Busy Mum’s Guide To……Dressing Your Children for Summer Occasions

Although it hasn’t felt like it much lately, summer is on it’s way! Along with sunshine and ice cream, summer also brings with it some challenges – not least how to dress your children practically but also stylishly. We’ve teamed up with River Island to give you our top tips on the best clothes for summer occasions:

Weddings

Weddings can often go on well into the night, especially if your little ones are keen to strut their stuff on the dancefloor. So comfort becomes a priority, and a stuffy three piece suit just won’t cut the mustard.

For boys a great look would be a white shirt featuring a bright and colourful tropical leaf print, paired with a sage green blazer. This will be smart enough for the ceremony and reception, but can be taken off during the evening for the inevitable running around and knee sliding! Trouser wise, go for a chino style in a beige or grey, stay away from white for ease of stain removal. This also means that matching up footwear becomes easier, with loafers or white laced trainers being ideal companions.

For girls, again comfort is key, so a Bardot style dress is ideal. Picking one with bright prints and ruffles means it is suitable for the daytime, but also pretty enough for the evening. Chunky sandals and backless plimsolls finish off the outfit perfectly.

Or try out a summery retro look, with a tiered frilled camisole top in a pastel shade, with light blue wide leg jeans and block heel sandals. Accessorise this summer look with a white straw sunhat with yellow ribbon, and a pair of yellow tinted oval sunglasses.

Holiday Beaches

Beaches overseas can be unpredictable, with rocks to climb, sand to be buried in and the sea to swim in, all requiring different clothes. Stay away from dark colours, especially black, to avoid your little ones getting overheated.

For girls, make sure your little girl will feel comfortable, so offer her the choice of a tankini, bikini or swimsuit (or one of each!) Choose bright colours and slogans to help her feel confident.

Trapeze dresses are brilliant for covering up, and keeping warm after a dip in the ocean. These look great with double buckled sandals or jelly wedges, plus cats-eye shades and a fabulous hat.

For boys, a pair of printed swim trunks can double up as shorts and be matched with a light blue striped shirt to provide a bit of coverage. A shirt can be easily unbuttoned as the temperature rises, and removed for swimming! Boat shoes or jelly sandals are great footwear option and you can finish the look with a cool hat and pair of shades!

Family Occasions

Family get-togethers rarely come with a dress code, so it can be tricky to decide between formal or informal outfits. With these choices, you have the best of both worlds!

 

For boys, show off his adventurous side with a printed short sleeve shirt and faux suede biker jacket over the top. Flocking birds and wave prints are ideal. Match with light blue tapered jeans and a buckled belt for a grown up look, with black leather plimsolls for comfort and informal style.

Faux suede is also a great option for girls, with a waterfall jacket style being an elegant choice. Choose a top in a lighter tone underneath to emphasise the jacket. Light coloured tie-waist tapered trousers are comfortable whatever the situation. Plus don’t forget the all important accessories – a chain trim captain’s hat, chain bucket backpack and cork sole sliders.

*This is a sponsored post