy one or two pieces from designer brands. Many websites offer a full collection of kidswear with cute pieces.
I would say the following would make a good capsule wardrobe:
- 2 jeans
- 2 trousers, chino or joggers
- 5 tees
- 2 or 3 jumpers
- a cardi
- a couple of dresses for girls
Underwear
For underwear, I usually get a multi-pack from the supermarket.
Usually, we get some superhero pants or any cartoons he fancies at the minute.
And as for PJs, I usually go for two pairs of velvet pyjamas because they keep him warm and toasty.
Think Stripes
It might sound like a cliché, but I always end up buying some striped clothes each season. You can never go wrong with a Breton top.
It always looks smart and it’s easy to team up with a good pair of jeans or some chinos in the colour of your choice.
Coats & Jackets
I suggest a warm winter coat. Je préfére a parka or a puffa jacket as they are warm and so easy to match with any outfit.
And for the colours? Think dark blue or grey, they tend to go with anything and it always looks smart.
It’s Cold Baby!
Stanley always wears a long or short sleeves tee under his top to keep extra warm.
Or if si vous préférez, you can also purchase some thermal tops. We always get a couple and it’s super handy. He even wears them when he goes to school!
Or we also love a good fleece in winter.
Shoes
Shoes need to be practical and easy to clean. So I often go for proper walking shoes or a good pair of trainers.
Anything easy to fit and I always buy a size bigger so that we can keep them for longer.
Some would say to invest in a good pair, so preferably pricier. But they get damaged so quickly, I also sometimes go for a cheaper option at the local supermarket.
It depends on how often you explore and if you are more likely to go to the country.
Or get a pair of colourful wellies if you are an adventurer like us. They are always comfy and can light up any outfit.
Accessories
In terms of couleurs, I usually go for the same shade. Stanley has always been wearing a lot of blue because j’adore la couleur and I feel it suits him.
However, you might find that neutral colours like black, beige or white are easier to create a capsule wardrobe.
And you can have some fun with colourful accessories. I remember being a huge fan of hairbands as a little girl. Well, I still am…
A cute scarf, some hat or fun gloves, you have so much choice. Get whatever you need from places like Claire’s or even charity shops. You would be surprised by what you can find to spice up a kid’s outfit.
Even a cool pair of sunglasses makes all la différence.
Special Occasions
It’s also worth investing in a princess dress or a smart outfit for boys.
Personellement, I am not a huge fan of special occasionwear or Halloween outfits. They tend to wear it once and it sounds like a waste.
For this, I would either buy something from a French brand I love like a shirt. Something that he can wear again week after week.
Or buy a fancy bow to add to some shirts you might already have. Second-hand shops are a bonne idée and I would even resell it again once you don’t need it. To be more sustainable with your fashion choices.
Et voilà!
What do you think of my Frenchie Kids’ Wardrobe Essentials? What clothes do you always buy for your children? Is there a brand or a colour you always go for?
Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post.
I really miss dressing my boys now they’re at school too! We love frugi, polarn o’pyret and scandi brands like duns Sweden for bright colourful clothes that are such amazing quality too so they can be passed down to cousins and sold when they’re grown out of.
A capsule wardrobe is a fab idea – ready for ant event ( or weather )
Definitely agree about stripes! I love stripes they always look smart and in fashion.
I always buy Halloween outfits second hand then pack away and sell on next year.
Another wardrobe essential for me personally is dungarees. I love them!
Some great tips on this blog. Fantastic read. X
I think it’s a great post! He always looks to good and dressed perfectly for the occasional
Good point on the shoes!
Stanley always looks so smart! I always keep some basics at my house for the grandkids in case of accidents, like jeans , socks, jumpers, they are always getting muddy in the park, or getting wet, so always store some unisex items here for them to change into
I think you have summed up a very helpful list!
Stanley always looks so good in his clothes. Arlo loves sweatshirts and looks good in red and loves his trainers too
This is such a useful read. I think we always overbuy because we get excited to see so many cute clothes. Next size up I will try and limit on their clothes, especially their trousers. Will need to invest in a nice special occasion wear too. By buying less we’re also saving the planet.
Great ideas here
Lots of great essentials
The fleece and a puffa jacket are the most used warm wear for my my mini-men !
Both of my girls wear a lot of blue and I have probably have way too many striped tops. 💙
Great capsule wardrobe ideas …..now I just need t9 apply it to mine too!
Love a stripey jumper!
Fab pictures in the museum!
I do a basics shop for my kids twice a year. Summer & winter. Then I pick up bits throughout the year too.
Great guide for essentials. I find when building my little girls wardrobe up, we get the basics and build around it. We had no clue what we were doing at the beginning! I think we’re now starting to understand the things she needs and uses and when. I’m dreading buying shoes though, she needs her first pair soon. ♥
The colour coordinating the entire wardrobe must make life easier to grab anything in a hurry.
Lovely, the sunglasses definitely looks so cool.
Got to agree, nothing better than a fleece in winter!
Fantastic jackets
Great tips. A capsule wardrobe for kids is such a good idea. The item I always use the most in my kids wardrobe is a puddle suit. I couldn’t be without one.
Fab ideas for our grandchildren – I will show my DiL
Love the stripes and of course a fleece is perfect for the colder weather
Great advice for parents
The sunglasses look fabulous, my grandson looks great in his
My gran used to hand knit for all the kids which was brilliant and then recycle the wool when th3 it’s became too small.
The list is so helpful. I would always include a full set of waterproofs for rainy day fun
Fab list!
We love fleeces in our home!… I have never owned any velvet pyjamas, so I’m going to order us some ♥️
I love puffa jackets on my little one
Fantastic. I always buy pyjamas from the supermarket. They really help boost our budget, and nobody tends to see them anyway.
A pair of waterproof slip on slip off shoes always good for leaving by the door for those mini moments of needing to pop outside
I love the striped top.
Such a great wardrobe idea
What lovely outfits. I’ve been reading your blog for years and your little one is growing up of course but is still super cute!