This post and giveaway is Sponsored by Old Navy. Shop the funtastic Kids & Baby Sale, now through February 22nd. Leave a comment below for a chance to win a $500 Old Navy gift card. Thanks, Old Navy!
As you know, Annie has been picking out her own clothes for about five months now. There are still days where I can, um, trick her into wearing what I want, but those days are getting fewer and farther between. In fact, most mornings she wakes up, I pick her up and put her on the changing table for a new diaper, and she’ll say to me, “Mama, want [insert very specific clothing items here].” She will say which shirt, pants, shoes, and sometime which hair accessory she wants. I can’t remember what I wore to my own wedding, and she has her entire wardrobe memorized.
When this picking out her own clothes thing first started, I admitted to you all that my control-freak tendencies were going to make it hard to allow my child to dress herself like a hobo. Then some people wisely pointed out that Annie doesn’t buy the clothes so I just had to make sure I didn’t get her hobo-like clothes. So, I devised a plan and it looks like this:
That right there is five shirts, one cardigan, three pairs of shoes, two pairs of shorts, and three pairs of pants (all birthday gifts to Annie from either me or her friends, all from Old Navy, purchased with our own monies). And they all match. See, look:
Outfit One: blue and white striped tank top, blue cardigan, red twill pants, white flip-flops or clear gladiator sandals
Outfit Two: blue and white striped tank top, blue cardigan, white or brown shorts, clear gladiator sandals or white flip-flops
Outfit Three: blue cardigan, pink tank top, brown shorts, pink flip-flops
Outfit Four: t-shirt, black and white striped leggings, clear gladiator sandals
Outfit Five: t-shirt, white shorts, white flip-flops
I could easily make another dozen outfits with these pieces. Now when Annie wants to dress herself, everything she has goes together and I don’t have to worry about her looking like a toddler hobo.
My shopping tricks:
~When you’re buying your kids their basics, stick to a color palate so everything matches.
~If you find a good item for a good price, buy more than one. And possibly go up a size for longevity.
~Shop in all sections. That boom box “Turn It Up” shirt was from the boys’ section. It’s perfect for Annie.
~Shop during sales. That makes my second tip a lot easier.
Speaking of shopping – who wants to win a five hundred dollar gift card to Old Navy? No one? OK I will keep it. To enter, leave a comment below telling me one of your kid style tips.
One comment per person, please. Sweepstakes starts now and ends on February 15, 2012 at 11:59 p.m. EST. Winner will be chosen by Random.org and announced on February 16. Sweepstakes is open only to legal residents of the fifty (50) United States and the District of Columbia who are at least eighteen (18) years old at the time of entry. Sorry, citizens of Liechtenstein.
You can find a full copy of the official rules here.
Good luck!
Mary B says:
Its always worked for me to put out a couple options. That way they feel some of the control is theirs.
sarah woodring says:
I am not a fan of graphic tees, so I am always sifting through all the stores to find what they have for little boys that don’t have big text or graphics all over them!
Aimee says:
The older she gets, the more I close my eyes and say “no judgment,” as long as she is dressed with appropriate modesty for her age. No judgment.
cj says:
i don’t really have any awesome shopping tips but i love yours and would love the Old Navy gift card for my 17 year old!
if i had to give a tip it would be the tide pen…..a great thing to have when you’re around little ones that spill.
AmazingGreis says:
I have no style tip, but I do love shopping for my 14 month old niece. I love getting her skirts and cute dresses!!0
Jamie says:
I have 2 girls, and our bank account would really love a gift card to Old Navy!
Elizabeth Armstrong says:
When shopping for my girls (especially my youngest) I try to find things that look ‘princessy’ (if that’s a word). My youngest daughter is 4 and totally thinks she is a princess. She even has her own sense of style and has been dressing her self since she was 1.
justine says:
Don’t have many style tips, but I think red looks good on almost everyone. I would love to win the gift card for my baby girl. My husband is out of work and just about everything she has is from Goodwill -which is a great place for a budget, but it would mean so much to get her some new things and not have to worry about money.
JMH (Jill) says:
My almost 11 yr.old daughter STILL wants me to choose her outfit for her each morning….crazy! I do the same things…buying in the same color palate so that all the clothes basically match. I also sort their clothes into “you can wear in public” and “you will ONLY wear that/those in the house” This helps when they get dressed on the weekends (BTW, I also have an 8 year old son)
I LOVE Old Navy…lets my kids stay stylish without dipping into their college funds
Teri B says:
Although my daughter is grown and about to graduate college in a few short months. I used to pick out 3 or 4 outfits each day and let her choose one…..I guess that was my way of trying to control the control freak in me. When she was of school age I made her pick out her outfit the night before…saved much time and tears in the morning.
Ashley says:
My only style tip is COMFORT! Having worked in a daycare for years and now in a school, parents often forget that kiddos need to be comfortable to have fun and/or focus in the classroom. Comfy clothes, comfy shoes….it all makes a HUGE difference! (And, having shopped/worn Old Navy myself, I know it’s super comfy!)
Cathy K. says:
Never ever buy something you dislike no matter how much your toddler will love it, as it will become the favored piece of clothing which you will have to wash each evening to avoid your child wering a dirty clothes in the morning.
Holley says:
For school age kids, make them choose their outfit the night before and allow no changes when they actually get ready for school.
Sarah says:
My only style tip is to buy what your kid can put on by herself. I have a 3 1/2 year old who is dressing herself now and there are a lot of clothes out there that she simply can’t do. We hate jeans. Well, certain brands in particular are almost impossible for her to put on. Buttons and zippers on anything make bathroom trips near emergencies too! Things to keep in mind to avoid accidents in public
chantelle says:
No tips, but I love Old Navy!
Angie says:
I don’t have any shopping tips. My 8yr old LOVES to dress herself. She would love love love a shopping trip.Thanks!
Dawn says:
We let our kids pick their own clothes but after we put together the outfits. Seems to have worked so far, only rule is seasonally appropriate. And no leggings as pants when the top doesn’t cover the butt. As long as all the pieces are pink and purple, Noelle will have stuff to wear. Noah seems to go more for the sweatpants look. Comfort and fashion, those are my kids.
Jess says:
Tutus have saved my life. My oldest daughter (6) won’t wear pants, so tutus and leggings are the only way I can get her in anything close to pants on cold days. It doent have to be too intricate of a tutu, just enough to make very girly girls feel comfortable (as I look on in my jeans and sweatshirt)
Amy Tibbs says:
Could not agree more on purchasing things in a couple sizes- its been a lifesaver when we outgrow a fave! I also don’t keep my girls’ full wardrobes in their closets- just about 1/3 at a time… Less options, less arguing. I switch it up every week or so, rotate in thr next batch on laundry day. Also helpful as we have limited space!
EBR says:
Thankfully-my tip is have 2 boys that don’t care!
Judi says:
Love Old Navy, especially how well the clothes hold up. My tip, if they love it…really love it… like want to wear it every single day, go back and get a couple more of the same.
Beret says:
1. If you have a tween girl, let her buy what SHE likes (within reason) and loosen the reins of control.
2. Dress your infant/toddler the way YOU want as long as you can because before long she’ll be telling you what she will and won’t wear.
3. Boys are easy! You can dress them until they leave for college.
4. No overalls, button flys, or hard to snap pants once they go to school. Those bathroom emergencies come on quickly and they need to get those pants off in a hurry!
Cinthia says:
I love Old Navy. I maxed out my ON card on Christmas alone. My only tip is to always buy a bigger size in case the kid in question (like my niece or my goddaughter) has sprouted up like a crazy sunflower (especially in the shoe department. No one likes hammer toes).
I agree with the color palate thing, but maybe in categories (so your kid isn’t the girl with nothing but pink and yellow clothes, for example).
Last, make sure that you buy shoes that provide proper support. If you get sandals/flip-flops, make sure they’re the kind that have back on them, like the ones Heather got for Annie. Great job!
Oh wait, one more… shopping trips: wait until seasons are over to get really great sales on stuff that is supposedly going out of season (which shouldn’t really apply because in CA it’s always shorts weather). As long as the things you buy don’t have something seasonally specific on them (like hearts in March or Xmas trees in January), it’ll work out.
Sara says:
Anticipate strange weather. I made the mistake of not having a coat last summer and some days it was cold! Layers and a sweatshirt worked but I really needed a fleece, which I couldn’t find as it was July.
Jenn says:
I always start out in the clearance section first and then work my way around from there when shopping.
Melissa says:
The kid have to pick out the clothes the night before (since we get up early for school). My daughter is also a skirt/dress freak…in the winter months, she can wear them every other day.
Kerry Wallace says:
I’d have to say that comfort is key. I’ve wasted too much money on clothes that are “itchy” or don’t fit quite right, and are doomed to hang in the back of the closet because nobody will wear them. Also, shop the end of season sales while you can – I have saved a boatload of money that way!
Tam. says:
My only style tip is if you see anything in a size 5/6, grab it! My son wears this size and often stores are out of it. It has happened so many times I am beginning to wonder if the world is getting ready for a take over by 5/6 year olds.
Lisa says:
Luckily I have a boy who doesn’t care what he wears or even if he wears clothes, so shopping for him is real easy…….whatever I like, he wears My son looks good in orange so I tend to shop for brightly colored clothes.
Ashley L. says:
My little guy isn’t here yet (due in May) but since I started clothes shopping for him, I have stuck with what is functional and practical. But also sticking with pieces that can be merged to created a different outfit. THanks for the giveaway!
Tandy says:
This is an area we struggle in at our house, and with three girls it’s extra tricky. I would LOVE a $500 Old Navy gift card! I can still get away with bringing things home for the girls and they think that’s great. My kid style tip is to leave Dad at home when shopping.
Trisha says:
I just try to stick with mostly basic pieces so they will all go together. I just lost a bunch of weight and need a whole new wardrobe for spring/summer, and so does my toddler! I shop mostly at Old Navy anyway and this gift card would be a godsend!
Beth says:
Kid tip: let them be ahead of the fashion curve. If it looks weird today, it’ll probably be in tomorrow.
meghan says:
Once they become toddlers, I love the idea of dressing them in (appropriate) adult-like clothing. So cute!
Shania Ring says:
Since I have an eight year old boy, my tip is anything that looks like it might last more than two months!
Kathryn says:
I am currently 23 weeks preg with my first, a little girl. The only thing that I have been doing so far when buying clothes for her is I do hit up the boys and girls section. It gives her a little more variety besides all pink!
jen says:
I don’t have any kid style kids… no kids… yet ;), but I would love to win an Old Navy gift card!
Shannon says:
My tip is to buy multiples. If you love it go back and buy next size up. Makes it easier when they grow out of stuff overnight.
jen says:
* I meant to say “no kid style TIPS”…. gosh.. it’s too early for me!
Melany says:
Like Heather said; shop the sales, choose coordinating colours, and buy a size up. Though I don’t have kids, I follow these rules….maybe I should rethink that last one??
Melissa says:
I don’t have any kids yet either, but I love Old Navy!
Amanda says:
I agree with your tips-but here in Massachusetts, in the winter, I add Old Navy fleece-lined jeans to the mix for playing outside in cold weather! They are a must!
Megan P says:
I don’t have any kids (yet!), but I’d love to win
Molly says:
I’m all about lots of things that can all go together too!
mmd says:
love it. My daughter loves dresses so I can never go wrong there.
meekasmommy says:
My baby style tip? Just go with it.. the adorable infant will distract from the multiple patterns or variety of garish Colorado! (Works for moms outf8ts too, as long as baby is in your arms
Julie says:
My daughter is a bit older (10) but she also picks out her own outfits. She has a very funky sense of style, and I tend to try really hard to keep my mouth shut even if I don’t like what she picks to wear together so she will feel confident and to promote her individuality. It’s kinda hard sometimes, and I do “suggest” things occasionally…but she usually doesn’t listen!
Judy says:
I wish I had some really good advice but having six children what works for one doesn’t always work for the next one. Good luck and enjoy!
Allison says:
My daugter, who is now 6, is very tall & has always been a challenge to find shirts for because she is so long waisted. I usually end up buying most of her t-shirts in the boys section in a smaller size than what she would wear out of the girls section. They fit her better & are much longer than girls so her little belly isn’t hanging out of the bottom of her shirt .
Karen says:
Awesome!
I agree – offering options that all coordinate is a great idea!
Greta says:
Jeans, everything goes with them and Old Navy has the best! Would love to buy lots of them at Old Navy!
angela says:
I don’t have kids yet, but if I dress them anything like me, washability will be key, then cleanliness (have I washed it yet this weekish?), then looking halfway decent. “Style” might not be the right word
Betsy says:
I just let them pick what they want, hobos be damned, atleast they look cute!
Elissa says:
Kid style tip: since I only have sons, and in most stores the selection of boys’ clothes is pretty underwhelming compared with the girls’ clothes, I will (every so often) let them make their hair super special instead. We just borrow my husband’s styling cream and use some blue temporary color hairspray – voila, blue spiky hair, circa 1986. It was a hit at the last big family reunion!
Emily says:
My tip for my 3 year old is getting her dressed in what she wears to school the next day. No tantrums or questions about what we wear in the morning. And she picks it out the night before after bath so there is no rush if she can’t decide. We are out of the door in 15 minutes flat for school/work! It’s great!
Bridgett says:
Such cute outfits! I love the red pants, striped shirt & blue cardi.
Annie must have an eye for fashion because she is always dressed so cute!
Jody says:
My child would love to only wear some of his clothes.
Maybe just pants and no shirt or maybe just a shirt and no pants. Boys!
Tammy says:
I have a son born 2 weeks before Annie and his all time favorite thing to wear is hooded sweatshirts. I dont know if it’s the fasination with the hood or because it’s cozy but, none the less I can live with this
Jaynah says:
My 2 year old is also very big on “choosing” right now as well. I pick out two outfits and she gets to choose which one she wants
Courtney in FL says:
My son (5yrs) wears the same basic outfit to school everyday–khaki shorts and a polo shirt. Clean looking, but isn’t uncomfortable.
Karyn T says:
These tips are Old Navy specific as I shop there the most. Go Early! When a sale starts always go the first day. You get the most selection. Early spring there is usually a “Bag” Sale. Plain brown bags, marked only with a size, filled with TONS of clothes. The kid ones are by far better than the adult bags. They have last seasons cold weather clothes and tees in them, so go up one size. Its usually $20 for a bag with over $200 in clothes.
Jennifer says:
I have 3 boys who could care less…so I usually end up dressing them, but I find that if I ONLY have jeans & khakis, whatever shirt they choose ends up matching. Thanks! My littlest, Charlie (3), is in LOOOOVE with Annie, BTW.
Heather says:
Amen to comfortable and practical! As a former preschool teacher it would drive me batty when parents would send their children to school and ask that their clothes stay perfect. We had a very experiential curriculum and while we took precautions with smocks and so on, stuff happens. Of course it is somewhat theoretical at the moment as I am 15 weeks pregnant with my first — I would love to win and build a new wardrobe for the little one!
jen says:
i wish i had some tips, but my 3.5 year old refuses to wear anything but dresses with tights. so much for the $345426 i spent on cute pants and leggings. so i just enjoy dressing my 10 month old while i still can.
Amanda says:
I bought a bunch of black stretch pants and jeggings for my almost 1-year old. That way when my husband dresses her she is bound to match. when I first went back to work after maternity leave my husband would dress her in head to toe of one color and be so proud of himself.
Debbie F. says:
I definitely do the “if you like it, buy one in the next size up too” thing. I’ve lucked out so far and neither one of my kids has a style that differs greatly from mine.
Lori says:
My daughter is 3 and is fashionably bipolar. One day she will pick out a super cute outfit and the next she will look like a hobo. Yesterday, we went to Target and she totally looked like a hobo in her purple tunic and bubblegum pink lounge pants. I thought we’d be okay since you couldn’t see her shirt under her coat. Wrong. She whipped it off as soon as the automatic door shut behind her, showing everyone in the store how her mom doesn’t know how to match (that’s what I assume people thought, lol. Hubby and I joked throughout the entire store as to whose child she really is.
TamaraL says:
Haha! I was in Target yesterday and saw a little girl dressed very similarly to what you describe!! (I’m in VA by the way). For what it’s worth, I always assume that mamas have let their kiddos dress themselves!
Lori says:
LOL. I’m in Ohio, but that would’ve been funny! I tried to convince my daughter that the black stretch pants looked better, and her response was” but, pink is my favorite color *sob*!” A hobo kid is better than a crying kid, anyday.
Maggie says:
Options are always a good idea. Everyone has their own taste though. There was whole 3 months when my son was 3yrs old that he wouldn’t take off his Pumba halloween costume. Three looong months. Yep. Through the years, no matter how I tried to “dress up” my son he will and always has been a t-shirt and jeans guy. No super cute sweaters, or shoes that aren’t sneakers. I am sure that some day he will find his perfect T-shirt and jeans girl, and they will live happily ever after.
Jenny says:
I have a boy. He never tells me his shoes don’t fit anymore or that they are too tight. After I figured that out I just started routinely buying 2 pairs of tennis shoes in August and February, 1 primary and 1 backup.
With a boy, we don’t have a zillion options. Since he wears the tennis shoes almost every day I buy quality shoes. They hold up really well and I think they are better for his feet. And he likes yo pick the style. Short of black tennis shoes with shorts, I’ve learned to let it go.
Pick me! Pick me!
Laura says:
When potty training make sure clothes are easy off because sometimes they don’t let you know until its almost too late and time can’t be waisted fussing with clothes or accidents will happen!!
Ina says:
Shopping for 4 children is really expensive which is why i love Old Navys clearance sales! Basically just love Old Navy in general!
Erin says:
My kids are much older than Annie (11 and 7) so they pick out a lot of their own clothes these days. What we did when they were little, though, is allow them to pick one article of clothing they wanted to wear (usually a particular shirt). Then we would pick out coordinating items for the rest of the outfit. They were still able to exercise their individuality and practice making decisions but within a framework that kept them from making inappropriate choices (since we live in the Midwest where there are very clearly delineated seasons, this is a must!)
Amy says:
While potty training, pull up pants! What was I thinking buying pants with buttons for a boy?
Julie says:
I let my 4.5 year old and 2.5 year old have completely free rein when choosing their clothes, but I do tend to stick to pretty plain, pattern-free options when shopping for them. That way, even if they mix and match colors, it looks more normal than, say, a neon paisley shirt with red stripey leggings. Which has also been known to happen in our house (or would, if they had neon paisley).
Allison Muhlbauer says:
My 2year old daughter likes to wear knee high socks! I like to find all different sorts of patterns!
Ashley says:
We live in an area where the seasons are all very different and get use out of a lot of our summer dresses by pairing them with long sleeve shirts and leggings or tights that match. This has helped us alot b/c my 3 year old wants to wear nothing but dresses and skirts and those are harder to come by in the bitter cold of winter!
Kim says:
I have three boys, ages 4, 2, and 6 months. I love finding cute outfits that I can mix and match and bonus points for great prices like at Old Navy! Since I have boys and they tend to be a bit dirty or messy, I go for darker clothes or patterns so if they get a little stain on them it won’t be noticeable.
Teki says:
I had no style tips as my son didn’t care. Until recently. Now he is very vocal about what he wears and now occasionally what *I* wear. I lean to the comfortable for him, easy on and stretchy. We’ll see how the new found desire to choose pans out.
Barbi Emel says:
My daughter went through a sweatpant phase last year, refused to wear jeans and I hate sweatpants. So glad she got into wearing jeans this year. She’s pre-teen & I just tell her whatever is in her closet she can wear to school so she has a choice. I put all other shirts (play, too small, but she still insists it fits) in a drawer. Thanks for the giveaway Heather!
Valerie B says:
I like to dress my 2 year old boy as a mini adult. No kiddy, overalls or baby cotton clothes….. cardigans, jeans, and sweaters.
Jen says:
I have 3 girls, so I like to buy classic, simple stuff that is well made, so it will still be stylish enough when it gets handed down through each girl. Love the Old Navy sundresses for little girls!
Brandy says:
I want to win! And really, my only tip goes along with a recent post of yours considering my Livi definitely thinks she is a princess. If your little girl has on a princess dress, none of the rest of her look matters.
TamaraL says:
My best tip from when my daughter was little was that I would buy sale or clearance summer items (sleeveless) and let her wear them in the winter with a long sleeved shirt underneath…and then usually the dress or shirt still fit her in the summertime as well! Two seasons for the price of one!
Brandy says:
There should be a “like” button for this comment!
Cassidy says:
I don’t have any “style” tips, as I am not super stylish, but as far as shopping tips, I love hitting up the local consignment sales for deals!
Ines says:
I love buying my six year old son fun t-shirts that make him smile. And now that we have a daughter I am itching to use some of these tips to build her wardrobe!
Joanna says:
Hello!
I have no tips yet…my little girl is due on May 2nd!! But I do love Old Navy and all of the options that they have.
Lacey B says:
We always start with whether or not my daughter wants to wear a “shirt” or a dress for the day. Then I give her a few options for which ever she chooses. Seems to go more smoothly that way!!
Kristi says:
Lucky for me, my son hasn’t been too picky about what he wears. Shoes on the other hand, is a different story. I give him a few suggestions and let him take it from there.
Ren says:
Well…I don’t have a kid, but if I did, I would do something similar!
Shan says:
Absolutely love Old Navy for the kids and myself..always have. My tip would be….(not exactly style) ALWAYS buy adjustable waist..and most Old Navy childrens pants are now. I shudder remembering when they were hard to come by!
Amanda says:
I always ask Amelia if she wants to wear pants or a dress (she always says “dress”) and then I’ll pick out two dresses and let her choose between them. Colorful leggings go under the dress (she lets me pick the leggings) and she picks her shoes. Her favorites are either a pair of striped rain boots or a pair of old (and too big) cowgirl boots that Grandma grabbed at a garage sale. Her shoes hardly ever match her outfit, but I’m fine with that – it makes her look eccentric instead of “hobo”!
Angi says:
I don’t buy either of my children clothing unless they are present. At 9 and 13, I only get right of refusal for clothing that is inappropriate or immodest. (is that the right word?)
Laura says:
No great style tips but I love that my 20 month old is going through a dress phase…it at least means she’s looking fairly presentable most days!
Chris says:
When I shop for the kids I buy the next size up. That way when they grow out of their clothes overnight, you still have a few things in the closet that fit them. Also, we love Old Navy!
tatiana says:
old navy is THE only place i shop for my daughters clothes just about! always super cute and SUPER affordable! and everyone always tells me how cute shes dressed!
Amy F. says:
Having two girls I try to make sure that I’m buying quality pieces (even if it means spending a bit more) in order for the clothing to last for both girls.
Kylee says:
I love Old Navy! Thanks for the giveaway!
Brandie says:
My youngest is way to picky so I buy allot of dresses that she can pick from and put tights on underneath. My other two I buy lots of jeans and shirts and they do pretty good. I’m one to let my kids figure it out but like you only buy what I want them to choose from.
Jody says:
I have two girls ages 4&8. I have finally let go of trying to pick out any outfit for my older one. I’m enjoying being able to still pick out my 4 yr olds outfits…while I can
Andrea says:
I have 3 kids to outift so Old Navy is usually the go to place for us!
My general rules are:
Dress my oldest son like James Spader in Pretty in Pink (the kid was born preppy!)
Dress my Youngest son like the rock star he is destined to be and
Keep my daughter from dressing like a hobo! She would live in the free t shirt from soccer camp and a pair of umbros! I stick to basics in coordinating colors and just don’t sweat it. I’ve found that by letting her get her way most of the time I can con her into something nice when needed (and I have a pretty strict rule about dresses for church). Can I tell you how happy I am she wears a uniform to school????
Alyssa says:
I just let my kid wear what she wants, so she ends up in boys shirts with mismatched socks. In my mind, a happy kid is a cute kid. And I want her to be herself. And, hey, I still have the baby to dress how I want.
Jenny says:
I love old navy. They are one pf the few places I can find cute plus size clothing
Anne says:
Love old navy and my daughters birthday is 2/17 (she’ll be 9!) i like that old navy lets her be a girl and not a tramp :X (she gets to pick otu what she wants to wear and we don’t fight over it, from dresses to jeans)
Katie says:
I have to learn how not to freak out when he looks like a pre school hobo. I also find my major concern now is can he go potty in it by himself. Fashion run by bathroom
Andrea says:
My son loves “slickie pants”, or as the rest of the world knows them:athletic pants. They’re his go-to item!
DrLori71 says:
I have 2 boys so here’s my style tip – don’t buy nice, expensive clothes because they’re just going to ruin them!
stephanie says:
Tip: Let them help pick out the clothes you are buying. I happen to have 2 boys who actually care about what they are wearing. When I buy something that I like, inevitably they don’t, and will refuse to wear it. Money wasted. I have full veto power over anything they pick themselves as well. If I hate it, it’s inappropriate for their age/weather/purpose of the item I won’t buy it. If I don’t want to see them wearing something I don’t buy it. Some how my boys know the clothes I don’t like that are in their wardrobe, even if I say nothing, and it becomes their favorite.
LK says:
I don’t really have any style tips, but I think it’s so worth it to spend the extra money on GOOD tennis shoes.
Leslie says:
I have always loved Old Navy … when my younger daughter was about seven or eight years old, Old Navy was the ONLY place we could find jeans to fit her. In the boys department … long and very skinny. Old Navy saved us when it came time to buy school clothes!
Aubrey says:
I have 4 kids. They each have their own style. I love shopping at Old Navy for their superhero girl shirts for my daughters. My boys also love all the superhero shirts. They all enjoy being able to mostly pick out their own clothes there.
With that many kids I shop sales and buy shirts a size bigger so my kids incredibly long torsos will fit in their shirts longer. I don’t usally go buy size on a tag and instead go by what looks like it will fit. Tags can sometimes be deceiving.
Heather says:
I love this post! Going to try these tips when I go spring shopping for my two boys. With little boys, I find they wear out their clothes at lightening speed (i.e. – holes in the knees). I should buy stock in iron on patches.
Heather says:
My daughter, 8, hates jeans. She has hated them since she could pick out her own clothes. She refuses to wear any pants that have a metal button on them. It makes shopping difficult, lots of stretch pants and leggings!
Melissa says:
She may be allergic to nickle. Sometimes the metal on the inside of the button irritate my skin to the point of scabby rash.
Sharon H says:
Luckily my son is almost 9 months old and still hasn’t developed his own style! We currently go for loose fleece pants and t shirts so he can stay warm and still work on that crawling thing.
And grippy socks! Don’t forget the grippy socks!
Jennifer L says:
I stick to pretty much the same idea as you. I buy a lot of plain/similar colors with a few prints thrown in. Most everything will go together with the exception of a few special pieces. Luckily, my four year old still lets me pick out her clothes most of the time. That is, if I can get her to wear clothes at all lately. We are very much in a “I’d like to run around all day in nothing but my undies” phase. I love Old Navy’s Spring line for toddlers this year.
Karen j says:
my 3 year old granddaughter lives with me. She choose her own clothes. How i started her out was lay out 3outfits and she chose from that. Now she chose her own and does pretty good. But there are days she wants me to chose.
Jessica says:
Just found out I’m preggers so this would be so perfect for me to buy some maternity clothes and new baby clothes to save!!
Heather says:
My 5 year old daughter loves to accessorize. She’s great at dressing herself, but has to finish off the outfit with a sparkly headband, necklace and bracelet.
Michelle says:
I like to pick my twins clothes out the night before. They aren’t old enough to pick out their clothes yet! If the clothes are already laying out, then I don’t have to worry about my husband dressing them in wacky outfits!
Becky says:
Kids can never have too many pairs of comfy jeans – they go with everything! Love Old Navy!
Mary O says:
Super cute. I buy clothes as they go on sale for my kids in their next sizes up from what they’re currently in. That way I’m never forced to buy at full price.
Sarah Morton says:
My tip for toddler girl clothes is buy dresses that can later be worn with leggings or eventually be shirts. I’ve found my daughter’s torso size hasn’t changed nearly as much as her arms and legs. We are still wearing a dress from 9 mo from old navy and my girl is 2. It is now a super cute tunic.
LexC says:
If my 4 year old daughter had her way she would wear a dress every day!!! I am working on getting her to see that tunics and leggings are “dresses” too, but she isn’t buying it! I usually give her 2-3 outfits to choose from and it mostly works. Also, I hang up her matching clothes as outfits. I’m sure it won’t last too much longer, but it is nice right now.
Kristie says:
Elastic wasted pants for potty training! Easy up – Easy down!
Laura Morales says:
Thats such a good idea!! I’m definitely going to try that…BUT I have a toddler boy and he doesn’t care what he wears as long as it has Lightning McQueen or any other Cars/Cars2 character!
Managed Chaos says:
With a 10 year old daughter, I’ve learned it’s imperative to take her with me so she can pick out what she likes. I used to be able to buy her clothes without her input, but those days are long gone.
Shana says:
Buying clothes on sale is always the way to go!
Sara M says:
When they are little buy clothes you like to see – you’ll be seeing them a lot!
Kelly H says:
I give my kids 2 or 3 choices, all of which I have picked out. That way, whatever they choose is o.k. with me!
Christine says:
I agree with picking out a couple of outfits ahead of time and then letting them pick which one they want to wear. Allows me to keep some control over what they leave the house wearing but also gives them a choice as well!
Alicia says:
My baby girl is only 7 months, and my current “style” tip is to have her wear one-piece outfits so that she definitely matches and is ready to go down for a nap at any moment! I think we need to go on a shopping spree to step it up.
Robin says:
I have all boys and think they are easier to dress, but harder to shop for. Not as many cute clothes for boys. However, with my 5 year old, I always find bright, almost neon, shirts for him. I dress him in bright shirts when we are at the baseball fields with his older brothers, that way I can always spot him when he’s playing with the other kids.
Mammazeen says:
When my daughters (4 and 6) get dressed I always try to emphasize how they feel in their clothes, not how they look. If they ask “How do I look?” or “Do I look pretty?” I try to remember to ask them back, “How do you feel? Do you feel beautiful?” It’s my hope that they learn early that beauty is something that radiates from inside–not something that you can layer on from the outside.
Mary says:
I love Old Navy! I shop there all the time. When I shop for kids/babies, I try to buy something that looks cute but has some ‘wear’ in it – chances are, it’s going to get messy or worn in the average course of a day! That means a lot of cottons and other washable stuff I also like to layer outfits with unique elements – a hand-knit hat, a handmade headband, funky shoes, so that even if every other person on the block buys the exact same thing, the outfit will still stand out and look different.
Mrs. Bailey Park says:
Pick me, Random.org!
That would be $100 I could spend per kid. I think they’d love it!
Editdebs says:
Since my son is 17, my big styling tip is to yell, “pull up your pants!”
Amy says:
I have no tips but the tallest 6 month old nephew who is constantly growing out of anything with feet in them. He’s like a giant baby. I love him and Old Navy clothes.
jessica says:
Hmmm style tips…good gosh I wish I had them (I will be reading everyone elses!)…my child DOES pick out her own clothes and DOES in fact make the local hobos look fancy…ha ha!
Nadine B. says:
For my two boys (2 1/2& 13mo’s) most of the time I dress them in layers. It works out great that summers t-shirts (most from ON, they have some really cool ones that aren’t your usual obnoxious toddler T’s) then I only have to buy some basic (ie: generally less costly) long-sleeve tee’s to put under them. It’s good for the wallet, but it’s also been great for our weird NE winter we’ve had- boys running around and getting over heated? Just pull off a layer!
Aliesha says:
I think my daughter had an entire wardrobe worth of Old Navy clothes bought on ridiculous clearance before she was even born! It is my favorite clothing store (for me and for her), and I can never resist a good deal. Really, my wardrobe tip for her lately has been to peruse the local Goodwill (in the “rich” neighborhood) for any type of quality clothing that is in her current size or bigger. She’s only in 12-18M size right now, but I’ve got a ton of great, name brand, stylish, adorable clothes for her up through size 4T. And, no lie, almost all of them are either Old Navy or Gap. I am just drawn to them!
Michelle says:
My son is nearly three and doesn’t really care what he wears…but he really likes choices. So, each day he gets three choices for shirts. That makes him feel like he has picked his own clothes, but really I have picked all the options. Boys are easier…they don’t care what they wear (and would actually probably be naked most of the time)!
Missy says:
I like to buy matched outfits for my little one, and hang them on one hanger in the closet. That way, she just goes to her closet and picks one, and it’s already a matched set. But, she’s not as picky as Annie either… My son could care less most days. I just put clothes out for him and he puts them on.
Jen says:
For school aged kids always pick out clothes the night before. This save tons of time in the morning especially when the kids and parents are not morning people. Also just like you said make sure to get lots of things that can mix and match. My son is into the plaid shorts so I make sure to get multiple shirts that will coordinate with them.
Amanda says:
If I find a great deal on an item I usually always buy it in a few sizes up for next year. I usually only do this with more neutral items though since I’ve done it in the past with more trendy items and by the time my kids grow in to them, theyre out of style already! Love old navy!!
Tamara says:
I buy clothes one size up any time there is a sale – I have a stock of fall clothes ready for my 3 yr. old even though we haven’t yet hit spring!
Sarah Macon says:
Psssshhh kid style tip: Find whatever is not stained and doesn’t look like it came from the wal-mart dollar bin, force toddler into it, bribe her into wearing a bow and hold her down while double knotting keds on her. This would be awesome to win!
Mika says:
For my daughter — leggings and tunics or dresses have become the way to go since she is suddenly anti-jeans. I buy all kinds of each and let her go to town on the combinations.
Rachel says:
For all 3 of my kids, I purchased a closet organizer with 5 or 6 cubbies. Then I put together an outfit for each cubby, complete with socks and underwear (and even hair accessories for my daughter).
Then in the morning, they can go choose the outfit that appeals to them that day. None of my kids have had a problem with this arrangement. I think they feel like they are in control, and I don’t have to worry that things won’t match.
mel says:
I’m a big fan of leggings for kids. They can go under shorts, skirts, dresses or on their own. We have every color imaginable. They are the best for potty training too since there are not buttons or zippers.
Alyssa says:
If my son’s fashion sense/awareness of color clashes is anything like my husband’s I’m going to be dressing him until he moves out and maybe even longer. Luckily he shows zero interest in doing any of the picking of the clothes himself, but I’ll remember this is he ever changes his mind, for sure.
Alpa says:
My Son is 7 and his style is very simple .. Jeans and T shirt . formal occasions jeans and shirts ..
Sadye says:
ahhh, masons new style tip is matching his brand new hearing aids (blue baby!) with his clothes. One cool kid. But those hearing aids be expensive yo. So in order for him to NOT look like a hearing impaired toddler hobo he needs this gift card!
Jen says:
My kids style is make sure your butt is covered. Thats all I really care about. I say when they are little let wear whatever they want. Toddler hobo’s are cute.
Kate says:
I LOVE Old Navy! Not sure this is a “tip”, but, I have a 4 year old boy, and a 9 month old girl. Now, when I buy clothes for my boy, I am conscious of hoping to be able to hand some of it down to the girl. SO I buy plain things – plain colored t-shirts, jeans with no graphics, primary colored sneakers. Of course, this may go out the window when she is four and has a meltdown because she wants PINK, but a Mom can dream!
Kendra says:
We go with a one or two color palete for my daughter. Since she loves pink and purple, we have lots of shirts that can go with her jeans or black pants. She’s getting more into picking out her clothes when we go shopping, which may throw a nice wrench in my plans to avoid hobo-child.
Tara says:
We have a basic rule of thumb with our son: layer. To hold up his adorable jeans, we put a onesy on him, the color coordinate a cute sweater and neutral shoes (right now we’re alternating beige shoes and navy shoes). Of course, this is cold weather fare. (Also? I married a fashionista.)
Johanna says:
Want to come and do that at my house, for me? It would make getting ready for work so much easier every morning.
Amy says:
Thankfully my 5 year old and I have pretty much the same style. Most days she does pretty good in the clothes department. It also helps that she wears uniforms to school so her self picking is reserved for weekends only!
Lesley says:
I don’t have a kid yet (little girl due 4/23/12!) but I’ve never been an overly “pink” type of girl myself, so I won’t be dressing my kid too “girly” – I didn’t register for a lot of pink, her room is green, so I think my kid and Annie might have the same type of wardrobe!
Kelly says:
I am addicted to buying the old-school cartoon T’s from Old Navy for my daughter.
Becky says:
My kid style tip is exactly what you’re doing: Let her pick what I buy, so she’s guaranteed to wear it! There were too many seasons that things went completely unworn. So now I let her pick it from the start, and she has a closet full of things that I know she’ll wear.
She’s 3, by the way. Since when does a 3-year-old dictate what she gets to….oh, wait. Yup. Got it.
Lorinda says:
Both of my kids demand comfy, so we do the best we can to be cute and comfy!
Jennifer Dawn says:
Willow’s style tip is anything that has an Elmo/Sesame Street logo on it!
Staci says:
The simpler, the better. My boy is super-duper picky about his clothes. Like picky in the ‘I will not wear anything but a t-shirt’ sense and I’m just dealing with it (most of the time) for now.
Ashley says:
I stick with mostly khaki and denim bottoms for my son…so pretty much anything is bound to match. When he’s with my husband though, that’s another story!! Of course he has plaid shorts for summer, and my husband will let him pair those with any mis-matched shirt and cowboy boots. I figure right now he’s only 4…I figure I have until kindergarten before I have to make him match all the time.
Jill says:
Hi! Love your blog and love Old Navy! with three little ones, we shop there all the time! Annie is adorable, thanks for sharing her with us.
Jenn says:
My shopping tip is to get it on sale and get it a little big! I find my girls outgrow everything so fast, it helps if the shirts especially are a little big, big is in, right?
Love Old Navy by the way!
Traci Saucier says:
Pick me I love me some Old Navy!!
Loni says:
such cute outfits! Would love to win the card for my adorable red-head 3 year old
Pretzellu says:
With a 18 month grand-daughter and three daughters I know about this pick-out-your-own-clothes phase, while its fun at first, it can quickly turn crazy… so I can appreciate your pre-select options!
DreA says:
When I find something I like, I buy it in a couple sizes so that my nephews and nieces can have “the same thing” for a while since they’re growing like weeds!
Liz says:
I don’t have any tips but I will definitely be reading the comments and passing this link along to my sister-in-law who is pregnant with her first.
kalen says:
My kid style tip is comfort, comfort, comfort. If Everly isn’t comfortable, she whines. If she whines, I feel annoyed… so COMFORT!
Emily E says:
I give perimeters and let her pick within those. Fortunately, her preschool has uniforms so M-F there isn’t any fighting over clothes.
Natalie says:
We stick to very neutral pants and buy fun colorful shirts. This way everything basically matches. Rarely do we need to intervene in our little ones clothing decisions. I agree with buying multiples in varying sizes. Makes life easier.
KRISTEN says:
Wow, this would be amazing to win. My two year old son loves clothes and shoes. We would have a blast shopping together.
Emily says:
You nailed two of my favorite kid styling tips – try to stick to a color palette, which minimizes how much of the “extras” you have to purchase, and invest in multiple sizes of quality pieces that really work.
My mom is always teasing me about the amount of navy blue and white my son owns but it all works so nicely together. I’m sure some day he’ll want to wear Spiderman shirts with orange sneakers but for now, mommy is dressing him the way she wants!
melissa says:
We always had choices, but mostly let her pick her own. It’s just much simpler that way. Although some days I want to add a note that says she dressed herself!
Betsy says:
I have a boy. Put a truck, bus or airplane on it, he wants to wear it. I actually wound up embroidering/decorating a few plain shirts with cute things on them. Pair them with jeans and we’re good to go.
Kristy L. says:
My three little ones would LOVE a shopping spree
My tip is as long as they have clothes on I am happy!!!
Christine says:
Love Old Navy! My daughter, Mady, is 4, and girlfriend is PARTICULAR about her clothes. She will wear tights, leggings, and dresses. Anything else = major drama. I stick to the basic colors with the leggings and tights so that they can be worn with pretty much anything.
Elisabeth says:
I give my daughter two choices of shirt or dress, and then I choose the bottoms if necessary. So far this usually works…but she’s only 2 and already very opinionated!
joe m says:
My tip is – make sure your wife has her cell phone on her, so you can confirm sizes, if the kiid refuses to try anything on.
MeghanK says:
Always have clean little boy jeans…totally make mornings easier!
Jesso says:
My tip is put out a few options, and say the rest are in the laundry (for my toddler). For my seven year old, anything Justin Bieber rules the day. As long as it’s not from Justice, I consider it a win.
Erica Frey says:
I like to buy at the end of the season when everything is on clearance. . . of course,I live in the midwest where we have seasons.
Courtney says:
Uh . . . tips. T-shirts with no tags! J hates tags. And layers. J has some t-shirts that he really loves, and they’re still big enough for him to wear in winter, so we got some plain long-sleeve Ts to wear underneath and we’re getting much more use out of them than if they had just been summer items.
Mommy Boots says:
I’ve gotta be honest. I don’t have many tips or tricks. I see something that’s cute, I buy it. One of my main things is that I don’t like to spend over $10 on a single item for my daughter. I know she’s going to outgrow it quickly, and probably throw up/paint/spill something on it anyway! Those outfits you posted are ADORABLE. I love the blue and white striped shirt/cardigan paired with the shorts. So cute.
Cristy says:
I usually give an option of a couple of outfits so the decision is still their’s but I can satisfy the control freak in me at the same time.
Kathy says:
I love Old Navy clothes – cute and practical!!!
sara says:
Who wouldn’t want $500 to spend at Old Navy? We love it there!
Heather Drudge says:
I have 5 kids and only the oldest 2 pick out their own clothes. But they are 11 and 9 and girls so they can pick out things I don’t agree with. But as long as they are happy and it is not inappropriate for their age I let them wear whatever they want. I have way too many disagreements in my house and I chose not to fight over clothes. Luckily the other 3 still let me pick their clothes out so they look super adorable all the time!!
Abbey says:
I also try to buy basics that I can mix and match. Love the clothes you posted here for Annie! So cute!
Dianne says:
My only tip is buy something that is easy to put on and off! That way the child can dress him or herself. Luckily I have a son and he doesn’t really care what he is wearing, (but I still love to shop for him!)
Amber says:
I like to give my almost-4-year-old daughter two choices and she gets to pick what she wants to wear. Most of her pieces coordinate, so even if we need to make a change, things usually match.
Barb C says:
My daughter loves leggings, so as long as we have a skirt on hand and a shirt to match, she is set and ready to go. On weekends, she gets to choose what she wants to wear, but mommy still throws in suggestions. Its an easy way to get your 2 cents in
Ann says:
I wish I could be as organized as you when choosing for my girls. I am usually distracted by one or 2 cute items and them don’t think to coordinate those with additional pieces. But I do LOVE Old Navy for the fact that they make it easy for me to match or coordinate the 2 girls.
Amber says:
My trick, even for myself, has always been to buy a lot of neutral basics, particularly for bottoms, cardigans, and jackets. Denim, brown, khaki, are all good. I also always think about what other items are in my/her wardrobe when I’m considering purchasing something. I ask myself how many outfits I could imagine the item in, and if the answer is not very many then it stays on the shelf.
Amanda says:
Buy a lot of gender neutral stuff and girl-ify or boy-ify it with hats, bows, sneakers, etc…..
Brooke says:
Lucky for me, my daughter doesn’t really have an opinion and she’s 4. I usually dress her when she’s groggy since I have to wake her up to go to preschool. So by the time she realizes what she has on she’s already at school. It works for me.
My aunt had a problem like yours with my cousin. Finally she decided to put 5 outfits together and give my cousin the option of choosing her outfit each day but at the end of the week whatever was left was what she had to wear. That’s the only way it worked for them.
alex m says:
keep the clothes divided by size so that you don’t wake up and find that your kid grew out of a bunch of cute clothes but you didn’t notice because they were under other clothes
Amy says:
Hoo boy, I don’t have kids, but think about the amount of cute swimsuits $500 at old navy could buy! : -)
Kim Q says:
Let the peanut choose the color she wants to wear for the day, and then mommy chooses the outfit. :o)
Cate says:
After 3 boys we had a little princess and she was in the nursery with a bow! And now at just 4 she has some sense of style! I leave 2 outfits out for her to choose from in the morning and most days this works great!
Kelly says:
I got lucky with 2 boys that just don’t care about what they look like. They go for comfort above all else. I guess my tip would be buy things you know will get worn. No sense grabbing something because it’s on sale at a fantastic price if it will never leave the dresser drawer!
Vicky says:
I always shop the sale racks for my 8 year old son. I also buy up a size or even two when things are drastically reduced. He has been dressing himself since he was about 3. In the mornings, I tell him if he should wear jeans or shorts and short or long sleeved shirt, based on what the weather will be. Other than that, I try not to get involved so that he can establish his own style. His favorite thing to wear is basketball shorts and a Tony Hawk or Shawn White T shirt.
Jillian says:
I don’t have any kids or tips for dressing them, but I love Old Navy!
Mandy Renfro says:
I have boys. Boyish boys at that. I keep their wardrobe simple. Ts, jeans, tennis shoes for daily wear, with a few button front, polos, and nicer pants and shoes for church and special occasions.
When a tshirt gets stained, or jeans get a hole in the knee, I put them in a special “play clothes spot” so when we’re home on the weekends or after school and all they’re going to do is ride bikes and play in the mud, they’ve got clothes that are already “destroyed” for that type of stuff.
Randi says:
My daughter is 7 and LOVES dressing up – sometimes, like Annie, the outfits get..umm..odd. SO the rule is that on school days mom has veto power (mainly to make sure she’s not wearing a tank top in 15 degree weather) and on the weekend she gets to wear WHATEVER she wants – it works great here! AND we would LOVE the old navy gift card! Although tell me something: while I love shopping there for my son and daughter (my son LOVES the funny shirts they have), why does Old Navy only have their Plus Size clothing sold online and not in the store? Not fair!
Sheryl says:
My son is 8…for years I have given him a choice of two outfits…mostly shirts. Since school age, he generally wears jeans. So, choose a pair of jeans & which of these two shirts do you want to wear? I’ve been so blest, though, with a son who is good with letting Mom pick
Arianne says:
My daughter also demands to style herself; I buy things I like that have aspects of what she loves – so, most things are pink, fuzzy, blinky or shiny (satin) (often hitting two or three of these in a single outfit). She doesn’t look quite as elegant as Annie, but she’s cute and girly, and very happy.
And i’m leaving the comment in hopes of winning the gift card. My college roommate won a metal chicken from the bloggess (severe envy here), so hey, you never know
MeLisa says:
I try to buy stuff for my 7 year old that can be easily layered (we live in Michigan and the weather can be arctic like cold one minute and warm the next) and I also try to avoid anything too light colored, since, ya know, he’s 7 and messy Shopping for boys is tough- it’s usually either sports graphics everywhere, or stripes.
Allison says:
Love Old Navy clothes for my kids!
Style tip #1: Jeans go with everything.
Style tip #2: Leggings! They are a girl’s best friend for dresses, long shirts, and skirts. Buy them in many colors, and don’t forget to get the shorts kind for the summer time! No one wants to see your child’s underwear, and if they do want to, well, there’s a problem!
Amber says:
Most of my 5 year old son’s clothes go together, but for tops and bottoms that really don’t go together (camo shirt with camo pants!) I put a 1 on the shirt and a 2 on the pants. If his clothes don’t have the same number, he knows they don’t go together.
Kristina says:
My 3 year old son insist on dressing himself everyday!! The 1st thing he does when he gets out of bed is get his cloths so no one else does. I let him dress himself on the days he doesn’t have school. Seems to work for us.
Al says:
tips? walk away when your 9-year-old changes her mind about her outfit (that we picked out the night before) 15 minutes before the bus comes! picky daughter for the win!
discountchica says:
Options! But also, don’t sweat it… the beauty about kids is that they can get away with wearing whatever they want!
(PS: I would totally wear ALL of Annie’s outfits)
Tracy says:
I would love a $500 gift card to purchase summer clothes for my girls. Oh the fun we would have!
Erin says:
I always like the “do you want to wear the pink shirt or the blue shirt today?” it gives them some control, but also let’s you keep some of it. Of course, I don’t have a child who’s memorized their entire wardrobe. Yay for Old Navy!
Megan says:
I, too, have a girl who loves to dress herself! I let her pick either the shirt or pants, and then I give her a narrowed-down choice of the other. This way, I know she’ll at least match and she gets to make the decision! I only get picky if we’re actually going somewhere that day, so most days it doesn’t really matter!
I just had a boy (after being told we were having another girl) so I could really use this gift card to replace all of the girl clothing we bought. And can’t return. Since I was “on top of things” and had everything washed and ready for when the baby was born!
Chelse says:
$500 at Old Navy? OMG!
I give my daughter choices. I pick out 3 different options and then let her choose. That makes her feel like she still has a say in her outfits – but shhhhh…she really doesn’t.
stacey c. says:
Let them have a say in what they are wearing.
Mandy says:
My shopping style is easy for my son….whatever clothing brands look like he can roll in the dirt, slobber on, use as a bib, or wipe bodily fluilds on and last longer than one washload becomes a necessity in his closet. I’ve tried the more expensive brands thinking they would be made with more quality materials and NOPE! So now its a trial game! But I do love Old Navy and there clothes are currently part of his wardrobe!
Karen Baldasaro says:
LOVE LOVE LOVE Old Navy!! Everyone in my family is able to wear and enjoy their stuff!! We are HUGE Old Navy fans and would LOVE a shopping spree!!
Ellie says:
I love Old Navy kid stuff. I have no advice because my daughter is still an infant, however, once I discovered foots, that’s all she wore until she hit about 5 months and we started doing social activities. BUT, I didn’t think really hard about outfits, you know, I bought a pair of pants that I liked and a few onesies,(from Old Navy) etc. So, now I’m realizing I should’ve focused on matching and colors as you suggest. C’est la vie. Next time, right?
Melanie says:
My tip would be to embrace that they’re kids! Even my OCDness can enjoy the random morning that 4yo comes out in white terry capris, black Beatles tshirt, purple velour princess jacket, and her green Tinkerbell slippers. If we must be presentable that day and leave the house I try to pull from what she’s picked out and let her use one or two items for her outfit that day. Win/Win she has a say, we enjoyed the adorableness of a child’s and still made it out of the house looking presentable And she would flip for a new wardrobe as would her brother lol. Thanks!
beth says:
No style tips here, but I do love little kid clothes! and Old Navy.
Brittany says:
Kid style tip? I like all the tips you listed. My biggest thing is to buy quality clothes on sale. I have 3 girls and like to pass down everything the oldest wore to the other two.
Lora says:
I put out 2 options and let her pick. This way she feels like she gets the choice but really I have chosen 2 cute put together outfits.
Jessica says:
My 13 year old does fine picking out his own clothes. He is actually pickier than I am! However, my 8 year is clueless! I have just had to let go of my OCD tendencies and let him do what he wants. Right now he is in a “comfy” shorts phase. Which means he looks like he is always wearing pajamas. The other day it was navy basketball shorts, a green t shirt with black graphics and grey converse!!! But he was happy!
Meg says:
Doing laundry frequently because my daughter wants her favorites so often sucks, so my tip is to buy multiples of things they LOVE, usually in 2 sizes. By the time she’s outgrown both, she’s usually over it anyway. Love Old Navy for that!
Laura A says:
No style tips since my kid is only 5 months old, but your tips are what I’ll be using when the time comes!
keri says:
Pretty much my only tip is comfort. My girls didnt like jeans for awhile but they are starting to wear them more. And they love skorts for summer!
arden9511 says:
Boys are so much harder to shop for!
Cheryl says:
I don’t have any tips yet, because my boy/girl twins are arriving next Friday. I’m not sure how this shopping for two at the same time (and opposite sexes!) is going to work, but I could use the gift certificate. Do you know how expensive baby clothes are???
angela says:
always shop sales!
carla M says:
My father-in-law thinks my 5yr old dresses herself like Punky Brewster-down to her unmatched socks. I don’t have the heart to tell him I am the one dressing her that way because I think it is adorable.
Sarah W says:
You have the right idea!!! When my kids were younger I would buy multiples of the same style clothes so they couldn’t really go wrong when dressing themselves!!
Jason says:
I pick out 2 shirts/pants & let our 4yo pick.
lindsey says:
Offering options=great idea! I love old navy and giveaways
Sara Mc. says:
I’ll never forget my niece walking into the Asian market with the biggest tutu on. Of course she didn’t stop there, but I knew then she would definitely have a style all her own. I love the style you and your friends picked out for Annie! Everything matches. Right on!
kim hartman says:
My son is 11 years old now and he is totally in charge of his own clothing choices. My tip is that when he comes out in something less than desirable, I simply say something like “it’s cool for weekends with the “guys” but do you think the girls in school will appreciate it?” That is typically enough to get him to reevaluate the decision and 9 times out of 10, he changes.
xo
Dregina says:
No tips, my kid’s too little!
Jessica A says:
my 5 yr old loves to dress herself and she has a very fun and funky style already sometimes I just try not to think about the fact that her pink and red striped shirt doesnt match her purple plaid vest thay she puts on together lol but inside I am dying lol
Kim Davis says:
My daughter (5) is all about picking out her own clothes. I try to give her options but the last year or so, all she wants to wear is dresses…that’s it. Old Navy is one of the only stores I can shop for her that is true to size. She’s very petite but tall – their pants fit great, along with tops and dresses. She loves mixing up colors and prefers sparkles.
Angela says:
I have 4 year old twin boys (their birthday is actually today so Happy Birthday Kyle and Austin!) so we go through some serious clothes in our house. We LOOOOOVE Old Navy and their great sales. My tip is, if it is clean, you can wear it. I really don’t have enough time to try to coordinate too much so lots of jeans, and then pick whatever shirt you feel like. Easy, breezy, out the door quick!
Heather Romano says:
And it doesn’t get any better as they get older. I have a nine year old that I let pick her clothes and sometimes I bite my tongue so hard to let her be her. As for the Old Navy gift card – now I definitely want to win that!! pick me – pick me
Tanya Underwood says:
My 3 year old son drives me insane wanting to dress himself, because he changes clothes at least 3 times a day, and it is usually him wanting to wear his church clothes all the time. Lol. I finally put his big box of shoes out of his reach because he was constantly dumping them all over the floor, and guess who got to pick them up everyday. But i have to say, i am very OCD when it comes to matching clothes and appearances, but he is very good at matching his clothes and shoes, so i just let him do what he wants. Saves me alot of stress. Tanya
Jenny says:
Old navy sales are the best. My wee one is only 7mo so I don’t have any tips yet, but I certainly do enjoy dressing him.
Jill says:
I pick out two outfits and let my son pick. I also have two sons close in age (2 and 1) so I like to buy matching outfits for them.
Angela Adlich says:
My child shopping rule is one that you mentioned…always buy an extra one, especially if you LOVE the item!!!
Bridge says:
Buying clothes that all mix and match in a color palette has been the best tip. It’s a little trickier with my six-year-old stepson because clothes go back and forth between houses, and clothes from his mom’s house don’t always exactly work. But he does pretty well with a few choices too. Left to dress himself, he often has on four or five layers – I think he figures if two is good, four is better!
EmilyInCocktailLand says:
I let my kiddo choose his undies (sometimes this means he is wearing two or three pairs at once)…this little concession seems to nip it in the bud and he will generally wear whatever I pick out. He also picks out is own socks (they never match).
Kim S. says:
My best style tip is to shop the sales not only for their current sizes but what you expect them to grow into in the next year
sarah says:
My general shopping rule is to stay out of the stores. It is too easy to buy cute clothes for my kids. But of course I can’t send my kids out naked, so during sales, I can let loose!
Lora says:
My youngest is an 8 year old boy and I find it best to buy him zip-off cargo pants that convert into shorts. They come in handy, especially in the fall and spring of our Minnesota weather. It could be cold in the morning and much warmer by mid-day.
Missy Harding says:
That is some seriously cute baby clothes! I would love to win!
Susan M. says:
I put two outfits out and let my 4-year-old pick… Although a tutu or skirt over top usually makes any outfit better!
Lisa says:
My 4 y/o must be a princess every day. Which means we have many different pairs of leggings and several different twirly skirts ( & tops) so she can rotate and they all go together. As well as more dresses of course for said Princess. I wanna win! We love Old Navy!
Erin says:
The color palate is a fantastic idea! My oldest girl has been dressing themselves since she was 2 and still believes (at 4) that pink pants and a pink shirt = a match! On days my husband dresses, I wonder if the daycare thinks we are too poor to own matching clothes!!!
Sharon says:
I like to offer a choice of a couple outfits at the store — that way they all get my approval, but they still feel like they’re choosing their clothes.
Kate says:
I don’t have kids, but let me give a tip as someone who sees other people’s kids often: don’t try to dress your child like a fashion model. Some of the trends in kid’s clothes are completely horrifying, and seeing little girls dressed like 20-year-old fashionistas terrifies me. Kids are kids. Let them dress like kids!
Amanda says:
Oh man, jake is obsessed with cars, Mustangs….anything with wheels. Most days I can put him in what I want, but if he knows his car or Mustang shirt is clean, he is very insistent on wearing it
Alicia says:
I am so dreading Clara getting to that point. She’s into shoes a lot. My general baby style solution when its warm out is dresses. Easy, one piece and super comfy. :D. Love Annie!
rachel says:
I don’t have kids, but the little girl I nanny for has entered a Super Girly Girl phase, much to her tomboyish mother’s dismay. So I’ve been mostly in charge of her clothing, with her parents’ blessing, and it’s been lost of bright colors and dresses around these parts.
Cait says:
I love finding dressy pieces for a steal when I’m shopping for my friends’ kids!
Lindsey Cote says:
My tip is not to let Dad dress the baby. I have found my son, on MULTIPLE occasions, wearing striped tops and plaid bottoms. It’s precious
Tracy says:
I have this same problem with my 3.5year old son. This is a great idea Heather. In my opinion Old Navy is one of the only places to find cute boy’s clothes!
Scorps1027 says:
Annie is one stylin’ toddler!
Debbie says:
At this point in my mothering career, I have tried to make it as simple as possible. As long as the clothing is appropriate, clean and not offensive, I really don’t care. More importantly, I don’t care what other people think when my child leaves the house with mismatched clothes and two different socks.
Ajean says:
My son is only one so I have the control in this department. I go for comfort and ease. I love the adult looking clothes as much as the next person but if he can’t move in it and I’m worried it’s going to get ruined, nobody is happy!
Erin @ One Particular Kitchen says:
YES. I’m all about buying a bunch of easily mixed-and-matched pieces. Makes life so much easier!
Shelby says:
Dad usually dresses our 9 mo old little boy each day…and he ALWAYS pics the outfits that I would use as “blow-out back up” for daycare. Ugly pants and a onesie that’s exactly the same color so he ends up looking like a mime. My tip? Take time to clean out the dresser (or closet) and make sure there isn’t anything in there you don’t want your kiddo to be seen in!
S says:
Don’t have any tips…I am expecting my first baby this spring, but I am sure I’ll be learning fast!
Lisa says:
I love Old Navy! Fortunately my kids don’t seem to care if I pick out there clothes. I actually try to encourage the to pick out their own because now that they are getting older I’m realizing it’s a necessary life skill. If something really clashes I usually say, you can keep the shirt or the pants, but not both together. Usually works, if there is resistance I throw in, you can wear the shirt today with different pants, and the pants tomorrow with a different shirt. I guess a tip would be, don’t rely too much on sizes, they can vary pretty significantly from store to store. (this just makes ordering on-line a little tricky) Also, if at all possible get pants with an adjustable waist. LOVE the person that invented that!
christine says:
when in doubt, go for bright! pastel pinks and blues and soft greens are not. worth. my. time. every child is cuter in hot pink! electric blue! canary yellow! brighter is always better in my book…
Melissa says:
Like you, I only purchase items that I know can be mixed and matched, and only from stores that I like – those are Old Navy and H&M. I have two boys, so the selection is always rather sparse and fairly benign and boring, but Old Navy and H&M usually have some better cuts, trendy without being overly so, cheeky (especially H&M) and the prices are great. This is especially important given 1) the speed at which these children grow and 2) the fact that they are children means that clothing gets holes in them pretty quick. Ironically, H&M and even Old Navy hold up better than even Gap (which is even stranger considering that Old Navy is a Gap sub brand). My five year old is able to pull pants out of the pants drawer, a shirt out of the shirt drawer, and have a fairly well put together outfit. My younger son….well, he’s a little more like Annie I’d say. Wants to wear what he wants even if it involves pairing navy with black (whaaaa????). We’re working on it, but in the meantime, I am thankful that they have to wear uniforms to school!!
Amanda says:
I don’t have kids, but what I like to do is shop early for kids. I check what’s on sale and if it’s too big for the kid, I’ll hold on to it for awhile before I give it to them.
Margaret says:
No style tips but Old Navy is great!
Kim says:
When I was trying to get my stepson ready, I’d make sure everything matched, one way or another.
Lara says:
My daughter is not all that into fashion (like her mom) but there was a time where she wore nothing but dresses, not even skorts in the summer. We also lived where we had all 4 seasons which made it difficult to buy for the winter without having tights (which she also did not like very much). Luckily she has gotten out of that phase, but I do agree that the solid colors and looking in all sections are good ideas no matter who you are buying for.
Beth says:
The easiest way for me to handle the whole kid-style thing (that seems to be ever-changing!) is to make sure they have versatile items that fit them, and let them pick the outfits out. More often then not, my daughter (9) looks like Punky Brewster, but hey, she’s happy and the clothes are appropriate. I pick my battles, and fashion isn’t one of them. At least not until she’s a teenager.
Stefanie says:
I LOOOOOOOOOOOOVE Old Navy. My favorite tip is buying good staples, like leggings, cardigans, jeans, etc. and then splurging on the fun items like dresses, funky t-shirts, barrettes, shoes, things that really make an outfit. What I really love at Old Navy is how easy it is to dress my whole family on a budget. All four of us look smoking hot, dang it.
Nikki says:
Two words: Jeans and T-shirts! Having a boy makes it easy
Morgan Brasfield says:
I am due with our first baby a week from now! I don’t have any style tips (yet) but could use a few
Dannielle Kennedy says:
I like to only by solid bottoms – patterns only for tops… keeps you from mixing patterns…
Kristen says:
I buy graphic tees from the boys section for my little girl (named Annabel!!) too! Love all your outfit combos, I need to try that color pallette thing for sure!!
Kristin says:
Tip I wish someone had given me, but may only apply to my own kid: Don’t tell him he looks handsome when he’s dressed up. He’ll mysteriously decide that all clothes with buttons are “handsome shirts” and that he doesn’t have to wear them more than once or twice a year.
Deena says:
so cute!!!!
Shelley Viestenz says:
I had an “Annie” in that she insisted on doing the choosing and dressing HERSELF! She is now considered to be extremely stylish and funky. I’m so glad I let her pick and choose herself, no matter what I though of her outfit!
Hazel Coleman says:
I have always been a devout shopper at Old Navy for my kids and myself. I love your ideas of having mix and match pieces. I was the mean mom who didn’t give my kids the option of what to wear out when they were little but when they were at home, they were allowed to change into whatever their hearts desired. Now as preteens, they are pretty fashion forward luckily so my interventions are few and far between.
Dawn says:
I too buy shirts from the boys section for my daughter as I find their graphics are more fitting for her. Then again at 3 she is starting to get into the princess phase. Another tip, I hide anything article of clothing that drives me bonkers;> It just mysteriously disappears!
Kay says:
It has been a long time since I had to worry about my kids dressing themselves. If I remember right though it was just easier to let them pick out their own stuff and not worry about it. I don’t remember having too much trouble though. Maybe because it was three boys instead of girls? Would love to have a shopping spree trip to Old Navy!!!
Emily says:
I like the idea of getting clothes in a similar palate. That even works great for me as an adult! Old Navy would be a fun place to spend $500!!
Steph says:
I would usually give my girls a couple of choices so they would want to wear their choice. Also, light layers so they could take off a layer if they got too warm.
J says:
Almost everything goes with jeans. Also? Garanimals works well too. They have that nice coding system with matching hangers.
Laura H. says:
My style tipe is to pick your battles. I swore I would never let my children wear ‘character’ shirts because I don’t like them and would prefer them to look ‘cool.’ Well, my son LOVES anything that is Cars or Cars 2. And, while I didn’t purchase any character shirts for him (unless they were vintage looking) my mom did. My son loves his Cars shirts and I just decided that his happiness was more important than my desire for him to look ‘cool.’ Luckily, he hasn’t started picking out his clothes yet so I put him in his Cars gear when he goes to my mom’s during the week and put him in the clothes I love for the weekend :).
Rachel says:
We shop at Old Navy all the time, for 3 kids ranging in age from 8 to 16. Always try to keep in mind that I will probably be handing down the 16 year-old’s clothing to the younger ones, luckily they all have similar tastes. Classic colors, nothing too trendy is the way to go.
Kathryn says:
Make sure kids clothes will stand up to repeated washings. Playful patterns hide stains.
Liz M says:
My tips … I have an almost 4 year old son. Jeans only! his shirts are divided into two sections. Shirts that go with brown shoes and shirts thatgo with black shoes. We always start off the morning picking out shoeWwwws and after that a shirt from the appropriate shirt set. I also have a 9-month old daughter, but the outfit fits have yet to start. I’ll continue to dress her my way as long as she’ll let me. Thanks for the tips!
Terra says:
I have 4 tweens…yes, I’ll take your sympathy. We let them pick out their own clothes within reason. It’s real easy with boys, and girls, well, bite your tongue a little.
Melissa says:
Adorbs. I just picked out that striped blue and white top for Maya — love it, and the cardi too!
Franny says:
With the little ones, I suggest buying ahead whenever possible — you know your 1 year old should be fitting into 24 mo/2T clothes next winter, so shop the clearance racks for 24mo/2T clothes and snag them while they’re cheap.
Stacey says:
My 6 year old has decided that polka dots, stripes and plaid totally match and should be worn at all times. And ANYTHING matches her silver-sequined knee-high boots (from Old Navy!). She wears them with leggings, skirts, shorts, whatever. There are days when I send an email to her teacher making sure she knows that my daughter dressed herself that morning and I had nothing to do with it.
Jessica A says:
I am not one to offer advice on children-I have none. D0gs are easy, though I think the plan you have in action is a good one and it works for you.
Gamanda says:
My toddler is in full-on dress herself mode. Her biggest issue is that she wants to wear dresses every.day.of.the.winter. and then complains when I force her to wear pants or leggings underneath.
I kind of like her dressing herself though. At least then, if something doesn’t match, or she’s wearing her Halloween shirt again in February for the 3rd time in two weeks, I can just say that SHE picked it out. Whaddaya do?
Emily says:
At the end of each season, we watch all the sales for the stores we like and buy items in a size up for the next year. Last summer we bought most of our son’s clothes for the next year, and the best part is that when we have a weird warm day in the middle of January, he has something to wear instead of hoping his shirts from last summer fit!
Lisa F. says:
I don’t have kids yet, but watching my friends deal with dressing their toddlers has taught me bibles that hope one day to be able to use. One friend (whose child is admittedly not as into fashion as Annie is) provides two or three outfit options for her daughter to choose from. In her case, it lets her daughter feel like she has some control, without making Mom cringe at sending her daughter out in mismatched clothing!
Gabriella says:
I have to admit, I am THAT person. My boys are 17 months apart and I dress them alike. Almost everyday. This is where my tip lies however. In the morning I ask them to go pick out an outfit, and they LOVE finding the matching pair for themselves. For now, they like dressing alike, and it makes every morning a fun game. I even match shoes and socks…its bad.
giselle says:
My kids have four legs.. so they prefer to go au naturale. =) However, I love me some Old Navy, so give it here!!
Emily S says:
We lay out our clothes the night before, it helps!
Maria says:
I take my daughter (5) and older son (3) shopping with me and give them choices on what I buy in the store. If they pick it out, they will almost always wear it when we get it home. Luckily the baby (5.5 months) wears whatever I put on him with no complaints. Also, with my son, if I want him to wear a certain outfit, I point out how the clothing is similar to something of Daddy’s, and he will always put it right on. He wants to be just like daddy.
Susanne says:
I love buying simple fun dresses for our little girl which she can then wear as a top with leggings at least another season. We have gotten so much use out of those!
How do I prepare our pink and purple loving girl for Kindergarten in August where they only allow clothes in white, khaki or blue and shoes only in black or white?
Oh, all the drama coming our way…
Karen says:
They have long sleeve girls dresses!!! I need them!!!
Mary M says:
I’m of the stripe that several have mentioned — I give OMO two choices — and she picks from there.
Sunshine says:
I take all my style know how and toss it out the window!!!! I have 2 girls 8 1/2 and 4 yrs old and they each have thier own style and it doesn’t match mine or each others. My oldest one have a sensory issue and has to be with me to buy clothes so she can feel out they fit against her skin. My youngest is a cross between a tom boy and princess, loves her dresses but plays in the dirt with the boys in them!!!! I love them dearly but I want them to wear what I like!!!!!
Elizabeth says:
Right now my biggest thing is elastic waist bottoms because of potty training.
I also like to have just about every piece be part of a mix and match wardrobe
SUSAN SPARKS says:
Well……my “little ones” are now grown with their own little ones, so my best tip is that I now get to buy what I think they will like or is cute and then their Mom and Dad have to figure out how to get them to wear it if it looks to “MeMe” like!!!!!
Tricia says:
I shop in the boys section too! I also buy the old navy flip flops in pretty much every color so Bella has a pair to go with everything. I love old navy, especially with another baby coming in five weeks so I’m not gonna lie, fingers and toes and pretty much whatever else I can cross is crossed hoping to win that awesome gift card!
Maegan says:
Don’t really have any tips, but my 9 year old daughter loves to shop, and we love OLD Navy Jeans, and dresses.
Sandra says:
My tip is that jeans, overalls and cords do not mix with a potty training 2 year old…. but those are the pants that she will throw a tantrum over because they are her “favrit”!!! Has made for some interesting moments! lol
Rebekah says:
My little girl is only 6 months old, so I still get to dictate what she wears…for now!
Kelly says:
I am a momma of a one year old so I guess my best tip so far has been to buy a bigger size, especially of a favorite outfit!
*fingers crossed!*
Kelly
Karen L says:
My kids are very opinionated with their clothes so I try to do the very same thing. My daughter typically will only wear jeans so its east just to buy various shades of denim and an assortment of tops. I stay away from “outfits” because you definitely do not get as much use out of the clothes!
Mtob says:
My kids wear uniform to school which rocks. However, for play clothes.l tend to get shorts in neutral colors..khaki blue black and then most tops go with them.
Amy says:
I used to give my girls choices between 2 outfits and then they would think they picked out their own clothes.
Crystal says:
My daughters fashion tip: “If it has Taylor Swift on it, wear it.” She is 5. I’m in trouble.
Michelle says:
I always give both my kids (one boy, one girl) choices…a this or that…so they feel like they have options and some control. And with my son…we have a deal…jeans at least once per week.
Paige says:
My son only care about what he’s wearing if he’s pretending to be an animal that day and then his shirt has to have that animal on it or be the color of the animal.
I also by more than one of something if I like it for him.
Zoë says:
My tip is more for my husband. He has me put outfits together in the dresser drawers so I don’t get mad at him when he dresses our 4 yr old daughter like a circus reject.
Elise says:
What an awesome giveaway!! Thanks!
Liz says:
I just let my daughter pick out her own outfits. She’s almost 4 and it’s one less thing for me to have to do and one less power struggle for us. As long as it’s weather appropriate, I don’t care what it looks like! (My husband, on the other hand, has standards. He cringes sometimes.)
Jen says:
Amazingly my 3.5 year old still wants me to pick her clothes (I actually wish she was interested – the grass is always greener, as they say). But she picks jeans leggings skirt or dress and I go from there, so she feels she has some control.
Melissa says:
I try to be strategic with hand-me-downs. Every season I end up buying a couple of pieces, but I love used clothing (lovingly worn) in good condition from older cousins. I save everything in bins, then shop to fill the gaps.
Christine says:
My mom was always so disappointed that I never wanted to wear “girly” clothes. Instead I wanted to dress like my older brother in soccer shorts all the time. There was one exception to this, a navy blue velveteen dress. Apparently I’d love wearing this dress because of how soft it was. My mom said all that was easy compared to when I started wearing all purple outfits, changing myself multiple times a day. My personal record was 6.
Tiffani says:
The fact that all my son’s bottoms are kahki, brown, navy blue or denim makes it pretty easy to not clash any tops with them. Works for me!
Melissa says:
My son is 22 months and he still lets me pick out what he wears!
Robin Wyatt says:
Talking about allowing kids to pick out their own clothes got me remembering when my little girl was a tot! Every morning it was an argument on what to wear. She was tired of being unhappy and I was tired of the fighting. I went to her daycare and elementary schools and explained to everyone she is in charge of picking out what she wants to wear. Oh, how I wish we had camera phones back then some of the outfits can not even be described, but I had a happy child and I was relaxed. Now I have a daughter who can put together beautiful and wonderful outfits on a budget.
Wolfe says:
Sign up for the Old Navy card. It gets you a ton of discounts and make sure to read the fine print. They’ll tell you at the register you can’t double some discounts or something isn’t included but unless it states you can’t, they have to give it to you! I was able to get a maternity dress and shirt for a total of $1.01 thanks to this.
Shannon O says:
I love Old Navy’s clothes, and Annie’s outfits are adorable. I remember getting my daughter some really cute dresses there when she was Annie’s age. She’s 12 now, and I don’t get to pick out her clothes much anymore.
Heather Van Leeuwen says:
I have to take things out of their drawers that I don’t want them wearing any more-especially if it’s one of their favorites!
kim says:
hope i win. kids need new threads.
Brooke says:
Don’t buy a 9 year old boy a winter coat, buy hoodies instead, its all he’ll wear anyway!
Rachel Moore says:
I have a baby boy who isn’t interested in style yet, so he wears whatever I pick out!
Kim says:
The boys go through clothes so quickly now a shopping spree would be heaven! One day the pants fit the next they’re floods!
Kim
Lauren G. says:
I love the idea of lots of mix and match pieces — would definitely make it easier to let them choose their outfits for the day!
Jeni says:
My two little guys are still of the right age where they could care less what Mama puts on them, so for now it’s still my taste in clothing :). Great giveaway, thanks!
lil says:
my tip is to think not only about sizing up but also about multiple uses. I have been careful about the cuts of the dresses that I bought for my 2 and a 1/2 year old–she is able to wear the dresses from last year as smocks or shirts this year. is you go for less fitted, more baby doll styles they are perfect for multiple years!
Erika says:
I usually try to stick with a basic color palette, so everything matches for the most part. Then I tell my 7 year old what type of clothes he needs to wear that day (long sleeves, shorts, jacket etc) and let him pick it out to avoid battles.
Angela says:
I have been shopping at Old Navy for my great-nieces for years. I buy lots of pink and brown and jeans. I love the style details they have on their jeans!
Kristi says:
If my daughter is in the mood to pick out her outfit, I’ll try to narrow down the choices and then let her pick between a couple of outfits. Or I’ll let her pick the pants or the shirt and then I pick the coordinating piece depending on what she chose. If she’s in a quirky mood and only wants certain items, I steer her toward adding a tutu as her accessory. Everything, even toddler hobo outfits, looks cute with a tutu.
missMaegan says:
I love Old Navy! I think keeping it simple with the basics and lots of color!
Kristine says:
It’s already been said, but I just try to give my twins two options to choose from. That way I can minimize the crazy outfits. My daughter still often looks like she escaped from an asylum. I try to be relaxed about it because I remember how important it was to me to choose my own clothes, even when I was just 3.
Pam says:
My style tip for my 3-year-old? I give her two outfit options in the morning and she picks which one goes on.
Cory says:
As long as it’s weather appropriate, I wouldn’t put up a fight. And make sure to take pictures of the really awful ones for when she’s a teenager!
Jewl says:
I wanna win, I wanna win, I wanna win pick me, pretty please
electricdaisy says:
I like mixing patterns. What’s the point of being little if you can’t pull off some semi-clashing stuff?
Lori says:
My tip is to make a button that says “I dressed myself today”! I have a daughter who is insistent on choosing her own outfits, but has not yet figured out that simply having the same color in two pieces of clothing doesn’t mean it matches.
Jess Stewart says:
I have always let me kids have two choices on their outfits and that way I have some control but they have the final choice of an outfit i like.. its easier with boys than little girls, in my opinon.
Angie K says:
LOVE me some Old Navy!!
Kari says:
That little girl of yours cracks me up! I just love your idea of buying clothes are are meant to match each other–what a money saver, too! I’ll have to remember that for when our future little one begins dressing him/her self!
Shannon says:
No tips, since LO is still a wee babe. Maybe just make sure it’s easy to take off for diaper changes!
Annegirrl says:
I now just let the 4 year old pick her own outfits and when they are bad I casually mention to anyone that looks at her strangely how proud I am that she picked out her own outfit today. Just have to keep it clear that I did not put her in brown sparkly tights, red tshirt, and a mint green skirt.
Erin says:
I used to pre-package entire outfits into gallon bags so she could pick the bag and a WHOLE outfit would be inside. Similar to a bed-in-a-bag concept.
Lauren says:
My one tip is to go with bright colors as much as you can! Fun to see younger kids in brighter stuff and not just pastels.
Jill says:
My little boy is almost two, but he still doesn’t care what he wears. I’ve had more fun than I ever could have imagined dressing a little boy. Even though most of the time there is more to choose from for girls, it requires me to be a little more creative when picking out clothes for Henry.
Barbara says:
My oldest loves to pick out her clothes. Some mornings I give her options, but there are days when she is adamant about what is going on her body and I’ve learned to just go with the flow. It makes her happy and she usually does a pretty good job.
Megan says:
I always try to dress my 19 month old like a 19 month old. There’s a lot of fancy boutiques that allow you to dress babies like sophisticated Manhattan fashionistas, but there’s only a very small window of time in your life in which you can get away with wearing caterpillars on your shirts and elastic-waist pants.
LizL says:
My tips used to be to dress my boys like daddy. Now my 3 year old has very specific ideas on what he wants to wear. Like, OMG Super Grover Shirt!! He’s a total dude, I have to make sure I wash it everyday or he will smell like one.
Emily says:
My baby is 7 months – too little to pick her own clothes, but I do have the “dress dilemma” – they are impractical, yet everyone loves buying them for her. She got so many for Christmas, and since we live in the Midwest where it’s cold in winter, she needs to wear tights with them. Tights = uncomfortable baby. So, I purchased several pairs of leggings for her to wear with the dresses so that they don’t just end up hanging in the closet unworn! Baby jeggings + dress = cutest thing ever!
Kelly says:
One of my tips for being frugal when it comes to buying my kids’ clothes, (I have three) is to buy more tops than pants. Due to the material differences, the pants always seem to last longer, and the shirts wear out quicker and get stained more. Plus, doesn’t it seem like people notice shirts more than pants? This way they could wash and wear the pants more often than the tops.
sjl22783 says:
My style tip is to buy all clothing that could go together no matter how they are matched, but I also only buy outfits (for the most part) then I will hang the entire outfit on one hanger. That way all my dd (or dh)has to is pick out a hanger and there u have it! A matching girl! And stress free morning! It would b so great to win this as my girl has had a huge growth spurt this past month and has outgrown all of her 2t looks like time for 3t.
Autumn Canter says:
My daughter is becoming picky about her clothes at only 17 months. My son took about 3 1/2 years to care or even try to dress himself. Sage would love a shopping spree!
Carolyn says:
My 3.5 year old is starting to have an opinion about what she wears (she didn’t used to!). Often times, we’ll comprise. I choose the outfit for preschool but she can wear whatever she likes to swimming lessons later in the day. This way, she still feels like she has some power and in delaying her choosing, she often forgets and just wears what she has on!
Jen says:
No kids, but I love buying my niece anything that comes in a matching set for her favorite doll. She thinks it’s pretty awesome too. =)
Cara Payan says:
What a fantastic giveaway! $500 would go a long way at Old Navy for my family with a little left over for me too! Thanks for a chance to win.
Ashley says:
Luckily our little one is too young to care, but I do strive for comfort during the weekdays while she’s at the sitter. The bigger one gets to choose for the most part. School day clothes have to be weather appropriate and within school dress code. Weekends she can go crazy.
Saily says:
Love Old Navy pants and jeans for my very tall but slim boys. One of the only places I can find pants that fit!
Tracy says:
Oh how I miss the days when I got to pick out the clothes. Today, my child styling tip is this: when I’m presented with two options and she asks which she should wear, I pick the one I don’t like. Because that’s always the one she goes for.
nicole says:
Boys have less options, but you can find some cute stuff if you keep an eye out. I don’t have any ideas, but I am looking for ideas from anyone who knows if there are jeans out there with double knees? We go through jeans like water around our house.
Melissa says:
Ha, my tip is not caring very much – not very stylish, but their sometimes garish color combinations just don’t bother me!
Emily M says:
I’m having my first baby in about 5 weeks and would love a shopping spree to start me out. Unfortunately, since I’m new to this I don’t particularly have a ‘kid style’ to share, but I love the fact that you got a t-shirt from the boys section. My baby girl will definitely be rocking things other than pink.
Thanks for the giveaway!
Holly says:
Thanks for the giveaway! *fingers crossed*
Elizabeth says:
I don’t have any children, but if I win I promise to smother my pseudo nieces with lots of clothes
Mary C. says:
I really struggled with this too! I don’t think I have any helpful tips, though. I do love Old Navy!
Another Mama says:
I’m going to agree with comfort. My daughter currently will not wear jeans, so we are really creative with leggings. There also NEEDS to be at least 1 pink item in the ensemble. Where does that come from???
Rachel says:
I usually ask my daughters to pick out the shirt they want to wear and what shoes and then i take care of the pants. This way i can still make sure they don’t look like hobos and they still have choices when getting dressed. :o)
Chelsea says:
My parents let me dress myself when I was a kid, but they hadn’t thought things through as much as you have Suffice it to say that I knew from an early age that I was not a gifted “pattern mixer,” in the words of Tim Gunn… Annie is quite the lucky, stylish kiddo!
ChrisP says:
Old Navy Rocks! I don’t have any kids so don’t have any tips, but I sure could use the gift card!
Shylah says:
I had to learn to pick my battles. When my now-ten-year-old was in preschool, she was bent on picking her own clothes. I had to learn to let go, and the only “rule” was that it had to be seasonally appropriate. To this day, I sometimes wish I could pick her clothes.
deanna says:
Awesome giveaway! My daughter seems to have outgrown everything in her closet in the last few weeks. She does pretty well if I give her 2-3 choices per category (tops/pants/etc). If she gets dressed on her own, it’s pretty much pink head-to-toe.
Jessica says:
My babe is only 3 months old but my tip is to score hand me downs from rich inlaws. :O)
Miriam says:
I helped my mother raise my two youngest siblings, aged 10 and 12 now, so now they pick their own clothes but when they were little, my mom and I had styling tips!
1. Pick a shirt one size bigger. 2. See if that shirt matches with any bottoms, like pants, shorts, skirt for girls etc. 3. Then pick shoes that go with everything because those shoes will last only a little while. That saves you money because as a lot of you know, you will be buying lots of shoes for a growing kid!
Also, in terms of matching, you could also pick bottoms first and see if any shirt goes with that. My mom’s biggest styling tip was picking a shirt/bottoms that had many colors because then that could be paired with many other things!
Trish says:
We keep lots of leggings on hand for our 4 year old daughter. She loves to wear skirts and dresses, and that way, we don’t have fights when the weather is too cool for bare legs – she’s allowed to wear whatever skirt or dress she likes, she just has to cover her legs.
Mary says:
I would LOVE to win this sopping spree! I have a 6 month old daughter who is growing like a weed & could REALLY use $500 at Old Navy……they have the cutest baby stuff
Randi H. says:
New clothes come in on Tuesdays if you’re looking to snag new releases early!
Pat says:
I only have boys so quality is a big factor for kid shopping. Stuff has to withstand the rough and tumble of boys
Amanda says:
I enjoy and encourage clashing, mixing patterns is so liberating!
Loren Bell says:
All three of my children wear almost exclusively mix and match clothes from Old Navy, but not because THEY like to pick them out. No, no . . . the reason we do it is so myHUSBAND can dress them without making them look like baby hobos. It still happens sometimes though.
Jennifer says:
I always give my three year old two options and let her pick which one. Although often enough, whatever pants I choose end up with a random tutu over top.
Brooke Y says:
My best styling tip is to have an outfir laid out for the days Daddy has to dress her!
JBowman says:
I also liked to give my kids a couple of options so they could make their own choices. Of course there were still days where they weren’t exactly fashion plates, but that’s what jackets are for!
Lindsay says:
My almost two-year-old has a favorite shirt that is quite possibly the dumbest shirt I’ve ever seen! My mom bought it for him when we were shopping because he literally grabbed the entire stack of shirts off of a folding table and wouldn’t put them down because he loved them so much. It’s an orange t-shirt that says, “I Love Pancakes,” but instead of a heart for “love” it’s a picture of a smiley face licking it’s lips and “pancakes” is a picture of a stack of pancakes. U-G-L-Y, but he loves it and wants to wear it all the time. $500 at Old Navy would be great, because maybe I could replace the pancake shirt with some cute alternatvies!
Erin F says:
As long as we pick out clothes the night before we usually have a smooth morning in terms of getting dressed!
Laura Beauchamp says:
COMFORT is the most important factor in children’s fashion. They must be able to play comfortably, they are children after all!
Allison M. says:
Oh Pick Me! Luckily I have a 3 year old son who still lets me pick his clothes out. My only tip for boys his age…jeans, they go with everything.
jenny says:
I give choices. Pick one of these two or three outfits to wear. That usually satisfies my daughter.
Heather says:
My daughter will be 4 on Valentine’s Day. In her eyes, if it doesn’t have sparkle or bling, or the ability to “spin good,” it’s a bad choice. It’s all she wants. I love stuff like the Turn It Up shirt you got Annie, and I always check the boys department for good stuff. If I’m lucky, I can get Louie to wear something like that with a frilly tutu, but mostly, she wins anymore. When I go to buy her summer wardrobe this year, she will most likely be with me, and she will most likely be picking EVERYTHING out.
Brie says:
I find that texture is just as important as color. Be sure to mix and add textures to the wardrobes!
Pat Trippiedi says:
I like to offer a few choices, makes the day go by better. Also, pick them out the night before.
Kristin says:
I basically follow the same prinicipal for both my daughter and son. All clothes must be mix and match so even Daddy can’t mess it up. And dresses. In the summer its lots and lots of dresses for my daughter.
Linda Heinz says:
My granddaughter’s style is anything with bright colors and stripes. The more colors, the better. She picks out her clothes after her bath time. That way in the morning, she doesn’t waste time picking out clothes.
She loves anything with sparkle.
Amy D says:
I usually put out two or three options for my daughter to choose from. Great giveaway!
Amy says:
I’ve gotten most of my daughters clothes from goodwill stores. I just can’t afford shopping for clothes at department stores.
Rachel Nehmelman says:
I love Old Navy clothes especially for my two girls a 6 year old and a 3 year old. The are easy to take care of and last. Both my girls love wearing dresses and theirs are reasonable and long lasting.
didi says:
Jeggings!
Jen Booth says:
I have older kids. It has been a struggle learning to let go of my need to control what they wear. I now just make sure that anything with holes “goes away”. It’s a process and sometimes it’s painful!
Lisa says:
Those are some really cute clothes!
Elizabeth says:
We live in Minnesota so our biggest problem (for me) is breathing through the tights/dress combinations my girls come up with. I’ve tried teaching them pattern tights + solid color dress or vice versa, but it never works. So I breathe deeply and laugh along with all the strangers when they look like very colorful, busy, dizzying hobos.
Nicole says:
I am just happy if my kids will dress themselves without me… they do a pretty good job, though. No hobos! My 2 year old girl is lucky to get her hair brushed once in a while. Can you tell I’m a bit exhausted? =)
Tammy C says:
I love shopping!! No kids for me, but an adult style tip — go naked!!
Sara says:
I love to let my 3 year old put outfits together! She would have a great time picking out some things at Old Navy!
Tracy says:
If you have a girly girl like I do, invest in plenty of leggings that can fit under skirts and dresses in cold weather.
emilyah says:
style tip for.winter: buy plain bottoms, jeans or.cords, for your children and they get to practice their indepedence by choosing any shirt they wish from their closet. Hooray for no more dressing struggles!
Marnie * says:
My 7yo has her own style, that fits HER. Just the other day she wore a hot pink top and a lime green skirt with her purple leggings . Colors and patterns don’t always match, but she likes it and I think she looks adorable.
miranda says:
I like to be able to mix and match!
Leigh says:
My four year old is OBSESSED with clothes and shoes. Painfully so! Ha! I’ve discovered the best option for us is to give her two non negotiable choices every morning. Otherwise my sweet lady will be wearing her Christmas dress and glitter flats every day. Not cute in February!
Emily says:
I don’t have kids, but when shopping for my nieces and nephews the clearance rack at Old Navy is AMAZING. I used to work there and would spend so much money, mostly on awesome clearance pieces!
Jamie says:
Pink, pink and more pink. Did I mention pink?
Cecilia says:
I pick the pants and she gets a choice between 2 shirts. I have a tall skinny kid and all her pants have to be elastic waist bands or they fall off. I wish I has the same problem as my three year old.
Mary says:
My style tip is there are no rules when dressing a little kid. Zebra stripe glittery patent leather mary janes. Yes, please. I’m very jealous my daughter owns these, can you tell? Mix metallic colors. Mix polka dots and stripes. She can get away with everything I can’t.
Walker J. says:
Oh, what a great giveaway! We love Old Navy at our house!
BeccaV says:
My little boy can go either way, sometimes he wears what I want him to, other times he picks out his own shirt. He loves comfortable pants, he has 2 pairs of sweatpants that he would wear everyday if we let him. He always says “I want to wear my comfy pants.”
I don’t have any tips other than buy what you like, we bought our little guy spiderman shoes because he wanted them. We hated them and were so happy when they finally wore out!
Catherine says:
What an excellent giveaway!
Franziska says:
If my daughter (who is four and also dresses herself rather, um, colorful and multi-patterned) were to give any advice, it would be MORE color and MORE patterns. Um. Yes. You can never not spot her. I’ve embraced it though and now thoroughly enjoy the outfits she puts together. It also helps when I’m behind with laundry and she has no matching clothes … she looks no different on those days than she would if all her clothes were clean
Patty says:
Oh, this sure would come in handy for our family!
Dorothy Dolecka says:
I don’t have any kids!! But I will say to dress you kids in the right size! My sister has a habit of dressing her kid in sizes too small (I don’t think she wants her to grow up) making her look so uncomfortable!! I LOVE Old Navy? They have super awesome clearance deals!!
Payal says:
We’re in the midst of potty training our 2-year old so right now we put her in pants that are easy for her to pull down & up (so no leggings or skinny jeans at the moment) and skirts/dresses. Also, I’ve always preferred solid bottoms and patterned tops so I’ve just realized that’s what I pick out for my daughters also.
Erin Lawson says:
My 2 year year old is my last baby, and so far she lets me dress her! I know soon it’s coming to an end and we will be fighting over clothes. sigh. She already gets excited to see her favorites, but she doesn’t ask for them yet…
Joy says:
That is such good advise and takes the stress out of the morning battle!
kmom says:
If they say they don’t like it, they won’t wear it, so don’t bother buying it.
Kids get opinions on their clothes pretty fast, they want to express themselves!
Watch out for hidden “itchy” tags……
Erika says:
Adorable, love the stripes!
Rebecca says:
Living in a place where we can’t wear short sleeves year around and would not want to wear longs sleeves year around either….I have a top row of clothes that are the ‘out of season’ clothes and the bottom row is filled with the clothes that can be worn. Out of sight out of mind.
Tara says:
LOVE Old Navy!!
Whitney says:
I also use the like it, buy more of the same trick.
nami says:
i normally pick out 2 outfits for my daughter to wear, and let her choose. that way, i can pick out non-hobo outfits, and she remains in control! we’re all happy!
Shawna says:
My style tip is to NOT LET MY 2 1/2 YR OLD KNOW SHE HAS A CHOICE IN DRESSING HERSELF.
Seriously, we have a 5-hook system where each daycare day’s clothes are picked out by me the weekend in advance. I give her the choice each day of which outfit she wants to wear so that she still feels like she has control, but it hasn’t yet occurred to her that she could switch things up (although I’m sure that day is coming).
The weekends? She thinks it’s standard to sepnd the day in PJs
Alitia says:
Luckily my 15 mth old boy doesn’t have much of an opinion in clothes. One thing I have found that helps get him dressed easier is sounding excited about whatever article of clothing I’m putting on him. Like “oh wow, today were putting on your red shirt with the choo choo train! Awesome!” He then wants to go look in the mirro to see the train. Hopefully this will work for a while longer
Liz B says:
I agree – keeping a color palette that works is important. Also – hiding all the clothes you hate so they can’t find them!
Jackie says:
I buy lots of mix n match pieces so that my 6 year old can put together her own outfits on the weekends (uniform for Kindergarten during the week). She loves it and her combinations are always cute.
Melissa says:
If Mike is different then most men, then I apologize. My tip is to not let Daddy dress the girls lol
Laura Muskrat says:
I don’t really have any tips other than letting all of my kids, no matter what their ages, pick out their own outfits. I don’t buy them anything that I wouldn’t mind them wearing so I don’t have to worry about them wearing something inappropriate.
Julie says:
Do you have to have kids to win? I don’t but I’d wear any of Annie’s outfits if they came in my size!
Tamara says:
great giveaway!
I admit that I also tend to buy color coordinated wardrobes :). I’m getting more lax about letting her wear what she wants, but am constantly amazed at how well she is able to choose from the choices given to her. We love old navy around here!
Kim Adams says:
I wish I had some good tips for you. Your ideas are great. I think I need Annie to give me some style tips.
Sarah says:
Kid clothes shopping is the best! I would love to be able to gorge on Old Navy, thanks for the chance to!
Janet says:
No kid style tips from me, except own a ton of spray and wash! Boy, does it come in hand, a LOT!
Sarah says:
My son is just 2 months older than Annie, and, I usually only give him a choice between 2 shirts in the morning, which works great assuming that both of those shirts have a truck/car/plane/dinosaur on it. Those cute plaid button downs are all gathering dust in his closet!
Jenny says:
My sd is 12 and is very particular about what she wears. only jeans and t shirts and sweats. She is starting to get into all the teenage stores but old navy is still acceptable. I would love to win because they are one of the few places that have long shorts she can wear to school.
Rachel says:
Let ’em express themselves! I didn’t have much autonomy in my outfits growing up and it made it really hard to find my own sense of style as an adult… insecurities and hating shopping and all that. So I’m all for encouraging kids to see clothing as an expression of who they are. Who cares what other people think!
Bree says:
It think this is a great idea! I don’t want my kid dressing in mixed matched neon polka dots/plaids…can you tell I was a baby of the 80’s? I don’t have kids yet, but this advice is something that I will remember!
Sara says:
I would loooove the giftcard! My husband and I just completed seminary and it would be nice to add some items to our wardrobes that aren’t just t-shirts and slouchy jeans.
LivLaughEat says:
My kid dressing tip is to have a boy so he will let you pick out his clothes forever. Though if the Tyrant were to one day decide he wants to pick out his own clothes, I love your idea of making sure everything can go together, but I don’t mind sending him to school looking like a hobo…though he will go with a sticker that also proudly announces “I dressed myself today!” so they know it wasn’t ME!
Katrina W. says:
We are big fans of layering & leggings. We rock leggings with dresses that we’ve outgrown and now that I’m starting to buy spring dresses, we layer a long sleeve tee underneath and add leggings so that we can get extended use out of it all. I Old Navy!
Dianne says:
DARK COLORS. When possible – this is harder for girls of course. But the darker colors do not show stains as much, and my kids are messy!
Andrea says:
Yesplease!!!
Lauren R says:
I buy what I like for them, and then let them choose what they want to wear.
Missy says:
My tip? Try clothes on AT HOME. My girlie pitches a fit, a TANTRUM trying on clothes in stores. It has saved my sanity to buy, try on at home and return what doesn’t fit.
Catherine says:
Love your color palette idea! And what a great giveaway.
Pattie says:
My only real kid-style tip at the moment is to let Coraline help pick out at least part of her outfit for the day. She’s 16 months old now, so I expect her to start wanting more of a say soon.
I also do the mix-and-match thing where I buy a few basic pieces that are interchangeable, but she’s outgrown a lot of those.
Lori says:
I always buy pants that have elastic waist for my little ones so they can do everything themselves. This is especially helpful for potty trips- no half naked boys wandering around looking for help with their pants!
Dawn K. says:
We try to do a lot of basics, and supplement with cute cardigans or leggins. If the shirts are solid colored, matching a pair of striped leggings or what not is so much easier.
Jackie says:
I have a 7 year old daughter so I understand how you have to figure out little tricks to make outfits work and than can be worn with different things. We are especially fond of cardigans. They can make a dress look more put together, pair them with jeggings and a cute top and it MAKES the outfit cuter. Graphic tee’s are my daughter’s favorite. What we do is tie a knot on the side to make them a little more funky when she wears shorts & flip flops.. throw on a cute statement headband and it will make all the difference! I love Old Navy because they carry everything, we even shop there for uniforms.
Betsy says:
My older son’s entire wardrobe is from Old Navy. And so is my younger son’s, because all his clothes are hand-me-downs.
Kristina says:
My DD is 7.5 and until a year ago she didn’t care what she wore, so I picked it out every day. Simple, always matched, always was appropriate for the weather. Now, she wants to do it all herself, so she does, down to all the accessories (hair, scarf, jewelry, etc.). I don’t care what she puts together unless she’ll be too cold or hot. She usually looks outrageous, and that’s fine with me.
Sara H. says:
My 5yo son is picky about his pants/shorts. He insists on comfort over style so it’s always sweat pants/sweat shorts for him. To overcompensate for this I always make sure the shirt and shoes are super trendy. The comfort and style even out and we are both happy
Katrina R says:
Too many options take too much time. But Old Navy does make it super easy to stick to color groups!
Joan says:
OMG, I want 90% of everything in the photos. LOVE the navy cardigan with the striped tee and the red pants. Can I have it in MY size?
doug says:
Great giveaway! Fingers crossed…
Vickie Couturier says:
Wow,I could certainly use this with buying for my 8 grandchildren,,they grow out of clothes so fast
vlbelk(at)Hotmail.com
Elizabeth says:
My daughter likes picking out her clothes, but she LOVES picking out her shoes. If I get the wrong shoes, she will not wear them. I let her pick out her shoes and then I make an outfit around them. She does throw in some opinions here and there but for the post part it is easy peasy!
Darla says:
Have boys! I have two boys ages 8 and 5 and neither of them care that I pick their clothes out for them still. Maybe it’s because they are lazy and would rather I did all the “hard” work but I like that they look together so I don’t mind it one bit!!
Brittany says:
Who wants to go on a shopping spree to Old Navy?? Meeeeee!
The most kids’ clothes shopping experience I have is when I shop for the children I adopt every Christmas off of the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree. I follow the color palette rule and try to buy things that all coordinate, and when I adopt siblings like the two sisters I adopted in 2010, I try to find items available in both sizes so they’re receiving the same things but usually in different colors. I adopted an infant girl in 2011, and bought onesies with coordinating leggings that the mom could mix and match. It was so sweet to shop in the baby section, but the baby’s wish list broke my heart–she needed towels, soap, diapers, clothes, blankets, diaper cream, etc.
Kim says:
Our little one is still young to have any opinion, however, this would be awesome for when daddy dresses him.
Shana says:
My 11 yr old has recently become fashion and brand obsessed. I have not tricks for her other than when she wants a (insert brand name uber expensive item) I tell her what I would normally pay for that when not being brand obsessive and give her the option of paying the difference or tell her to add it to a birthday/Christmas list.
My 9 yr old son…can’t care. (sorry about the grammar that is just a phrase I’ve picked up and can’t shack. I like it.) The only thing he really cares about is how his clothing feels. This results in hilarious combinations. I try to only buy him soft things now. #workinprogress
Julie Sprayberry says:
All that my girl wants to wear is her Tinkerbell or Elmo shirt…everyday.
Erynn says:
I have a boy and a girl so I try and stick to shirts and sweatshirts that can be worn by my son, then handed down to my daughter.
Amy K says:
My style tip for my almost 3-year-old daughter is to get everything in varying shades of pink, because she’s in a stage where that’s all she really wants to wear right now (despite my best efforts). Thanks for the drawing! Almost all of her clothes are from Old Navy sales.
Rebekah says:
My shopping tip, the clearance rack is your friend! At the end of every season, stores put that year’s items on clearance. You can guestimate their size (better too big than too small) and buy their wardrobe for the next year at a huge discount.
My daughter was born 11/27/11. Last summer I bought as many clearance summer outfits in sizes 9-12 months. We’re all set for summer and very little was more than $2 an outfit. I’m ready to start scooping the winter clearance now for next winter. She’s a super diva at a very low price.
Adria says:
This is actually a great idea. I just had to let the control thing go, though I do have power of veto if she picks something that isn’t weather appropriate. Your strategy wouldn’t work entirely for me though because my mother goes rogue and buys whatever she wants. To the point that my daughter comes home in a brand new outfit every single time she comes home from Grandma’s.
Jillian says:
I have a little girl is who 5 weeks younger than Annie and we have been having the same issue. I let her pick out what shoes she wants to wear first, since that is the most important thing to her. I will pick out a couple of options to coordinate with her shoe choice and go from there.
Danielle says:
My daughter will be two in two days and all she wants to wear right now is yellow Thanks Old Navy for stocking some cute yellow gear this season.
abmjem says:
I would say my biggest tip is be careful about buying things too far ahead of time because they’re on sale (like buying bathing suits in the fall). Kids’ growth can be so unpredictable and when you buy that far in advance, there’s a pretty good chance that the new coat/swimsuit/other seasonal item isn’t going to fit, because the kid you projected would be wearing a 2T just had a major growth spurt and is in a 3T instead. And by the time you find that out it’s usually too late to return the item.
Cami says:
I sure could use the Shopping Spree for my 2 girls! Please oh please.
Carrie says:
I am the lucky momma of three(!) boys, all ages 5 and under (5, 3, and 9 mos.). My three year old LOVES to dress himself, and his outfit choices are crazy. His current favorite? Pajamas. I have made it a point to not fight the clothing battle. As long as he is dressed for the weather, I don’t care. Oh, and as long as he can put the clothes on and off himself, I also don’t care. My favorite outfit of all time? Too small overalls (they were 24 months and just happened to be in his drawer, but he proved to me he could put them on and take them off!), and a pajama shirt, topped off with cowboy boots.
We would LOVE the gift card to Old Navy. All of the clothes we own are hand-me-downs, and I haven’t shopped for myself in three years.
Jamie says:
My style tips are layers and comfort. and old navy has both! And I’d love the shopping spree
Alejandra Hernandez says:
My four year old loves anything pink and purple she also loves wearing jeans. Pick me! I love Old Navy!
Rebecca says:
I am 25 weeks pregnant and LOVE Old Navy maternity clothes! This would be awesome : )
Emese says:
My daughter is 8, and I don’t dare buy anything without her around. If I like it… she won’t. She already has her own style and Old Navy is one of her favorite places to shop.
Colleen says:
I think that Annie always dresses adorably!
Jessica Wood says:
Great Idea! My oldest son is 5 and he could care less about what he wears. He says “Mama you buy me cool clothes so I don’t care.” The joy of a boy My younger son is only 18 months and I have fabulous friends with fabulous hand me downs so not matter what my boys look cute(to me I love Old Navy and their prices. Great store.
Moira says:
I totally agree about buying stuff in the same general palette for a season – it makes it so easy to mix and match everything and look more coordinated with very little effort.
Brandy says:
I love using dresses my daughter’s outgrown as tops/tunics over leggings.
Issa says:
My son could care less. He still thanks me half the time for each shirt. I’m pretty sure I could pick out his clothes until he’s 12.
With my girls though…when they love a shirt or sweater, I buy several of the same design in different colors. It eliminates the I want to wear this exact shirt every day argument. Makes my life so much easier.
Krys says:
My daughter is almost 3, and she enjoys having a say in what she wears. We have encouraged this, and only give her two options a day. I try to take her shopping with me for her clothes, so that we buy things she’s apt to wear, but I only buy things I also like.
Old Navy is a staple in our shopping circuit, and my girl loves their stuff. We’ve bought all her winter coats at Old Navy, and we’re constantly getting compliments on them. Very cute!
Shauna Amondson says:
This is amazing! Love Old Navy Style tip for kids would be to make sure everything is comfortable.
Stacey says:
These are great tips for adults, too – I have such a hard time choosing what to wear because I buy outfit-specific pieces. Definitely going to take this advice.
Sabrina says:
My kid style tip … let her wear what she wants as long as it’s weather appropriate! Yesterday she picked a striped shirt and striped pants because, “They are both stripes mam!!!”
As you can imagine, it was a stripe nightmare!!!
But, who cares!
Emily says:
I have a thing for putting my two-year-old in overalls … There’s nothing cuter than a toddler in overalls!!
Julie Snow says:
I would love to win this! We have five boys and one girl – my girl is definitely the one who has an opinion on her clothing. None of my sons ever really did until my oldest turned 14 and now he is becoming particular – Old Navy always seems to work for him!
Carrie says:
My advice is to only buy things that I would be willing for my kids to wear. And when I get tired of certain outfits, those tend to stay in the dirty laundry pile longer than outfits I do like
danielle reid says:
My six year old is definitely an artist at heart and loves to ‘create’ her look every morning. Thank goodness that her public school requires uniforms so I have some modicum of control. My tip is that clothes will just happen to disappear if they’ve seen better days or don’t fit right anymore. If I don’t make a big deal about it, she doesn’t seem to even notice. I love Old Navy and with three little girls – it would come in super handy!!
Erin says:
Pick me! Pick MEEEEE!
I have a niece and 3 nephews aged 5 to 15, so I’m forever buying them all kinds of awesome “from Auntie” stuff that their folks would never buy them. That gift certificate would totally help me out with my quest for kid corruption and eventually world domination alongside 4 of my favorite little (but getting bigger every day – AAAAH!!!) people! MoahahahaHAHA *cough cough*
Josey says:
Hmmm…I have a 2 1/2 year old boy and we do lots of shopping Could certainly use the gift certificate from Old Navy. A style tip? No cartoon characters on clothing
Celi says:
My kid style tip is not to buy too far ahead. It’s not a bargain if it does not get used.
Betsy says:
I am always shopping sales/consignment for clothes a size or two up which I keep in a bin in the closet. Also, end-of-season clearance is awesome as I can guess for the most part what size my son will be in when that season comes around. I try hard not to buy shoes with laces because it is a huge time/frustration saver especially on a school day!
Aisha says:
I’ve noticed that my little girl loves to imitate her mom, so I try to buy her outfits that are similar in color & lots of jeans. I used to freak out at the notion of her dressing her self at first, but I must say most days I’m impressed with her outfit choices.
Lacy says:
I pick my boys clothes and I just try to make sure whatever they’re wearing, if ruined, won’t be a huge loss!
grethe says:
don’t buy a kid in daycare anything white. it’ll never be clean again. even if they tell you it’s washable paint.
Brandie says:
I keep all my daughter’s dresses and use them as shirts the next year. Strappy dresses are great as tank tops.
Gina says:
I let my daughter choose between two tops, without any options for bottoms. Once she’s made her decision I pull out a matching skirt or pant. That way I can get her in something she chooses and it still matches.
Yannelli says:
I love old navy!im always getting their pajamas for my son!
Beth says:
My tip is if my boys like something, I but a couple of them cause then they will wear it as opposed to buying something I like and they never wear it!
Dawn says:
The only clothing ‘rules’ we have in our house is that it must be 1) seasonally appropriate (though I have been known to layer long sleeved tees under favorite summer shirts/dresses to avoid an epic meltdown) and 2) no leggings as pants unless the butt is covered. This one applies mostly to my daughter as I’m pretty sure my son would laugh his fool head off at me if I ever tried to put him in leggings even at 2. Everything else is fair game, even if it means that my master plan of not allowing any pink clothing was thwarted the moment she was born.
Mami2jcn says:
I buy a size up for my daughter so that she can wear the clothes longer.
Abigail @ Skywaitress says:
Well I don’t really have any style tips for kiddos yet…. but I have a feeling that’s going to change soon.
Kari says:
I buy generic thermal undershirts so my son can wear his summer shirts in the winter to make them last longer. I also buy bigger so they last longer.
Sarah says:
Awesome prize, I hope I win it!!!
Antonia says:
I don’t have kiddos yet but when I shop for some of my best friends kids I base it off of would I wear it. No reason to send your kid wearing something you yourself wouldn’t wear :o)
terri says:
no style tips here – just as long as he has on a clean pair of underwear – definitely keeps the peace! he’s been dressing himself since he was 3 (he’s only 5) – one of the best was his all Orange outfit last year for school – and now when we go out to dinner he likes to dress ‘nice’ – so he puts on jeans and a button-down collared shirt like ‘daddy’.
Sarah says:
No style tips yet… but I totally have an Old Navy hoodie that my French bulldog loves to wear!! : ) Thanks for the giveaway!
Sarah T says:
Great idea to have everything coordinate! My daughter has been getting a little too creative lately
Jess says:
I’m not sure if this counts as a style tip exactly, since my kid is only one, but I try to strike a balance between age-appropriate, baby-style stuff and stuff that’s not embarrassing. I try not to cover my kid with embarrassing slogans while also not dressing him like he’s about to go off to a day in the office. So we end up doing lots of prints and patterns. Stripes are my personal favorite.
Kathy says:
Old Navy is my favorite place to buy my clothes and my kids’ clothes!
val says:
I used to be a nanny for a 2 year old girl who insisted on picking out her own clothes. Honestly, I considered this to be a battle not worth having. So she doesn’t match? Who cares. She’s two. She wants to wear a pricess costume to the store? Big deal. She’s two. On days when she HAD to look nice, I would let her pick her own outfit to wear that she could change into immediately after whatever obligation was done with. But maybe I had an unusually logical two year old.
Kristy says:
Would love to win a gift card for an Old Navy shopping spree!
Paula says:
You can wear this today, but tomorrow you need to wear this…..OR yes you can wear that today but tomorrow I will need you to wear this. You can also have a cool aunt that persuades your daughter’s fashion sense.
Skye says:
My parents had very different ideas about dressing me when I was a kid. My mom thought my dad dressed me horribly (a typical outfit would be a zoo t-shirt and my favorite jeans, which were rainbow striped), while my dad thought my mom was too matchy-matchy (I even had outfits that matched hers)!
I like your idea of shopping in all sections. Like toys, children’s clothing shouldn’t have to be segregated by gender.
Laura says:
Would love to win a gift card! Keep it simple and fun!
Lisa K says:
I buy things in a similar color palate as well, so no matter what their creative combo ends up being, it won’t be too crazy looking I also like to buy larger sizes of a few basic pieces if it’s an awesome deal so they can grow into the clothes later on.
Kristy says:
I’m a long time reader who rarely comments … but this shopping spree is worth it!
Amy says:
I only buy items that are machine washable. Who thought dry clean only children’s clothing would be a good idea?
Monica says:
I try to buy in the offseason so I am usually getting great deals!
Susan says:
We love Old Navy!! Both my girls love to pick their own clothes out and my best tip is just to let them do it. It took me a long time to just let go and let them decide what to wear.
Sarah says:
I love Old Navy and I love your tips! We’re expecting baby #2 in a few weeks and I’m so excited to do a little shopping using your ideas. Thanks for the giveaway!
Dana says:
My favorite kid-style tip is to not be afraid to mix patterns! On adults its a little busy, but on my daughter- adorable!
Stacey says:
We deal with alot of hand me downs for our twin girls. So the option of everything matching would be a miracle. With that being said, there are enough clothes that they haven’t starting being picky yet. So everyday they get to choose between two things, all of which would go together in some way(to avoid that hobo look) they still get the power of picking their own outfit, but within control. I know this won’t last forever…but it’s nice at the moment.
SUPAHMAMA says:
I’ll let you keep the $500 giftcard for Annie’s wardrobe in MY size!!! Those are fabulous little outfits! LOVE THEM!
Varsha says:
My 2 year old is the same way. Actually I am a fan of Old Navy since they always have cool clothes and combinations. And having 2 biys helps me in by hand me downs for the younger one.
Molly says:
My daughter picks out her own clothes. We struggle with the cold weather because she wants to wear her summer dresses all year long. We let her as long as there is a long sleeved shirt and jeans underneath. Her go to hair style at this point is the side pony. Too cute.
Jackie says:
I can barely pick out my own clothes… but with a $500 gift certificate?? I’d learn how.
Shannon Bettencourt says:
Lucky me … I’m still picking out the outfits for our 3 month old People sure do struggle when I put her in a gender neutral outfit. Accessories let everyone know she is a baby girl.
Jess Z. says:
I love Old Navy!
BarbiJ says:
I dont know that I have any style tips. With my boys it is pretty basic.. t-shirt and jeans (they are also 10 and 14 old enough to pick out their new clothes). I avoid the long sleeved shirts with white/light colored sleeves.. those are just begging to be stained down by the hands and everywhere they rest their arms.
This is a fantastic giveway! I could put the gift card to good use!
Thanks!
Franca Bollo says:
Yay to free stuff!
Andee says:
My shopping survival tip for my 3 teen girls is that it typically works best if I buy them clothes from stores they enjoy or give them the money to pick out the items for themselves
Cynthia says:
My three year old boy doesn’t care anything about clothes. My one rule is no white socks. I don’t know what my deal is, but I can’t stand white socks on little boys who are not wearing ANY white. Yes, I’m very aware that I’m strange.
stacie says:
My oldest daughter is all about the “comfort” style…anything we can pair with leggings this winter is a must. Old Navy has some great legging styles we would love to own!!
Melissa P says:
Always pick out clothes the night before school….it saves you from super stressful mornings!
Liz says:
I love wearing fashion scarves to accessorize an outfit. Meredith has picked up on that and will now agree to wear what Mama picks for her if she can pick her own scarf. And since wearing a mismatched scarf is in right now, this is a win-win situation. See how I did that there? :0) Also, Old Navy rocks my closet!
Kristie says:
I only buy white socks for my girls. I avoid anything that will not match white socks even if that means not buying a super cute cream outfit…. It makes matching sock easy as I don’t have to do it…grab any 2 and they match.
Sarah M. says:
I always just let them choose to wear whatever…as long as it’s weather appropriate of course. Hopefully they’ll grow up with a unique style all their own.
p.s. I’m SO excited about this giveaway. crossing my fingers!!!
Selena says:
That would be amazing to win a shopping spree for Addison, not to mention we just found out we are expecting again so I’m sure I could find lots of stuff to buy with 2 kids!
Jessica F says:
It’s just about making sure they are comfortable!
Sarah C. says:
I’m almost 27, and I still shop in the boys department for t-shirts and hoodies sometimes.
Carissa says:
We NEED this gift card!! I have no style and don’t want my 13 month old daughter following in my footsteps! She’s actually between sizes now and needs a new wardrobe. The only style tip I have is having a pile of distractions ready when I try to put a hairclip in that mop of hair on her head, otherwise it comes right back out!
Whitney says:
I totally agree with your 3rd tip. Some of my 11 month old daughter’s cutest outfits came out of the boys’ section!
Rebecca Anderson says:
That’s great!
lauren says:
Well I don’t style kids yet, but I’m baby obsessed. Please get my husband to graduate already so we can get on this. Anyway, I am old navy obsessed and $500 sounds very very nice!
Melissa says:
My style tip for my daughter is leggings with everything. At 15 months old she wears leggings probably at least 5 days a week. And I get neutral colors, or colors that she has a lot of, so any leggings can go with any top or dress.
Cheryl says:
I try to always buy in the same color pallette for the season. I tend to buy the brown based clothes rather than the grey based. I stick with black one year, blue another, and brown the other. That way I can mix and match much easier. I also lay clothes out on Sunday for the entire week using a closet stacker. This gift card would be a huge blessing with a new baby girl on the way!
Lesa says:
My tip is to shop garage sales. With two girls it can get real spendy, you can find great clothes at garage sales and it won’t hurt the pocket book. And you can buys lots and lots of clothes to mix and match. Also that way if they don’t like what you bought for them it isn’t that big of a deal. I would love a gift card to go get NEW clothes for my girls and I know they would love it too!!!
Mom in MN says:
My daughter started picking out her own outfits at about 18 months. She always seemed to match everything well though. With my son, I had to give him a couple of choices. It didn’t matter if he wanted to wear the shirt I had picked or not – it had to be his decision.
Jessica says:
Love Old Navy! Our whole fam goes crazy when we shop thre!
Beverly says:
I had it easy with having two boys because I was able to buy jeans and then it wouldn’t matter what shirts they picked out because everything went with jeans. Having little boys definitely made it easier, but then I didn’t get to buy all the cute clothes they have out for girls.
Chelsea says:
Well, no kiddos of my own yet, but I like to dress my niece in leggings and “adult-looking” tops. She’s so chic. And she’ll be ONE YEAR OLD later this month!
Daniel says:
Does it count if my wife helps pick out my clothes???
Juanita Berliner says:
Love to Mix & Match for my two kiddos…. Those outfits are CUTE! It’s all about getting the biggest bang for your buck $$$
Caitlin says:
That’s a really great idea! I’m kind of trying to do that with my own wardrobe! Lots of mix and match! Love Old Navy! Thanks for the awesome giveaway!
Chels says:
I LOVE OLD NAVY!!!!!
RG says:
Oh man, I can’t give you any tips. Firstly, I have only boys, and boy fashion is either simpler or more boring, depending on how you choose to look at it. Secondly, I am now in the stage where I’m trying to force my kid to dress himself. Herding turtles, anyone?
Vanessa says:
First thanks for the chance (yes I know the thank you gets me nothin’). Second, a style tip for my 2 year old that best works for us…layering. She wants nothing but to be in her diaper running/dancing around crazy. The more buttons, layers and zippers the better.
Emily says:
My style tip is to have a best friend whose kid is 6-12 months older than yours. Then the kids are always in different sizes, but not so different that friend can’t immediately send you the hand-me-downs. It helps if said friend has a ZILLION clothes for her kid. You do have to sift through some stuff that might be seasonally inappropriate or not to your taste, but at least you’ll have all the basics covered and can spend your shopping dollars on cute stuff instead of 12 sets of footie pajamas.
Natalie says:
Try to get hand me downs from a friend. This will really stretch a child’s wardrobe. You can spend your money on the cute stuff and use the handme downs for playtime.
Linda Stewart says:
When my girls were little I made sure they had lots of white socks with different colors of lace on around the edges. White seemed to go with everything so matching socks to outfits was easy. Now that I’m raising boys (my grandsons) I make it a rule that they always wear denim on the bottom … period! It’s jeans for everything. I dress up their jeans by adding a sweater or button-down shirt and I dress down their jeans by adding a sweat shirt or t-shirt. In the summer … it’s denim shorts … always. I also dress-up or down with shoe styles.
Anna says:
I swore I wouldn’t do it but I have to dress my twins the same. If I don’t God help the person that tells one they look cute/pretty/adorable in their outfit but not the other. Total “my sister is prettier than me” meltdown.
I actually shop at Old Navy often because they carry a lot of the same items but in a different color. That way the girls are dressed alike but still have some individuality.
Sarah says:
My tip – Have a boy! Kidding, I know we have no control but they don’t have to have everything all matchy matchy. Sweats, Jeans and Tshirts is what my boy wears mostly!
Kristin says:
Cute wardrobe! I’m jealous that tanks and sandals are even an option for Annie this time of year!
I love Old Navy for kid clothes!
Suzie K. says:
My daughter is the same, she wants to pick out her clothes. Her first choice is always dress up clothes but she usually settles on something else. But she is very particular that they can not be itchy. She had a cute pair of jeans with little sparkles in them but they have gone unworn because they are itchy.
alisha says:
My girls are so picky! They really dislike jeans and would much prefer to be in darling dresses or skirts with leggings. Love Old Navy’s options!
Jenn Lewis says:
I tend to buy my son clothes that fit in a particular color pallet, too. I didn’t even start doing it on purpose, but I’m drawn to buy clothes in greens, browns, and reds. I guess that does make it easier to match, and easier for him to wear something that I enjoy looking at him in. And also, I LOVE buying an item in multiple sizes, especially when it’s on sale. So helpful.
Brandy says:
I don’t know if I have a style tip so much as a buying tip. I have an email account that I created specifically JUST to sign up for store/brand emails. So, when I’m actually going shopping, or have need for a certain item (like yesterday when I had to buy the kids new jeans because of recent growth spurts) I just whip over to that email and see what kind of specials/coupons my favorite stores are running!
MELISSA says:
I would LOVE to win this gift card as I am a shopping FREAK plus I have a baby boy on the way who will need clothes!!! :)— I give my daughter 2 choices and she then gets to pick out which one she wants to wear that day.
becky m says:
If she wants to wear something I don’t necessarily want her to…. I just tell her it’s dirty
Heather says:
Jeggings! They are adorable and comfortable. Add a Minney Mouse costume on top and we are walkin’ out the door!
Shaynee says:
I am always up for coordinated shopping!
Patsy says:
I am just starting on my kids style. I am due in May and am so excited to dress the new kiddo!
Rian says:
My kid is a boy so his style is pretty easy. Mostly jeans and shirts and shoes/sandals. He really hasn’t cared what he wears which I am glad about. Yesterday he did ask to wear his spider man pj top to church!!
Jerilee says:
For my younger girls, I get lots of leggings and solid color shirts that match so they can wear them with skirts. I am trying to teach my oldest girl how to match clothes. How it usually works is she comes downstairs and I either say “good job! looks great!” or “nope, try again!” The boys get jeans or solid color pants, so it’s SO much easier.
Lydia says:
It’s been awhile since I’ve had to think about my kids style. My baby is 23! I love reading about Annie’s style, though. Just love it!
Craftimamma says:
I think it’s nice to send them out into the world with something you made for them – it makes them feel special and it makes you feel special, especially once we’ve raced through the morning… I knit my girls a new scarf every winter from some special, expensive wool (for little necks I don’t use all that much yarn, one skein max) and they wear it all season. I imagine when they’re older they’ll want either more input on the design – I see hot-pink sparkly acrylic yarn in my future, yikes – or to not wear ANYTHING I have made for them, but for now it works. In the summer, I make them a tiny little fabric something (butterflies are popular in my house) to keep in a bag, camp lunch or pocket, like a talisman. It’s hard to influence their style or pick their clothes out for them now, but they seem to like having a little something special from me.
Samantha F in St. Paul says:
We did the same thing with my daughter when she was younger and actually kept her cotton leggings for her to wear the next year (after she was done with diapers) as capri style leggings. They also work great under skirts which no longer have the shorts sewn into the skirt to keep panties from showing.
Jolene says:
I love Old Navy for the same reason! You can get a lot of things that match but arent too Garanimal-y… We have family pix coming up in March and this could really help with the outfit choices!
Suzanne says:
Love Old Navy. Unfortunately what I have learned is that even when I take my most picky child with me to the store and let her pick out her own clothes, she often changes her mind after wearing the new outfit a few times! Craziness! But I don’t run out and buy something else, she just has to “make do”.
Ashly says:
OH this would be GREAT! I have 5 wonderful kids 8 and under and they need spring clothing!
I love Annie she is so cute!
Kelley says:
I’m having a baby in a few months and both baby and mama need new clothes!!!! =)
Priya says:
We live in parts where the cold right now necessitates at least a dozen layers. My daughter’s most important accessory are her leg warmers … they can be paired with almost anything, they keep her warm and they r easy for her to pull off or on as she needs.
Katherine Smith says:
I make cute sun dresses for my daughter using my tank tops. I tie the straps in back and add small accessories….so cute! Perfect for pouty days when she “doesn’t like” any of her clothes.
Brenda Vicario says:
My biggest shopping tip when buying for my kids is to shop end of year sales for the following year. I get my kids shirts for $2-$4 each and shorts for $5. Jeans are more difficult to find on sale, but sometimes you can find a pair for $6-$8. I buy at Carters, JcPenney, Gymboree, and Kohls. Another tip is if in Gymboree they have all their old styles in the back and on clearance…sometimes they have sales where they just bring out boxes of those items and other times if you tell them what season and size they are happy to bring stuff from the back for you to choose from:)
Kristy says:
I love Old Navy for girl clothes. My daughter is 5 and just now really into dresses with leggings under them. Cute clothes you posted too. Now I’m inspired to shop.
Kristen says:
We use choices. 2 pant options and 2 top options all of which would match appropriately regardless of which the child picks. Gives them independence but you still get out of the house with a decently dressed child. now to get them to stand still long enough to brush the hair… whole nother story!
Bianca S says:
My tip is to let kids be kids! They have so long to be adults these days and so little time to not care about how they look
Christy says:
My daughter (3) wants to wear nothing but pajamas. I had to make a rule that if she wanted to leave the house she had to wear real clothes, but at home pajamas all day are fine. It’s funny and cute really.
Cassie says:
Cute outfits! I love old navy, I got my 18 month old some adorably funny skinny jeans there. He looks so cute in them!
Laura says:
Be sure to test girls’ leggings for thickness by rubbing the fabric between your thumb and forefinger. If it feels substantial, go for it! You’ll know it when you feel a thin and flimsy pair of leggings. And should you purchase them, they will last you approximately 2.5 days.
Sara says:
I agree that boys are easy . . . my 8 and 12 year old boys still ask me to pick out their clothes each day. My now 19 year old daughter was a different story.
I don’t have great style tips, but I do have one item I need to constantly watch out for . . . my boys are very thin (and adjustable waist pants were the BEST invention). When buying sweatpants, test the drawstring to make sure it really ties and isn’t just for decoration!
Jen K. says:
I buy cute short sleeve shirts, and then stock up on coordinating thermals so that the shirts can be used year round.
Maria says:
I have no kid style tips but I do think Annie is super cute – does that count? I would love to win the gift card. 99% of my wardrobe is from Old Navy!
Kellie says:
Old Navy is my absolute favorite for toddler shopping. They are about the only store I can find pants/shorts that have a skinny enough waist that won’t just fall off my daughter! I don’t know how much $ I’ve spent there since getting pregnant but I guarantee you the $500 would not last long! And great tip about buying everything to go together. I know my daughter is going to start to want to dress herself very soon now!
Katie in Austin says:
pick either patterned tops/solid bottoms OR patterned bottoms/sold tops – that way they can’t go plaid with polka dots on you ;0)
Sarah says:
I don’t have any kids, but I use some of those same tips with my husbands wardrobe
mumagain says:
This is amazing! I have a 4 year old son and a 1 yr old daughter. My son is easy as his pants are all either khaki, navy, or jeans, so anything goes – though we often find him in one tuesday and one wednesday sock! So far it’s been easy with the babe…so far. I love what you did.
Chris says:
My tip is the same as yours: I buy stuff I like. And I hide the ugly stuff my son gets as gifts.
eden says:
No style tips as my son pretty much sticks to blue/green rompers. Tis why i need to go shopping. Then i can prob. off some tips…..
Jean says:
For our toddler, we always stick with solid colored bottoms – then you avoid the “got dressed in the dark” look….even when you do actually have to get dressed in the dark.
Kristin Freeman says:
I love to shop at Old Navy for my grandchildren; each of them continues to amaze me with their very specific likes and dislikes and sometimes it is clear that I would not have made the right selection without them present.
beth says:
melinda sometinmes wears her piglet costume
I love her style
Karen S. says:
My two darling nieces (5 and 7) look great in Old Navy Clothes. They love the colors and patterns, especially anything pink (go figure).
Emily P says:
I really do let my girls pick out what they want as long as it is weather appropriate. That is my only rule, so my kids are probably looking like the hobos you referred to…
Melanie says:
My daughter is about to be one, and so I still get to pick out all her clothes! I imagine that is ending soon though.
Sheila P says:
I’m dealing with a mature 11-year old who has the most perfect figure, so I no relevant tips except the fact that I have to close my eyes so as not to seethe with jealousy at the adorable, fun, funky outfits she can put together, fit into and look great! She and I would both love $500 to Old Navy, for sure!
Sheila says:
It’s all about the mix and match!
Chelsea says:
LOVE love LOVE Old Navy. Pick me.
Jamie A says:
I let my girl dress herself, I learned early on that she has amazing fashion sense and will put together outfits I never dreamed of! She loves to layer!
Cara says:
Mom@Mom sales are great to name-brand, like new clothes..kinda like a high-end yard sale! Also: my daughter would only wear tights/skirts or dresses for the past 6 months so I also hit up some Goodwill stores so she had more options. How are they so picky at such a young age?
KBO says:
My only tip is to pick out an outfit the night before so if you are in a hurry in the morning then you don’t have to worry about that part of your routine taking up precious time.
Carra says:
My horrible shopping tip is: Buy everything.
Sharon says:
Old Navy is the only place I shop!
Amy says:
I buy a few basics and then add cool tops and hoodies to go with those. It has worked really well for my soon and I think that he has amazing style. I love me some Old Navy!
Kerrie says:
My four year old loves to add accessories to her outfit. I have most of her outfits paired up to cause less drama when choosing what to wear! In her eyes the best part is the bow, sticker earrings, and necklace!
Val says:
Thanks so much for the clothes tip! My 3 & 5 yr olds must pick out their own clothes. Many are hand me downs and they don’t coordinate very well! What helped is that I would have them pick out the clothes for the next day in the evening. That way, if something was really hideous, I’d have time to talk them into something else. That started to get old. What “revived this” strategy was the purchase of 2 command hooks. I hung them in their room and every night, they hang the next days clothes on the hooks. It’s crazy how excited they get!
charlsie says:
I pick out two outfits and let my girl choose between them. That way we both feel like we have some control of the situation.
karen says:
My daughter is 14 months now so it’s pretty much whatever she will let me get on her before running away! We do a lot of dresses lately since she’s anti-pants.
Kara says:
I don’t have any tips yet because my little one is only 6 months old, so he is stuck wearing what Mommy wants But your tips are great! Will definitely use those as he gets older!
Erin says:
I offer my daughter two tops and two bottoms in the morning that go together so she feels like she’s creating her own outfit but comes out of it looking put together.
Kelsey says:
I work at a childcare center, and the thing that drives me CRAZY is when parents of kids who are still in diapers dress them in super tight jeggings or overalls or anything like that. How am I supposed to get that off a squirming toddler on the changing table!
And I love Old Navy!
Twyla says:
My son is almost 16 and the only thing he really cares about are hoodies and shoes. So i let him pick those out himself. Other than that I get full range on pants and shirts. This seems work well. boys are pretty simple and don’t have all the accesorries (unless it is an MP3 player stuck to his head 24/7).
Allison F. says:
I REALLLLLLLLYYYYYYYY want to win this giftcard. I have been out of work for several months, just got a contract job and need some new work clothes (have gained weight, boo).
Ryan W says:
I’m not very stylish, but I just try to keep clean clothes in my kids- which means at minimum one extra outfit for everyone at all times. It takes forever to get my 2 year old dressed because he has to do everything himself. We lay out 2 of everything for him to pick from, which usually helps. Thanks!
Angela says:
My husband does the morning duties, so to help him I put our baby’s clothes away in “outfits” so then he can just grab it and put it on. Sometimes he’ll hold up two outfits and see what one she grabs. Other tip, we take Grandma shopping a lot, then it doesn’t cost us so much!
Tia says:
When my daughter would wake up in the morning I would let her pick whatever she wanted to wear for the day. Her preschool class was in the afternoon so I would feed her something like soup or ravoli for lunch. She would of course spill something on her outfit and I would jump in with my outfit and say we have to hurry and change or we’ll be late for school. Worked like a charm, except there was this adorable Gap sweater that no matter what I did she would not wear. That still pisses me off to this day because stupid me, I paid full price for.
Amanda says:
I’d love to win an Old Navy gift card! They have such great clothes. Thanks for the chance.
Amanda C says:
I pick two outfits and let her choose which one she wants to wear. I know that won’t work with your kiddo but it still (Thank God!) works for us. Also? I hide the things that are dreadful looking or tell her they’re “Broken” if she spots something she loves to wear but I don’t.
Kelly says:
As the mom of a 7-year old son that is SUPER STUBBORN – my tip is pick your battles! If your kids want your assistance with picking out their clothes, great. But if they have their own sense of style or are just very independent – let them be themselves. I used to insist that my son wore the outfits I picked out, because they matched. But then I realized that getting my own way and having him look a certain way, was MUCH LESS important than letting him express himself uniquely and feeling heard. Now that it’s no longer a constant battle, he usually does a darn good job of matching his outfits on his own.
Kathryn says:
LOVE Old Navy and shop there all.the.time!!!!!!
elissa says:
My 6 year old is all about the stretchy pants and I HATE it. This is so pay back from when I was about 7-12 and all I wore was stretchy pants.
Jill says:
Yes, please! We have a 4-month-old little boy who is going to need a whole bunch of clothes in the next wee while! That color palette trick is a really good idea. With our daughter, we have been big fans of the buying a size up for much beloved items, as well as hitting the boy’s department. We always hit the end-of-season sales for next year.
Amy Hale says:
I always keep it simple with the boys. Jeans and t-shirts are their preferred outfits. The little one will let me pick out the t-shirt, the older one, not so much! Old Navy jeans fit them the best!
Missy says:
I Old Navy… All of my maternity clothes have come from there! I'm sure most of my baby's clothes will too.
Evi says:
When we don’t have to go outside, I let her pick whatever she wants to wear.
Mariah says:
I don’t have any children yet, but I love styling my nephews and kids of my friends… Since I’m not the mom, I get away with giving them fun, crazy clothes like tutus and rocker shirts. It’s the best!
Angela says:
I just had a baby and am in that in between stage of maternity and previous clothes. I could so use some money to fill in the gaps!
Carlie says:
Buying same item in a few colors if it fits nice and is a good deal! Also tide pens and shout wipes!!
Julie says:
My almost 5 year old daughter LOVES pink and purple so I buy a lot of clothes in these colors. Once in a while I try to branch out but pink and purple make her happy so why not!?!
Jamie says:
These are awesome tips for sure. I wish I had thought of this… As we speak my daughter who is 4 loves to dress herself. She is currently wearing tights and a tshirt…
Jamie says:
My iPad put the wrong email address in there!
Jennifer says:
I just make sure to buy things I know he will like. Pics that are cool (anything with robots!) and colors he will like. I also like to buy tagless shirts as he always wants me to cut them out!!
Jessica says:
Since my kid is still in utero, basically I try to make me look more pregnant and less rotund. But as I have been buying clothes for him, I am buying lots of tops and a few bottoms. I just picked up some red skinny jeans at Old Navy and although totally impractical, make me want him to come out yesterday so he can model them.
Amy Stone says:
I use short sleeve shirts and tanks all year by putting a long sleeve onesie or shirt underneath!
Megan says:
who doesn’t love old navy!!!!
Christy says:
My niece is 20 months old and not too picky about her clothes…but her shoes? That is a totally different story…she is shoe obsessed.
One thing I enjoy doing is when I see a cute skirt but it’s not really warm enough is buying a pair of leggings that match…. that way she can be warm and cute.
Kate Riebe says:
With my son I like to keep his outfits simple and comfortable but cute and fun at the same time.
Jodie B. says:
I’m a freak about OLD NAVY!! I actually LOVE it! My kids wear ON everyday pretty much, all the way down to the socks and underwear!! This giveaway is AWESOME!! Even if I don’t win!!
Gail says:
I am not nearly as together, my daughter often wears her bathing suit or summer dresses when it is 5 degrees outside.
I have started giving her two options…either I can live with, and usually she is OK to go along with one. I think she just likes feeling in control:)
Jenna says:
I also pick out two or three options and then let my daughter pick.
Beverly says:
My style tip: don’t buy kids clothes if you don’t have any kids, that’s just a waste of money!
SaraB says:
Lately my 2-year old son wants to wear his day shirt for his pajamas at night, and subsequently his pajama shirt for the next day! I don’t fight, I’m trying to get in the habit of choosing my battles. But when he will put on new clean clothes to wear, I always offer him an option “do you want this elmo shirt or that one?”. That way he feels like he’s making the decision.
Kathleen says:
My 3 year old loves to dress herself and wants to wear a dress or skirt EVERY. DAY. Luckily, we live in Southern California so it is not too much of a battle. Leggings have been my saving grace! She has a pair in every color! When it is a cold day, leggings and boots go on with the tutu skirts and when it’s warmer, she wears them with her toms or flip flops! Meanwhile, I can’t get my 8 year old Tomboy into a dress or skirt at all! She prefers Justin Bieber T-shirts, jeans and converse. Can’t win them all!
Nanette says:
My daughter is in a dresses-only phase, so I make summer/spring dresses work by pairing them with long-sleeved shirts underneath.
JT says:
My tip is …have a special place for anything you don’t want the kiddo to select on a regular basis. I know a mom who was frustrated her daughter was always picking out her nice dresses and getting htem dirty at school. HIDE them/keep them in your own closet or a secret place so that they are not a choice except on special occassions.
Allyson says:
I always try to give her a few options, but she has a thing for dresses. No sweaters over or long sleeve shirts under, tights or leggings are usually not allowed. I guess we are lucky that CA has had a mild winter!
Rachel says:
I often shop for graphic tees for girls in the boys section. I grow so tired of those “i’m a princess/brat/the prettiest” stuff on girls’ t-shirts!
Emily says:
I don’t try to give my son options in clothing, but he does occasionally go through “no collars”, “no non-elastic waists” and / or “nothing touches this body except stuff with Mario/Cars characters on it”. So I keep a variety of these around. It kills me when he wears hideous clothes all the time!
Jessica says:
Oh, I do not have any good kids style tips. I’m just lucky that my kid agrees to put on clothes when we leave the house. He prefers to be mostly naked when we are home. Despite our very cold house. He also likes to wear his lime green rain boots wherever we go!
Luckily, I’ll be having a baby soon and I can dress that child however I want. I’m hoping for a little girl, so I can stock up on ruffles and pink things!
Cristin says:
I love Old Navy bc they have clothes for everyone in the family. Plus, their sales are awesome. I’m sick in bed right now wearing my Old Navy pj pants and thermal top. Very cozy!
Aditi says:
I let my kid were different colored…anything, including socks. She looks like a cute 3 year old no matter how she’s dressed, so who cares? One less battle to fight in the mornings
Meg says:
Though I don’t have kids of my own, I always appreciated with my mom would set out a pair of pants with a few different shirt options when I was little! As it took me a while to get the hang of the whole “matching” thing, that practice still gave me a taste of independence — without meaning I got to school looking like a hobo clown.
Amy says:
I am pregnant with my second child and we are not going to find out what we are having, so if I buy my daughter clothing, I make sure that it will work for a boy or a girl (as a hand-me-down). I am pretty cheap like that So a shopping spree would be wonderful so that my little girl will look like a little girl.
Sabrina says:
Great minds think alike! I too shop for basics that coordinate. I also go cheap cause my daughter is so hard on her clothes…love to get messy! Would be fantastic to win this! Awesome giveaway!
Morgan says:
I remember a period of time when I was younger where I would close my eyes, reach in my closet and wear whatever I pulled out- literally. Good thing my mother loved me enough to let it slide.
Jessica says:
Layers! We live in Oregon, so you never know what the weather might be like. Sunny/rainy/cold/warm all in one afternoon.
Natalie says:
My style for my boys is similar to your for Annie – simple pieces that can be mixed and matched. Jeans, khakis, solid color polos and t-shirts, a few fun onesies for the baby. Pajamas are where we go wild with fun patterns and favorite characters!
Alyse says:
Old Navy is so awesome for basics! You like this shirt? Great! It comes in these 15 colors! All you have to do is find a favorite style and grab them all up!
Kimberly P. says:
I always shop the clearance section for the following year’s clothes in a size up. That way the kids can still look cute for half the cost!
Lisa says:
Crying all over Canada here LOL
Elizabeth says:
Cute outfits!
I love being a dictator of what my son wears. I’ll be bummed to lose that power, ha!
Becky says:
I guess I’m lucky that my two boys (2 & 3) don’t seem to care what they wear as long as it is comfy. So that would be my only tip…keep in mind when buying how it will feel to the child. My boys don’t like the shirts or pj’s that button up. I’m not sure why but I make sure I don’t buy them. Come June I will have a neice (first girl in our family of 4 grandsons) and I have noticed a lot of the frilly dresses are actually very stiff and do not feel comfortable at all! I won’t be buying those! THANKS for the chance.
Dee says:
mine is too small right now – but my tip is don’t buy all the winter infant clothes with little footies attached – the baby outgrows the clothes much faster – instead use fancy socks to match the outfit
TonyaM says:
I dress myself like you do Annie! Lol! I’m sooooo not good at fashion, so pretty much my whole wardrobe mixes and matches. It’s like Garanimals for adults.
As for little kids, I used to see a kid dressed crazy and wonder what in the world mama was thinking. Two kids later, I see a kid like that and assume she dressed herself. Or that daddy was in charge.
Sandy N says:
I didnt have alot of extra money and my teenage son needed jeans. He would NOT wear anything from the thrift store.
So i would buy then at the thrift store and just put them in his jean pile..he never noticed that they were not the same old jeans..or why he had more. worked for me..and my budget so i could use the saved cash for new tops! new tops are more important than new jeans…i think at least.
Catherine Vu says:
i don’t really have any tips… mine is still very young (2) and a boy at that.. so he doesn’t really care what i dress him in. Only time when he randomly has a freak out about clothes, i try to find something on the article of clothing (ie. animal design?) and make a big deal about it: “OMG!!! LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOK at the DOOOOOOOG!!! What sound does a doggy make?? Mommy wants a doggy on my shirt!!!, etc etc)… to distract him and get interested into wanting to wear it. Has worked for me every time so far! =D
anne says:
thankfully i still get to pick my 2yr olds outfits! If she wants to pick though, i hold up 2 shirts i like/want her to wear and she can pick one of those. instead of picking from the whole closet. That way i know its somethign matching & cute but she still gets to be ms. independent
eileen says:
I’ve been letting my girls pick out their own clothes since they were at least Annie’s age. I go on the same principal that you’ve picked up–they can wear whatever is in their closet, but *I* decide what goes in their closet. Still works, at ages 12 and 10!
Ciji Wright says:
I love Old Navy for my nieces and nephews. Its affordable and and always cute. For my youngest nephew he grows quickly so he has few pants that fit and its easy to interchange tops with his few pants options.
Kristin says:
Simple basics with some pops of color and unique accessories thrown in there. By the way, I always beeline to Old Navy’s clearance section. It’s where I’ve found some of my favorite items that also happen to get the most compliments!
Tracy says:
Dressing my (now 6 year old) son when he was in his 3s was a nightmare. I swore that dressing Mariah Carey would have been easier. And yes, I said son. My daughter is three weeks younger than Annie and has yet to show signs of caring. Here’s hoping… (dreaming?)….Anyway, we are very lucky and get lots of hand-me-downs from friends. I always take a few of my fave pieces from the hand me down bins with me to Old Navy or the Gap so that I can match up some new shorts or pants to give tops or whatever that are a few years old a bit of a “fresher look” or to add some of their personality. Unfortunately, carrying around the hand-me-downs in a large bag, I look like a bag lady, but the kids look great.
Diane says:
Shorts and tees, baby.
Gwen says:
The biggest one for me was Rule #2..my son was never overly involved in his wardrobe as a toddler but if he fell in love with something I had to make sure to get several in various sizes or he’d be wearing a beloved 2T shirt when he was 5.
Meryl says:
We often put out a variety of outfits for my two year old. While I’m happy to have her pick her own clothes, there is something about certain colors that just should NOT be put together
Thanks for the shopping tips… and the giveaway
Trisha says:
Before I leave my style tip I have to tell you a funny little tidbit about my growing fashionista who is 3-1/2.
After getting a little sauce on her shirt she got up after dinner and said she was going to change her shirt. She went into the room and came out in a cute little matching outfit a few minutes later. Later last night I went in and found about 20 shirts and bottoms strewn about the floor. I called her into the room so she could help me pick it all up and I asked her why she needed to pull out so many piece sof clothing. She quickly replied “Mama, I had to find the perfect shirt to match my shorts!” I said oh, you did huh? And again she quickly replied “Yes, and I did a good job right Mama?”
Who could get mad at the mess after that right?
My only style tip is to keep it simple. Elastic waist is my go to as potty breaks can sometimes come on very fast. Dealing with buttons or zippers can sometimes be the difference between a mishap or a successful pottying. Simple basics and interchangeable bottoms and tops are always my goal.
Erin says:
I buy lots of basics since my daughter likes to pick out her own clothes!
Jenn says:
I don’t have kids yet, but I love to buy clothes for my friends’ kids. My main shopping tip for any online purchase is to go to Ebates and see if you can get a discount at the store you’re shopping at. Then I look for clothes that are reasonably priced and seem well-made, not to mention cute (for example, I love the Gap 1969 jeans for babies).
When I have kids, I think I will follow your advice and only buy clothes I like so they pick out their own clothes and still look cute.
melissa says:
My kids have always loved to pick out there own outfits. Great outfit choices.
Lindsay from Boston says:
Don’t have kids yet, but when my younger sisters started to be able to put together their own outfits, I was no help at all. Polka dot top with striped pants? Eh, fine by the big sister here. Clearly I need an Old Navy tutorial. =)
Brigid says:
I do! I do! My big tip is consignment for kids. I am able to dress both of my kids so much better by doing this.
Cassandra says:
Since I have a boy, I always shop clearance. If its cheap, it doesn’t matter the size, he will eventually grow and it will fit. I just store it until then. Then if he outgrows it quick or ruins it, it is not that big of a deal because it won’t break the bank. I’m talking max $7 an item here! I always shop a year or two ahead in sizes!
Gabby says:
Well, I only have experience picking out clothing for my little brother who I practically raised, and my mom would do all the shopping for his clothing so I would just pick out the things that didn’t make him look terribly mismatched (which was rather difficult because my mom is a clearance addict.) I have many friends and some family members who are expecting of who recently have had babies and often find myself browsing for something to send them.
Sarah says:
Kid style tips?! Ha! I am learning as I go – hopefully when my little girl is the same age as Annie she will like to pick her own clothes too
Melissa S. says:
I give options to my toddler to pick out…..options which I approve! Other than that…I pick and choose my battles!
Jeanne Caputo says:
My 7 year old daughter still fights with me over clothes. I let her choose her outfit the night before school and without a doubt, she has changed her mind in her sleep which then leads to precious minutes being wasted in the morning! It drives me crazy! I’m at a loss!!!
Kathy Stevenson says:
For my very independent 3 year old I have to make it seem like the clothes choice is hers by being sneaky or it will not match at all.
Karen M says:
I’m pregnant with my first so I don’t know any good kid shopping tips yet, but would love to be able to buy some stuff for her!
Heather says:
I love consignment sales and mom to mom sales, bonus if I win the gift card, then the kid could have some actual new clothes
Lana says:
I dont really have a style tip, I say the cheaper the better. Consignment stores and Goodwill are always good options to shop at!
Darcie says:
My 18 month old doesn’t leave the house without a bow in her hair. This all started because she had a huge (seriously – 80th percentile!) head with only a tiny sprinkle of hair on it and if one more person call her a boy I thought I might lose my head in Ralphs over it!
Now that she’s a big girl (with evenly spaced hair!) the bow isn’t quite necessary – but I love it! I can ask Loren, Where’s your bow? and she reaches for her head!
Anyway – Loren’s tip of the day: accessorize, accessorize, accessorize!
Caroline says:
I pretty much let my 3 year old wear what she wants as long as its weather appropriate:)
Gwen says:
I received a years worth of hand-me-downs from a cousin. So much of the stuff was never worn and still had tags on it. I sorted thru the piles and kept my favorite things and donated the rest.
Jodi says:
I love shopping at Old Navy. I try to buy pieces on sale and that will coordinate together! Hope I win!
Laura says:
Oh, pick me, pick me!
My tip? Embrace all things white. I know that sounds crazy for little kids, but one word for stains: BLEACH.
Alice says:
I love Old Navy for the kids!
Summer Brown says:
ME! I want to go on an Old Navy shopping spree! Pretty please! I LURVE me some Old Navy. K thanks.
Jayme says:
My little girl is still young enough to have no interest in what she wears. But I definitely have her clothes divided into Play and Nice. So when we get dressed, I open the right drawer, and generally let her pick what she likes. If it *kinda* matches, we’re good!
Beckie says:
My girls are grown and no grandchildren yet. However, I have a nephew and niece-in-law who have 3 small children (under the age of 6) who could really use the Old Navy card. I agree in choosing so many items that mix and match. That was an early lesson in our house. I loved the few years that my daughters could share items.
Elizabeth says:
My daughter (who is 3) currently thinks that if she dresses in all one color than it’s the perfect outfit. So today, she wore 3 different shades of purple to preschool.
Liz says:
Since Ben has always been tall, I buy pants with adjustable waistbands so that I can get some extra wear out of them. When they are too long, I just roll them up. When his legs grow into them, I fold them down. Old Navy was the first store that I found the adjustable pants in & I love them!
Allison says:
My 2 year old daughter likes to dress herself too, but I figured out that I can trick her into wearing what I pick out for her by getting really excited about the outfit, lol. I’m talking “Oh my gosh, you get to wear this great short with a big pink heart on out! Your sooooo lucky!”
Karen says:
My shopping strategy right now for my boys (who also want to dress themselves) is to buy them all jeans or khaki cargo pants so that whatever shirt they want matches!
Adrianne says:
In my family, we have “underclothes secrets.” None of our socks, underwear, or under shirts are plain white – we tie-dye them, puffy paint them, or otherwise color them up. That way, my 7 year old can pick out whatever crazy combo of socks, undershirt and boxers he wants, and I can still dress in him perfectly matching clothes on the outside.
Leah K. says:
1. Buy end of season clearance in the size your child will need for the following year.
2. Swap clothes with other moms.
3. Shop rummage sales and thrift stores, since kids grow out of things so fast, it’s easy to find a few like new items in the smaller sizes.
4. If your child is not as good as Annie is with matching, pick out 1 pair of pants and 2-3 tops to match, give the child choices for matching.
Beth says:
With an 11 and 8 year old and an 11 month old, we run the gamut from “I want to pick out my own clothes, you can’t have an opinion” to “Does this match” to thank goodness I can still pick out the baby’s clothes. My current strategy is to shop somewhere with petite women’s clothes for our tall oldest, girls sizes for the middle one and baby stuff. Like Old Navy!
Kaitlin says:
I have no real style tips. I wore the same overalls and Winnie the Pooh t-shirt all through elementary school, much to my mother’s horror.
Keri says:
My daugther is a few months younger than Annie and also likes to pick out her own clothes. When I want her to wear something she doesn’t want to wear, I tell her that “daddy and her brother will think she’s so pretty” and that works. She struts in there to show them her outfit! Also, I hide clothes the minute she outgrows them otherwise she’ll want to wear favorites that are way too small!
Kathryn says:
I looooove adult type little kid clothes… cardigans, jeans, blazers, oxfords. another thing? shoes when babies can’t walk yet! ahhhh!
pick me on 2/16, it’s my birthday!
Kelly says:
I almost don’t buy my kid any clothes because the grandparents go WAY overboard. So don’t bother buying the “cute” clothes. I only get to buy the practical stuff like, jammies with the button closures take WAY too long to put together once your kid starts squirming. Zip ups all the way! And always buy way more socks than you think you need because they always get stolen by the dryer “monster.”
Tabitha says:
I have boys and they (so far) don’t care what I dress them in, thank goodness. My older son currently has one favorite shirt and one favorite pair of underpants which are starting to make things more difficult though
Heidi says:
My oldest girl LOVEs to wear every patern known to man, so I make sure the colors do not clash and for my son, we just make sure that all of the shirts will match all of the pants no matter what the mix. We LOVE old navy and my kids really could use some new clothes!!! here is to Random.org picking a really high number this time!!!
Bonnie says:
Great giveaway! I hope I win! I also love to shop the end of season sales for next year’s sizes. It doesn’t always work perfectly, but I feel like I save a lot of money that way
Bethany says:
So far I’m just a sitter/nanny but I found 2-3 options work really well for toddlers (but I haven’t met Annie!) and usually older kids can be reasoned with as to matching ensembles
lissa says:
I have a 8 year old girl and 6 year old boy, and they are growing like weeds ! I really like to buy things that the kids can layer that way they can use it for more than one season. I usually like to pair up a skirt with leggings and a nice light sweater, for her. For him, I layer him with nice fleece jackets. I must also mention that I only buy their blue jeans from Old Navy because I love all the different styles (flare, boot cut, etc) and washes.
Eliza says:
Me please!
KaraB says:
My step-daughter is 12. I have absolutely no say! Thankfully she’s a young 12 and likes conservative stuff, so far at least!
Mama Bub says:
My only fashion tip is to buy the basics you love in bulk. We keep coming back to the same style of leggings and I’m so glad I have multiple pairs in multiple colors.
Lisa Braunius says:
I take my daughter (11) with me to try the clothes on and make sure she likes them. For my son I buy basics and have things all match then he can pick out what he wants to wear.
Leslie says:
OH I HOPE I WIN! My girl LOVES to be “fancy” which just means cute!
Lindsay says:
My two boys and I love us some Old Navy. And with two boys my style tip is that we only shop in the boys’ section.
Amanda says:
I have three girls, and I like to give them each a couple of options. That way, they’re making the final choice, but I’ve narrowed it down so nobody looks like a hobo.
michele wallace says:
my son is 7 since Kindergarten is he VERY particular with what he wears everyday – if the shorts aren’t long enough he ain’t COOL, if the shirt is too short he ain’t COOL, if the socks are too high he ain’t COOL. LORD HELP ME.
Love all Annie’s clothes!
Michele Wallace
Melissa says:
I love your blog and I love Old Navy and I would looove $500 to spend on clothes there. Kthanksbye!
Suzanne says:
I got baby jeggings at Old Navy a few weeks ago that still make me SQUEE every time my baby wears them. I also bought those striped leggings you got for Annie, because leggings are the BEST kind of pants for toddlers. The last time I put her in jeans she threatened to shank me. True story.
Tania says:
My older son generally prefers to be pantless (he’s 2) and my younger son (1) gets likes being shirtless. Together they can wear one outfit! Less laundry!
Erin says:
My little one is only 13 months old at this point and really hasn’t shown any interest in picking out his clothes. I do think that I am going to use the “buy what you would like him to wear” method when the picking out his own clothes phase comes along.
Karen says:
Style tip: solids rock. And a few jackets/cardigans/sweaters/overshirts for pattern. One color palette. and you can never go wrong with a preschooler in a frog sweater with bugging-out eyes and a floppy tongue embroidered with a fly. That is: let there be some crazy piece that makes you laugh and brings you joy.
Kristi says:
That is a great way to get an entire wardrobe. I should do that for myself.
Jen says:
We try to organize the school week’s clothing/outfits in a closet organizer on Sunday nights to keep chaos out of the mornings. I used to be crazy about outfits and everything matching just so but as long as the slots are all filled I’m happy. It helps that both my kiddos love their jeans so mostly everything goes together well!
ANDY says:
PICK ME PLEASE! MY WIFE WOULD LOVE YOU.
Susannah says:
Like you said, I pick out clothes that aren’t homeless or tacky looking. Then, I give her some choices. Hope to win!
Tina Davidson says:
End of season sales are my favorite!
Robin says:
I put a sticker on my daughter’s back that read, “I dressed myself”. Ok maybe never actually did the sticker put I did tell everyone she dressed herself. You will be surprised what outfits she will come up with.
Jen says:
Weellll…considering I’m still T-minus four months to my first kid, I can’t honestly say I have any children’s clothing tips. However, I’m currently operating on the premise that dressing my child = good. And with $500, I’m sure I could achieve that goal
Lisa says:
Cute outfits! And I commend you for shopping in the boys’ department too. Good job, mama.
Nicole McD says:
I put all of my kid’s clothing into one drawer or section in the closet. I tell them they can wear whatever they want from that particular drawer/section. That way I can make sure the clothing is not ratty or too small!
Patricia says:
Luckily having a toddler boy who is not nearly as verbal as Annie makes clothing choices all mine. I always go for comfort and low cost, he will run around and get it dirty no matter what it is, and the easier it is to wrangle him into it the better! Love the blog!!
Casie C. says:
Similar to your suggestions. . . I like to pick things that will basically go with anything. For example, this year, we got my 4 yr old son’s coat in grey/black b/c those colors will match whatever he puts on! Would sure love that gift card!
Angie [A Whole Lot of Nothing] says:
I almost always buy in outfits unless a top will go with jeans.
Momma, PhD says:
You can stretch a dress that’s been outgrown (or make it work for cold weather) with leggings. We’ve got dresses that were dresses one year and tops the next!
Lisa says:
Pick 2 outfits and let them choose between the 2. Or, in the case of a little guy who was in my preschool class, show up wearing high-water, too tight fire truck pants every day because “THEY HAVE FIRE TRUCKS!!!!!” and as we all know, fire trucks are amazing.
Terri says:
My 2 year old is the same way, no more easy days of getting to pick out what she is going to wear. I find that if I just give her 4 choices for the day she’s content to pick between them. I love Old Navy clothes because they make coordinating those choices easy.
Saffron says:
Mixing and matching is the best, growing up, our house was “hand-me-down” central. But if you got one brand new piece you could mix and match and get a bunch of “new” outfits.
Sara says:
I don’t have any kids but I love reading your blog and I love Old Navy.
Liz says:
I’ve been doing this for my niece’s closet, my brother is hopeless!
Kelsey says:
I find it easiest to buy clothes in outfits – and we hang them as outfits in the closet. We tend not to use the mix and match stuff so much. But as long as I have things in pairs/outfits/sets, the children can choose whichever set they’d like.
Norma says:
For my girl leggings (print and solids) with tunic tops, generally we do lots of solids with cute pattern cardigans, undershirts, etc. For my boy usually anything comfy or whatever he picks out… Gotta choose your battles
LibraryGirl62 says:
I was always lucky. The girl had great style and the boy put on what I gave him
Colleen says:
I don’t have too many tips- but I agree with buying stuff that all pretty much matches so they can’t goof it up too bad! :o) I’ve had to lighten up a bit too. I don’t like graphic tees or big and bold prints so we stick to a few for each season and compromise! :o)
kim says:
ummm keep them cute? no kids here but this won’t go to waste!
Karolyn says:
I would say that they need to be comfortable so that they stay happy, but this doesn’t mean they can’t look fabulous too! Mix and match colors-leggings and animal prints are adorable on girls.
miranda says:
I would love to win! My style tip is that I try and buy basics that can be mix & matched. I also buy a lot of consignment to save money!
Tiffany says:
My kid style tip is giving my 3 yr old 2 choices , both that I could live with, and makingnhernpick one. It usually works.
Robin (noteverstill) says:
My kids know that I pick out their clothes on school pictures day, and that’s non-negotiable. Other than that, they can wear what they want
Amy W. says:
I give my 2 year old choices. She especially likes to pick her hair bows!
Jessica says:
If my daughter is willing to dress herself with no help, she can choose anything she likes. Even if there’s a bit of clashing, it hasn’t been too terrible so far. When she is not in the *independent* mood, I can pick her outfit myself… it’s a deal!
Paige says:
Luckily I have 2 boys who still don’t notice what they are wearing. But when I lay out their clothes for them I put out either two tops or two bottoms so they can make some little decisions on their own.
Lauren says:
Leggings, leggings, leggings! I have leggings in lots of colors for my little one…they are great with her favorite shirts, or when she insist on wearing a ‘Summer dress’ or TuTu in cooler months
Lori R says:
When my son was young I stuck with primary colors, the way many moms with girls stick with pinks and purples, so everything matches. As he got older he liked jeans and so I got tops that looked nicest with jeans. He could then choose for himself but he never cared if I picked his clothes out for him. Maybe boys are just easier. Even now he will sometimes say “what shirt do you think I should wear ” but he is great at picking for himself now.
Rashel says:
My 3 girls only want to wear dresses EVERYDAY! I don’t really have any tips but the $500 would help a lot since we just found out we are expecting #4!!!
Kim says:
kid styling tips??? Well, I am anything but stylish!!!! But my kids definitly have their own personality when it comes to dressing. When we go shopping I make sure to buy things that match their personalities…instead of just what is cool. That way they will know exactly how to wear it and it will look good. Don;t know if it makes sense….but it works for me Would DIE to have $500 to spend at old navy!!!!!
Jennyroo says:
I have 3 busy active little boys… my tip is: if you ever see a pair of jeans on sale for less than $10, buy one (or two) in every size they have! Starting at about size 3 and on, I am continually amazed at my children’s ability to put holes in the knees of all their play clothes!
Wendy says:
Everything I buy for our almost 4 year old son lately has to have super heroes on it. Lame! Love the super cute girl clothes at Old Navy!
Amanda C says:
I try to buy items that can be interchanged to make different outfits as in your pictures! And we always shop the sale racks
Paula says:
I have three tips….
1) I have negotiated with my two older boys that I get to dress them on the following days: school picture day, Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. They can wear whatever else they want to if it is seasonally appropriate.
2) I let the two older boys pick out clothes for the baby when we shop. They love helping define his style!
3) Always remember where the hand me downs came from. There is nothing better than – “Hey! I have a really awesome shirt from blah, blah, blah” when my 6 and 8 year old are pokey about getting dressed in the morning.
Pamela says:
Pick me, pick me!! What a GREAT giveaway!!
Kelly says:
For the past 5 years my nearly 8 year old has refused to wear anything with snaps, zippers, or buttons…thank goodness for stretch pants!
Sara pullum-pinon says:
I try to mix up gendered colors, so my boys wear bright things, like red, and my girl wears navy. Not all the time, obviously, but enough that one-gender colors seem odd to me now.
Colleen says:
My tip for toddler girls is to buy leggings in any patterns and a bunch of solid tops. Also my daughter is long a skinny so she never wears jeans – they are never long enough or if they are, the waist is way too big. Also, jeans are super uncomfortable and lumpy when riding in a stroller or car seat. Leggings all the way! Also shirts with sleeves that are elastic at the wrist are usually longer than open wrists and always fit better on my toddler. They are sort of a peasant top look. I have actually found cute ones before at Old Navy!
Tonya says:
My daughter always wants to wear leggings. So, all you have to do is find tunics and dresses and she is good to go.
Lori says:
I would really love to win this gift certificate. I got her a pink ballerina dress at Old Navy which she LOVES!
Kelly says:
Holy smokes! Fantastic. I was looking at Old Navy’s end of season sale just today for my 3 year old little man. Such great stuff. We buy from their sales often, and supplement with hand me downs and consignment store finds. You can find great stuff on eBay too, if you’re patient. I also sometimes sell his outgrown “good stuff” on eBay or give away to friends to continue the hand-me-down cycle…
Lesley says:
I don’t have any kids but I have babysat/nannied for quite a few. The only style tip I have is to let the kids discover their own style — clothes can be a great way for all of us (kids included) to express our own personality.
MichelleR says:
I like to buy summer play clothes at consignment sales/stores. That way I don’t really mind if they get super dirty and stained playing outside in the summers.
Ryan says:
both my girls wear lots of denim and pink. Or denim and purple. It also helps they have tons of hand me downs!
Julie says:
I love to buy my nieces and nephews little graphic tees with clever sayings….especially at back-to-school sales
Allison Y. says:
My light haired girls look so great in black. I don’t overdo it, but a black top here and there makes their hair shine and they look so beautiful!
Katie says:
I guess my homegirls are dressing a little too much like hobos these days, I have no tips. But I love all of these! Now we can put this gift card into good use!
Ashley Wood says:
I always shop for basic colors and styles that will work year round.
Caroline Cameron says:
I love letting my kids find their own style. My son, for example, for years made me buy 1 pair of shoes in 2 different colors (so, really 2 pairs of the same shoes) so he could mix and match. It was his thing. I thought maybe you were doing that with the sandals, but I see you’re just demonstrating choices. Maybe give the 2 different shoes a try? LOL
Kat B says:
If you or they really love something, buy an extra in the next side up!
Sarah says:
don’t be afraid to let your kids experiment… especially on days when you know you aren’t going out! that seems to help mine stay open to my suggestions for a nicer look on days when we’re a little more on display.
Angel says:
My daughter has to have one thing pink to make her outfit complete. So every shopping trip I have to find something with something pink just so she’ll wear it. I guess my tip is “patience’s.”
Cristina says:
My 3 and a half year old is very trendy its crazy! Its like she loves the newest and hottest trends by just seeing other kids. Today she told me the dress I picked was cute, but that I should have picked it in a different color. Right now she is into bold trends and prints, a couple of months ago she was loving black! I wish I was as fashionable as she was! hehe
Bon says:
Buy matching white and/or black socks in bulk. This works really well when the kids are older and just grab whatever out of the drawer.
Tara R says:
I have always bought lots of jeans and khakis so they go with just about anything.
Jennifer Folger says:
My 2 year old has Elmo pajamas that she refuses to take off in the mornings. In order to avoid a battle in the morning, we don’t let her wear these on school nights. I know eventually we are going to end up taking her somewhere in those pj’s though.
keeks says:
in theory this works but what to do with those pieces grandma/others buy that don’t exactly match anything, at all, and is inevitably the budding fashionista’s FAVORITE item?! my niece’s fashion advice is “if you like it, wear it.” ha! seems simple enough i wish my boss liked jeans as much as i do!
Lorri says:
I can get away with the limited choice trick for day time clothes, but at night time my toddler will get up and change his pyjamas if he didn’t approve of my choices.
My current fight is the horrible sweatpants his greatgrandparents bought him. He loves them because they are thick and warm, I hate them because they are bright blue with bright yellow and green stripes and they match nothing. I let him wear them if he is visiting the grandparents and will try to sneak the other pair into the nursery school bag as emergency pants, but I don’t hold much hope. One day he *will* insist on wearing them and looking like a hobo clown when we are out in public…
Dolores Adair says:
I used to set out three outfits in the morning and let my son pick from one of the three. That way, everything matched, but he still had freedom of choice. At first he wasn’t thrilled about it, but before the first week I tried it, he was looking forward to picking from his 3 choice wardrobe.
Gina M Maddox says:
My son loves hats, so we have lots of them to go with different outfits. Thanks for the chance to win!
Christina Z says:
I try to let the kids pick out what they want my girls have a sense of their own style. I like to buy things that can be mixed up with other pieces of clothing and can stretch your wardrobe budget. They mix it up with their head bands/colorful socks Thank you for the chance to win : )
Nan says:
I have all boys, but they can still end up looking like hobos fairly easily. They tend to gravitate toward anything that is soft and easy to put on.
Alice says:
Color blocking is the way to go. Super easy. Get several solids in bright fantastic colors plus some neutral (black, grey, khaki, blue jean) bottoms or layering items (snap/button up shirts, jackets). No matter the combination, it should work and they have fun picking out their own ensemble in rainbow or monochromatic if the mood strikes them!
Heather says:
Comfortable! That’s what I hear when I am buying clothes for my nieces and nephew – since they are so active they live in comfy tops and pants; nothing too constricting.
Carrie says:
my daughter is 3 she doesnt pick out her own clothes yet. I usually go for comfort with her. She’s At a home sitter all day playing so it’s easier to have her in jeans and a shirt then tights and a dress. Her hair is super curly and can get out of control. It’s hard to manage but I always at least put a barrette or headband in it to make it look somewhat “done”.
Kathy says:
Got my fingers crossed!
Kat says:
Leggings. ALWAYS leggings.
Emily says:
My kid style tip has to do with patterns. Inevitably if I pick out floral tops and skirts (what can I say, I love florals!), I end up with the worst mismatches. Seriously. Worse than you can even imagine. So I make it a point to pick out only solid colored pants and skirts and floral tops. That way there are no pattern disasters.
Lisa L says:
My son loves comfy clothes as he calls them. I let him pick what he likes. Makes him happy!
Shawna says:
My two girls and I could seriously do some damage at Old Navy if we won!
deanna hanson says:
my son likes to wear anything so it makes it real easy. so i just start with black
Meghan says:
Love the soft cotton dresses for the little one in the summer leggings and cardigans in the winter! The 5 year old has a style all her own…
Lauren says:
What I have learned so far about kid style:
Have boys. You can dress them however you won’t, and they don’t care (aside from the occasional, “A pirate shirt? Cool.”).
Leah B says:
My girl is still a little young to care about what she is wearing, but I love the idea going forward of creating a wardrobe in complementary colors so I never have to [really] worry that she will look crazy! To help myself I hang all her outfits together, so when I need to get her dressed I can just grab one and be done. No hemming and hawing about what goes together. [can you guess that I am a pretty basic dresser myself?]
Brandi S says:
I dont really have any style tips as I just pick out stuff that is cute! But i definately like the idea of picking out a bunch of matching pieces so my daughter can choose her own clothing when she is a bit older if she would like.
Deb Young says:
Sadly, my youngest is 17, so I get a lot of style tips from her to keep me from looking frumpy.
Maggie says:
My girls are very particular about their clothes and Old Navy is their fave, lucky for me since they are also reasonably priced. My kids wear uniforms to school which can really add up quickly, since many stores don’t allow coupons for those. Thankfully, Old Navy has great uniforms at great prices!
Kathi says:
I was still picking out my 9-year-old boys clothes for him the night before up until a few weeks ago. I decided that maybe I should just let him do it, and other than a few ‘that does not match’ moments he’s done very well. Most of his clothes are just jeans and t-shirts, but sometimes he comes down in a dressier shirt with sweat pants that just don’t work… I guess no tips, just that it doesn’t get better until they’re 13 or so… my teens have no problems picking out stuff that looks good on them!
Thanks Heather!
Gina says:
Sometimes I get my 4 year old dressed while she’s watching Curious George. She has no idea what’s happening and by the time she realizes what she’s wearing, it’s too late to argue and we’re in the car for school!
Lesley Bachman says:
I would say my tip would be to buy things that are neutral so that you can get the most wear out of everything. I used to buy super cute “outfits” for my son, but realized I never put him in those outfits becuase I was saving for a special occasion. Since he is a rough and tumbly boy I buy mostly clothes that are comfortable for him to play in with a couple of nice shirts that he can wear with jeans for days that he needs to get a little bit more dressed up.
Ana Brightful says:
I love love love shopping for my 2 year old girl, especially at ON. And I sew too so I supplement with original pieces. Nothing super fancy, but there is a lot of awesome fabric out there. My favorite things to see her in are ruffle pants and tunics. She always gets compliments on them when we’re out and I agree… pretty cute!
Nicole Vosburgh says:
I love making sure my little guy has a bunch of shoes (Nike, Puma, and Adidas) that match any outfit he might have on!
Korin says:
Well right now my daughter is only 18 months old, so I have been trying to stick with already paired outfits. It makes it easier on the husband when he has to dress her. LOL!
leanne says:
While I mostly control what ends up in the dressers and closets, I let my kids (3 YO daughter, 7 YO son) pick out their outfits each morning. I have a pretty good sense of what they like so shopping for them on my own is pretty easy (love online shopping! And Old Navy!). And I think it’s good for them to have some responsibility, especially the 7 YO. Besides, my daughter insists on picking out her own clothes. Some days she does well and other days I have to keep from giggling about the interesting combinations. But she’s happy. And as long as what my kids are wearing is appropriate for the season, I’m cool with it. (Though it’s taken a while getting here… I used to be very particular about their clothes.)
Dawn says:
Well, my girls are 28 and 30 but we’re expecting our first grandchild so it’s going to start all over again. My older daughter had awesome matching skills and yet was willing to let me put her clothes together. The second, not so well and she insisted on dressing herself. She would wear a pink skirt with a bright red t-shirt with white printing. Her reasoning? “Mommy, red and white make pink so it matches!” How can you argue with that?
Veronika says:
Some of my most favorite clothes that I’ve bought for my little girl, Sawyer, have come from the boys’ section. And the old navy boys’ section rocks!
Nasrene Mirjafary says:
My style tip? Toddler jeggings go with everything! My 4 year old has a least 6 pair…they can be substituted for real jeans and go with a tee, or used as leggings and go under tunics or dresses. Perfect for our indecisive East Coast weather!
Carly says:
My child has 3 types of clothes. One for around the house, playground that are cheap(er), hand-me-downs, random pieces that I’ve picked up along the way. She has total control over what she wears in these drawers (that she can easily get into.) The 2 drawers above that are for outings/shopping, restaurants, informal family gatherings. I pick out a few outfits and she chooses which one she wants to wear. The closet is for nicer occasions. I will usually give her a few options to choose from, but sometimes, we battle it out until she wears what I deem appropriate. This way she learns that different situations call for different levels of appropriate attire. It’s worked pretty well.
Her favorite is definitely the bottom two drawers where she goes nuts! And those clothes are used most often!
Leslie says:
It was much easier to dress my 4 year old son when he didn’t care what he wore-now he wants sporty-type shirts, sweatpants ,etc. No more jeans and polos. I just stopped caring and when he goes to school looking like he is color blind, I just brag over how grown up he is and that he picked out his own clothes all by himself!!
Jenn says:
I’d recommend buying two or more of “favorite” things. Because they’re always the first to get holes in them!
alli says:
Sales (sign up for coupons online) and ebates! Never pay more than 40% off regular price!
Diane B. says:
Style tips? Challenge one is to find clothing that fits my long torso girls, no scratchy seams on ANYTHING, no buttons on pants that can poke tummies, gotta have the requisite allowance of sparkles/bows/glitter/fancy stuff, oh yeah and be pink or purple (depending on the girl).
My best style tip is to have neutral pants that will match any shade of pink or purple. You’d be surprised how pink can clash with pink.
My second best style tip is to relax about how your little kids look–they’ll start matching on their own soon and other mothers will know they picked out their clothes and people who don’t get it, well, they never will and it doesn’t matter.
Catherine O. says:
I’m finding that clothes matching is pretty easy with boy’s clothing (and I have 3 boys). I also like to give them choices of outfits, so they feel like they are making all the decisions about what they wear.
Alexa @ A Life in Drive says:
Can’t think of a tip at the moment, but I’m loving reading all of the ones posted here ^^^
Megan says:
I completely lack tips, since I am lacking in the children department. But would totally still love to win that gift card!!
Karalin says:
Stick to the “basics” in pants. My boys go through pants so quickly, both from growing and from putting holes in the knees, that it just isn’t worth having “fancy pants”, for example camoflauge workout pants. We stick to 3 pairs of jeans, and one or two “dress pants” in navy and/or tan for each boy at each size. Then we use shirts and other tops to show their “style”.
Michele says:
I, too, close my eyes with my tween girl and say quietly to myself “no judgement”… as long as I can’t see her belly button and nothing is written across her butt – we are good. My 8 year old son has been a fabulous dresser since practically birth – and is often heard giving fashion advice to his older sister and father. I just sit and laugh….
Kristi says:
Solid colors!
Tabitha says:
Instead of asking ‘what would you like to wear?’ I give my three year old 2 choices and then pray he doesn’t throw a fit and refuses to wear it.
Belle says:
Old Navy is awesome because it’s one of the stores that has clothing in smaller sizes that looks like the 11 year old’s clothes. My daughter is small (has a brittle bone disease — OI — http://www.oif.org) and it’s really hard to find age appropriate clothes for her. Old Navy never disappoints!
Catie has always been like Annie and picked out her clothes since an early age. I always felt the same way too about as long as I was buying what she picked out then it would be okay!
Emily B says:
Great giveaway! Love that I can buy stuff for the whole family at one store.
Krista says:
My kids understand that certain stuff needs to be given to goodwill to make room for new clothes. I do admit, sometimes a certain pair of scraggly pants or a worn tshirt might make it into that bag without them knowing I swear, they are little horders!
tiffany day says:
one tip i would have; keep it simple and stick to basics that are comfortable and easy to put on and take off! and of course that are super cute!!
thanks!!
xoTiffany
Irene says:
I don’t have any kids but I love shopping Old Navy for myself!
Holly says:
I like the “they all match no matter what” rule! My daughter will be 2 in March, and while she has preferences I think there was only one time where she refused to wear what I laid out for her the night before. Phew!
Christina says:
lol my style tips? Have a boy…everything comes home looking like dirty anyways
Tammy says:
ME, ME, ME!
Mary says:
I have 7 boys, so when I buy, I like to make sure to have plenty of classic pieces so they don’t look too dated a few years down the road when they’re handed down to the younger ones…
Caelan says:
Elastic makes wiggly toddlers easier to dress!
Lori says:
I have the same issues with my daughter. Great tips on what to purchase & adorable outfit choices.
Mindy says:
My 11 year old son didn’t fight me too much on clothes when he was younger. Of course, it helped that until a year and a half ago he went to private school and had a uniform. But now, you would think I was asking him to put on clothes soaked in acid when I ask him to wear jeans or slacks. Nothing by athletic wear for him. Oh well.
punkinmama says:
Shirts with characters on them are about the only thing Punkin will wear. I don’t fight it (much). I just try to buy cute ones that I don’t mind seeing. The trick is finding ones that match his camo cargos – because those would be his pick every time if they’re clean!
Rayshell Cook says:
I would love to get my baby girl and boy a whole new waredrobe and even better..from ON!!!
Abigail says:
Same items in multiple colors!
MrsBott4u says:
Since I am off to work before my daughter gets up and daddy dresses her (aka, lets her dress herself), I never know what I pick her up in. I’ve learned to breathe through it and shake my head and enjoy the “creativity” to go along with her wardrobe choices
laura says:
This would be so great, we pick out stuff the night before to make mornings easier…
LaurieSL says:
I shop one season early. I was buying cute leggings for my daughter 2 months ago when they were on sale at Old Navy. Thanks for the sweeps opportunity Heather and Old Navy!
Deb says:
My best shopping trip….I never take a toddler with me!!
Sarah van Loon says:
I am definitely a sale-section scrounger! I look for great deals anytime I’m out, and sometimes will buy a size or two up if it’s the wrong season. Yay for giveaways!
Jeni Couassi says:
My daughter is a fashionista … She is 4 years old and has been dressing herself since she was 1 – 1.5. She loves clothes so much that she changes her clothes at least two or three times a day when she is at home. Whats nice is she always chooses clothes that match.
Krystal says:
I try to get lots of tunics and leggings for my daughter, if she grows too fast then the leggings just become capri length and the tunics become shirt length!
Danielle says:
I have a 3.5 year old son. He has absolutely no interest in clothing. I’ve learned the easiest thing to do is let him pick out his own clothes, and that usually means he’s wearing Mario and sweatpants! Typical male!!!
Rachel says:
I love Old Navy! 90% of my wardrobe comes from there!
LisaJ says:
Wow! That is a LOT of comments. I guess I am NOT the only one who wants $500 ON smackeroos!
I have a similar attitude toward kid styling, and I also love Old Navy, as well at The Children’s Place. Ross is a favorite, too. One thing I do that has been key for me is to buy dresses that can double as tops when they get to short. It is a plus if they are tank or strappy styles, because they can be layered with short or long sleeve shirts. Add leggings, or even jeans, and voila! Maximum looks for minimum bucks. Not to mention I am always asked where I get her cute clothes because they have a very unique, almost Bohemian feel to them.
I love your clothing tips, Heather!
LisaJ says:
that should be “too”, not “to”. Ironically, that was my warm up for my students today. Oy.
Courtney says:
My greatest toddler style tip is to have a little boy who doesn’t care what he wears! I still pick out his outfit every morning. It’s a little highlight of my day each morning – dressing my little doll.
$500 to Old Navy would go a loooong way towards a summer wardrobe for him!
Jessica Makuh says:
I’m very conservative with kid style. You know, shirt that matches pants and that’s about it. I don’t know that I’m capable with what you’ve done here! One thing I have done since our first daughter was born, is I arrange everything in the drawers as outfits when I put the laundry away. That way, my husband and my children have learned to just grab something on top and it’s already a shirt and pants put together that match. My girls are 3 and 5 and they don’t often give me trouble about their clothes because their drawers have been organized like that since they can remember.
Sara says:
I buy my daughter clothes that I would want to wear. I buy my son clothes I would want to dress my husband in (if only he would let me). And therefore, everyone looks totally respectable. Except my husband.
Christina says:
I always try to buy some very basic items (black, white, grey, and maybe pink or red pants/shorts/skirts) in my daughter’s current size as well as her next size up (Old Navy clothes seem to fit a tad small on her), and have a selection of shirts that will match. That way she can choose her own shirt and I know I have pants that will match. Oddly enough, my almost 3 year old daughter has very little interest in what she wears yet.
Melissa says:
Having three boys, shopping is not that bad. I tend to stick to pants in blues and tans that go with any shirt they may like at that moment.
Heather says:
Man I would love to win this and for totally selfish reasons too! I don’t have a cute kid to dress but I do only own one pair of jeans that I have resewn the crotch back together twice now. I desperately need some clothes but that damn rent thing keeps coming up every single month.
hdj says:
My daughter is 10 and has always had an opinion about her clothes. The older she gets, the worse it is. I cannot shop for her without her there anymore. I need to know she will wear a purchase and try it on because across brands, sizes are so different.
She will only wear jeans, so that makes the matching thing easy.
She has jeggings and super skinny jeans in dark blue and black (she will not wear light colored jeans. Glitter is ok. Light blue denim is not.
She wears a lot of tank tops and some of her sweaters need cami’s under them so I try to buy a variety of cami’s and tanks that mix and match well with her sweaters and cardigans. She has a few blank tanks because those layer with everything and several neutral cardigan sweaters.
Since we don’t live in LA and school dress code does not allow open toed shoes, she has a couple pairs of boots in different colors (tan fake uggs, down boots for really cold days and the snow, black boots – and these are all great because they go over all of her jeans/jeggings), flats and tennis shoes (for PE days).
I also load up at the clearance racks from Target/Walmart/Old Navy for yoga/fleece/sweat pants, tech tees and 1/4 zip fleece/tech longsleeve tops so that she can mix and match her casual wear AND has clothes appropriate for exercise.
She’s got some cute hats that go with everything and also has earring packs from Claire’s and Justice so she can accessorize!
Kelly Coleman says:
I think cute shoes always help to make the outfit pop!
Sarah L says:
I generally do not get pastels or white. that way I don’t have to fight with stains as much.
Amelia says:
My daughter neeeeeeds those red twill pants! They are adorbs!
pseudostoops says:
I have discovered the joy of knit dresses- first worn as a dress then, a couple seasons later, as a tunic!
Heather H. says:
My best tip would be to keep them cozy. I have 3 kids, and my younger 2 will not wear jeans… ever! So lots of leggings with dresses for my 6yr old, and lots of athletic type pants/shorts for my 10yr old son. ~~I would love to win this!!
Claire says:
Love your ideas!
My toddler style tip- so long as its not covered in Mac and cheese or spaghetti it’s good!
Erin says:
My son will be 2 on feb 13th! He also LOVES to dress himself. His recent choice has been his monkey PJ’s! This would rock, since most of the things we buy him are already from O. N. anyhow
PICK ME!
Erin and Waylon
Holly Huelster says:
I love Old Navy because it’s inexpensive, has great styles and basic needs. And the children/baby section is adorable!!
Sometimes I want something more expensive, like from Gap Baby, so I’ll do a little bit of both — I’ll get the T-shirt and pants from Old Navy and the cute baby sport jacket from Gap. That way I don’t feel like I’m spending a ton of money on one outfit. And Old Navy is the same company as Gap so I still feel like I’m supporting them as well!
Kristin W. says:
After 4 kids my biggest tip is save the battles for the big stuff. That being said, I give my two-year-old a couple of options so she feels like she is choosing.
Judy says:
This would be great for a preschooler and a toddler!
Dee says:
I’m a fan of things that are adjustable. The waistbands with the elastic that buttons inside are great because they grow with the child, and pants that roll into capris or shorts are especially great if you have a child on the shorter side.
Beth Hale says:
oh – could so use an old navy gift card – 3 days past my due date with girl number 2 – she could use some fresh duds as could her sister and need i say i could use some post partum wear?? pick me please random.org!
beth
Jen says:
Even though I don’t have a kid, I do have some kid styling tips from a babysitter’s perspective: I always say that they are limited to 3 outfits. If they try on 3 and want something else, they can only choose from the outfits already tried on. This keeps dressing time to a minimum.
Deb says:
I love your “everything goes with everything else” philosophy! Works great for kids…I’m thinking I need to make sure I do that in my own closet, too!!!
Beth says:
My daughter dresses like a boho! The best I can do is make sure I take the clothes that don’t fit her or are the wrong season out of her reach or she will be wearing a tank top in the middle of winter!
Leanne C. says:
I try to buy thing within the same color range so that my boys can mix and match to their delight and I have a reasonable chance that their choice coordinates – even if its a little eccentric – which of course makes me love them even more!
Garry C. says:
My #1 style tip is to let my wife buy the clothes Works for my boys and for me!
Sarahviz says:
With 3 school-aged boys to buy for (ages 10, 7 & 6), for me, the key to buying is HAND ME DOWNS!!!
Alison says:
As long as it sparkles my daughter will wear it and my son requires a tie with just about everything!
Amanda says:
Mama needs an Old Navy giftcard! Please!
Amy Simmons says:
I always lay out 3 different shirts, pants and undies for my son. It gives me control over the general outfit scheme and him control over the final decision. Everyone is happy!
Shanna M says:
We love ON because everything is so versatile! I buy almost everything a size up so we can get 2 years out of them. Dresses become tunics with leggings the 2nd year, and full length pants become capris.
Tara Marie says:
Shopping ahead is a definite money-saver. I love the pants with adjustable waists. I also totally agree with finding basics that fit well and work great with anything for easy mixing and matching.
I would totally love to win this card as my little guy is about to turn three (on the 24th) and we have another little one due three months from tomorrow. This one is a surprise and I know that if it happens to be a girl I’m in so much trouble in the shopping department : )
Michelle S. says:
I have 4 kids. 1 boy, 3(gulpgodhelpme) girls. If they really like something, I go back and get it in a few different colors. I buy mosty neutral bottoms and it takes the frustration and constant where-is-the-only-bottoms-that-match-this-shirt out of the equation.
I let my girls buy boy clothes and a still do! They are way cheaper often and very versatile!! LOVE OLD NAVY! Just scored a bunch of shirts for $2.99 for my shorty!
Megan says:
Luckily my son is only one, so he can’t decide yet. Lol. But with my niece, I always show her a few choices of outfits that I already put.together and let her decide between them.
Brigid says:
I love clearance shopping and buying off season. I will buy shorts on sale at the end of summer for the next year and coats at the end of winter for next fall.
Tina says:
My style tip is to make sure that my 3 year old son has his clothes on the right way. He insists on dressing himself but he tends to put things on backwards, even his underpants (wedgie style…ouch).
Carrie says:
My tip is to buy inexpensive solid color long sleeve shirts for my son to wear under t-shirts he already has (in cooler weather) instead of buying new long sleeve shirts.
Jayme says:
I love hand-me-downs and thrift shops for kids clothes. Old Navy is one of my favorites, too. Their clothes last and aren’t too expensive.
Ellen says:
My kid shopping tip is the old one in, one out rule. Start that early. And also the hang everything in the closet backwards at a certain date, then as it is washed and worn, re-hang it correctly. This will help you keep track of what gets worn, and what should be given away.
Heidi T says:
My tip is letting your kids choose their clothes at the store within reason means that they will wear them more often. The items I pick for my daughter often go unworn while she wears her favorite pieces over and over again.
Vanessa says:
My strategy is to buy what fits well and coordinates with at least two other items I already own. I usually stick to colors like black, grey, brown and white to make this even easier. Fun contest, thanks for sponsoring this!
Lisa says:
Actually I’m still pregnant with our first but I have lots of experience buying kids’ clothes! My tips would be to shop sales (and combine with coupons, rewards, etc.) as well as to keep in mind the season when buying ahead, especially for the little ones who grow so quickly and need new clothes every 3 months.
Lauren says:
I don’t have any style tips for kids yet- our first child is due Aug. 2.
Jody says:
I dont have a little girl but I am a shop aholic and I have a 3 year old son whom I soild rotten and Old Navy is one of my favorite place to shop for him, cute and great prices. My fashion tip for a child who loves to pick out their own clothes is buy mix and match items and like colors until they learn what should go with what and learn colors, that way they still get the satisfaction of picking out their own outfit and you get the satisfaction they match and still look adorable!
Jaimie says:
My tip is you can stretch how long they can wear a dress with leggings. You can take a dress that is slightly too short, stick some leggings underneath and you then have a long tunic top.
Ilyssa says:
I am very thankful that my daughter has pretty good taste in clothes. I usually give her 2 options and let her choose.
K. C. says:
I let my kids pick out and wear whatever they want to wear. As long as it’s seasonally appropriate, I’m good. Sometimes they come up with really awesome combinations!
becky says:
Wow, that’s a lot of comments. I really like Old Navy’s kids clothes. And for me, their perfect fit tees are, well, perfect.
Barbara says:
I’ve never posted on one of your giveaways before, but heck, this is pretty awesome. I have two boys and finding nice clothes for boys can be tricky to say the least. I shop a lot at Old Navy because they have really cute stuff for boys. My style tip: If you have boys, learn early which stores carry a wide selection of boys stuff and which have things like suits and dress clothes so you don’t spend all day running all over town. My boys’ style tip: If it’s cool, refereneces Mario or has dinosaurs or skulls on it, I want it!
I have a great picture of my youngest when he took the initiative one day to dress himself. He has his footie pj’s half on (one arm and one leg in) and a shirt over the top. I can’t wait to show his girlfriend one day!
Kat says:
I don’t have kids so I have no tips, but would really appreciate some clothes!
Christine says:
I love shopping in the clearance rack first. Shopping for the previous season’s styles and matching them with the current season’s style makes the a unique look that no one could recreate. Also, matching some of the fall clothes with the summer clothes, winter with spring, especially at Old Navy, can look nice. When the kids can fit into some of the juniors clothes if you’re looking for evening clothing that doesn’t look childish, it doesn’t hurt to look and have it hemmed.
Julie says:
I usually buy my daughter jeans or neutral-colored pants so nothing will really clash no matter what she picks out.
annettek says:
Style tips? Ha! I have an almost nine year old boy who wears nothing but jeans and sports related shirts. AND he grows out of them every six months! He only wears Old Navy jeans so I NEED that card to get me through the next growth spurt!
Jeannie says:
We always worked out the next day’s outfit as a part of the nightly tuck in. It gives you a chance to chat and get a head start on the morning rush.
Kimberly O'Connell says:
The new twins need some clothes! I love Old Navy. xo
Tracie says:
We do the shop in all sections thing too – it seems like the boys always have the better t-shirts.
My daughter likes jeans, so when we find a sale, I get jeans that fit her now and get some one size up, too!
karen says:
I usually get netral color pants for my 4 year old daughter, that way its easy for her to pick out her top.
Jeanne says:
I have nieces and nephews. My tip is to let their parents fight with them about what they wear My nephews could care less as long as they are comfortable. My niece loves dresses and skirts even in the middle of a snow storm. She has leggings in every color that will go with any of her dresses and skirts!
Erin N. says:
I never buy anything that is a super weird color that wont match anything else. I also buy a couple sizes of the same thing if I LOVE it to death.
Heather K. says:
Good planning! I love Old Navy!
Jen says:
Great prompt that led to fun conversation with my 8yo daughter. Her style advice: “you should wear dresses or skirts with leggings that kinda match but not so much match. You should wear a cute sweater or jacket (like I do) and always wear boot high heels. You always wear bows or headbands with rhinestones and feathers – with your hair parted to the side. And wear lip gloss for sure. ” yes, I’m in trouble in a few more years… And I love it
Kay says:
My advice is to let her wear exactly what she wants, and make sure you take lots of pictures of her outfits. Anyone who reads your blog knows Annie has some kick-ass style genes (seriously, I’d like to recruit her some days…), and even if she has an off day, who cares? She’s adorable! Plus, super-horrifying outfits can always be used as blackmail in her teenage years when she is oh-so-fashion conscious. You’ll both spend enough of her life considering what she wears, so might as well have as much fun with it as possible while you can.
Sarah A says:
just one rule.. he is not allowed to wear rain boots everyday other then that anything goes
Chelcie says:
I don’t normally comment, but 99% of my wardrobe comes from Old Navy, so, um, please sign me up.
I love the first outfit you put together; it’s very sailor-esque, which seems to be the summer-fashion every year.
(ps) Your babies are beautiful!
Lia says:
I don’t have any little childrens buttttt for myself I just get a few basic items (2 favorite jeans, shorts etc). and fun tops to go with them. It might help that I’m a NICU nurse and only wear “real” clothes a few days a week so I don’t need much! I’d love the gift card!
Petty says:
I just buy the girl dresses. That’s all she’ll wear!
Ashley says:
I always go for good looking jeans and sturdy sweaters. Add a shirt and a pair of decent shoes and they look great and are still comfortable.
Ally says:
Having a boy, I look for things that camouflage dirt and stains easy. That way if he gets something stained hopefully it blends in with the shirt so I don’t have to give the shirt away.
The $500 gift card would be wonderful. The boy is growing like a weed and I have little one growing inside me who is going to need clothes once he/she is born.
Kyla says:
Lots of solid colored main pieces. Not only can my toddler still have input in picking out the outfit, but it’s also easy to add splashes of colors with accents. this would be so wonderful to win- we certainly could use it! Fingers crossed! Thank you, thank you!
Danielle Haskell says:
Alex, age 6, boy : “Mom, my red and brown striped jamama (pajama) pants go with everything!”
Teddy, age 5, boy: “Mom, even if no one sees my Superman S t-shirt (he wears it under his school shirts) I STILL have my Superman powers!”.
Advice from my boys. Your Welcome.
Nikki says:
I try to purchase items that go well with other items in her wardrobe…when it comes time to getting dressed I will either give her a choice between 2 outfits..or just ask her what she wants to wear and then I help her put together an outfit…9 times out of 10 she wants to wear a dress of some sort…so to accomplish that in rainy WA state we have 14 different tutu style skirts in a variety of colors and leggings and lots of Hello Kitty clothing items since my 3 year old daughter is in LOVE w/ Hello Kitty!
So I say give them a little say in what they want to wear and everyone will be happy! I would love to win $500 to Old Navy!!!!
Cheryl Pearce says:
I have three year twigs. I lay out three choices and et them pick. It usually works
Janine says:
Here’s mine:
I have twin girls verging on tweendom and they can be fickle. One day they like their sweater, the other day they don’t.
Now I always buy two of something my twins like in two different colors/patterns. This way they can switch it up and swap sweaters one day (when they are in the sharing mood).
Jamie says:
My little one is TINY! She’s a year old, but still rocking her 6 month size dresses with leggings underneath! The dresses are too short for dresses, but perfect for tunics. Who knew I’d get so many wears out of them??? Thanks for hosting!
Jaime says:
hmmm… not to terribly original, but if there is a style of shirt you like, buy one in every color/pattern that they’ll wear. that way you know they’ll be happy with the clothes, and you’ll be happy that everything fits the way it should.
Amberleigh says:
Definitely stick to a color palette. I have a 3 yr old little boy so it is pretty easy. The one thing I cannot and will not allow him to wear is the cheesy commercialized clothes or shoes (like transformers, etc.). I cannot stand them! I would rather have him wear stripes and button-ups. He has a few graphic tees from Old Navy that we mix in, too. Love Old Navy!
Lori says:
I have twin almost 7 year olds and their styles are completely different. One is a conservative and preppy. While the other is trendy and wild! Old navy is great for both!
Joy says:
My grandson is in kindergarten…they are required to wear uniforms which simply means blue or tan khakis and blue or white collar, Old navy offers these items for great price….my daughter has bought some really cute zipper sweaters from Old Navy that my grandson can choose from each day, so he feels like he is making
a decision on what he wears to school!
Heather e says:
Embracing hand-me-downs and keeping them organized is key for me, along with organizing my daughter’s clothes so they will be easy to find for my next one (due in July!). If it’s hard to find, it won’t get found. I try to buy nice staple pieces (like winter fleeces, mittens, etc) in gender neutral colors. And for everyday wear, when you know you’ll get your money’s worth, Old Navy is the best!!!
Lindsey says:
I buy all the old navy solid layering tees for my son. We live in Texas where a day can start off in the 30s and will be 75 by noon. I pretty much raid the men’s department and buy a variety of polos, tees, shorts, etc for my style-challenged husband and lay them out just like you did for Annie!
Amber H. says:
My daughter who will be 2 next week has a trendy but casual style, just like her mama, lol. Luckily she lets me dress her but she’ll speak up if ahe doesn’t agree with my choic for her shoes! Girl loves her shoes!
Rachael says:
I have to remember to pay attention to cut – my sons are beanpoles, and a lot of pants don’t fit (ie they fall right down). Pants with adjustable waists? BEST thing ever!
Martina says:
I have a two year old and biggest things I do are:
-buy a little large so we can stretch the life of the item out
-shop clearance at end of season for next fall, summer, etc
-try to avoid buying the absolutely adorable, absolutely WHITE dress or shirt because I know it will just get stained. (did this at Christmas.)
-pay attention to fabric style, it is really tiresome to iron a ruffle shirt in teeny tiny size all the time. Get cotton, more comfy and less ironing!
Lori says:
If its important that he wear a particle outfit, get her excited about it days before hand. “omg, Monday we’re gonna wear ___ to ___!”. Repeat often. Other than that, meh, cut kid in mismatched clothes? Everyone’s gonna think it’s adorable that she dresse herself.
Kristen Smith says:
I don’t have many tips since I don’t have kids yet, BUT Old Navy happens to be the place I most frequently shop to spoil my 1 year old niece with lots and lots of outfits!! My favorite are their dresses!!
Leslie W says:
My daughter is 3 and is tall for her age. So I like to look in the toddler section for 5T stuff but I also shop in the bigger girls section. You’d be surprised how many XS (size 4/5) will fit on a kid who wears 4/5T clothing. This is especially nice when they have sales, since I have better luck shopping in the bigger girls section!
Txtingmrdarcy says:
I LOVE Old Navy. They’re really including some cute details on their clothes, and it’s helpful to be able to get new pieces for work without having to confess to my hubby that I’ve bankrupted us.
Lisa Ash says:
My tip is to have a boy who could CARE LESS! How stinking dreamy after two opinionated girls!
Auntie_M says:
While I don’t have children of my own, I have a handful of nieces and nephews and I have to say my biggest thing in shopping for them (and actually for myself as well) is how many outfits can you make out a the items purchased. My aunt taught me that when I was in my teens: buy smart, buy less, buy classic styles, buy to mix and match and you’ll have a never ending wardrobe. Now that I am disabled and unable to work, I find myself in this weird place wardrobe-wise. I’ve given most of my work clothes (suits/biz-casual) away. Because of skin and nerve sensitivity I have to have soft clothing. But I get tired of sweats, but mostly live my life in them which is weird cuz until I got sick 6 years ago, I owned 2 pairs of sweat pants that were strictly for the gym. Now when I go out with friends I struggle to find a happy compromise. My mantra of the past doesn’t seem to work as well though it should. Ok stopping now: I’m beginnng to sound like an audition for What Not to Wear!! LOL
laura says:
My 10-year-old daughter likes to look at teen magazines and find celebrity outfits she likes, then she raids all of our closets till she re-creates the outfit.
Bekki says:
shopping spree!
Emily says:
I buy stuff for next year during end of season clearance sales.
Hilary says:
My daughter likes to choose the top she wears ..by giving her this choice I can control the bottom half and usually they match! Unless my husband dresses her and then it’s a free for all.
Kim Rogers says:
My son also loved to dress himself so I just matched all his school outfits on his shelves in his bedroom-also his church clothes were hanging-matched in the closet so he could choose those-no arguments-no problems! Alos it would be great to win because the day this in awarded, my once small son turns 15. Of course he would share this with his 2 sisters (16 and 21)
Michelle says:
I do the same thing, buying multiple outfits that go together, and I take her shopping with me, that is key!
Denise says:
I have an 8yo that is super fussy about the style of jeans she will wear. I found an online tutorial to turn all her boot cut jeans into skinny jeans, saving me a lot of money, not having to buy new ones!
ej says:
for my toddler we’re all about jeggings, graphic tees, and cardigans. for the most part you can mix and match them in endless combinations. annie has such cute style!
Jill (mrs chaos) says:
Well…my youngest is like an accidental fashionista. Sometimes that can be exciting. (But there are also times when it is NOT.)
andifoo says:
Definitely solid color long-sleeve tees for layering. I usually buy one in every color. And two pair of Chuck Taylors each year – black and whichever color will best match the majority of her clothes. My girl lives in Chucks.
sister sister says:
Great ideas! My kids always like to pick out their clothes also….they don’t always match….next time I go shopping I’ll keep these hints in mind
Holly says:
COLOR! I have a boy and sometimes I think retailers don’t believe that boys also need to wear clothes…I digress…I make the most of what’s offered by mixing in tons of color.
Jessica Brown says:
I usually give my two year old a choice between two shirts and two pants. However, recently the only thing he wants to wear is camo!
Erin says:
I don’t worry about when my daughter picks out her outfits – it’s not worth the struggle and she’ wears it with such a great attitude! (She’s almost 3)
Gila Assis says:
My favorite kid style are using dresses that my granddaughters have outgrown as tunics.
Barak Ergi says:
my girls love to dress themselves and I usually let them- on weekends.
Shelly says:
I looooove Old Navy for my kids !
Danyelle says:
I don’t argue much with what my kids want to wear. They generally find something that is mostly appropriate. I try to buy things that lots of items could go with and always shop the clearance sales.
carrielu says:
I do the bulk of my back to school shopping in January-March. I have 3 boys, and I just buy one size up from where they are currently. This worked well, until my oldest was in boys size 16 for approximately 3 weeks, ugh!! It still works way more often than not, though.
Jessica says:
I love Old Navy! My tip is never asking my kids “what do you want to wear today?” Then either a crazy outfit or big fight is guaranteed. Instead I just hand them a few options that go together and let them choose from there. Love your cute outfit combinations!
Amy says:
I am currently 34 weeks pregnant with my first son, and the best advice I’ve received is that if an item of clothing works well then buy it in multiple sizes! He is going to outgrow things so fast once he’s here, but I still want him to look cute in his clothes.
Lynette says:
After 5 boys in a row this would be a dream to shop for my little lady
Joanne Schultz says:
If your child doesn’t insist on picking out their own clothes, give them a choice of 2 or three tops and2 or 3 pants that will go with any of the tops. That way they feel like they have a say in what they wear!
Thanks for the giveaway!
barbara wright says:
I was lucky – my daughter wouldn’t wear anything with bows, buttons, or zippers, and nothing was allowed to touch her waist. So I always took her to a fabric store and let her pick out what fabric she liked. Then I sewed the fabric to the bottom of a t-shirt. She lived on t-shirt dresses for a few years, so we never had any clothing issues (well… unless you want to talk about the fabric she picked out. You know how you look at those 6 inch tall frogs and wonder what anybody would do with them? Well… I can tell you – my daughter had a t-shirt dress with that fabric for the skirt!)
Cherie says:
We love Old Navy. I don’t really have any kid style tips. I have 2 boys. My older one doesn’t really care what he wears. My little one is 4 and VERY independent. Insists on picking out his own clothes. I pretty much put what I want him to wear on top in his dresser. He grabs what I picked. He and I are both happy. We would be thrilled with the gift card, as these boys both seem to be having growth spurts and both are going to be needing new clothes very soon.
Adrienne gordon says:
You have to give your child a little bit of leeway in choosing what they like and incorporate your style sense into it.
Kim Ripley says:
I have a 2 year-old daughter and I have fun mixing patterns with her clothes. We like to be a little funky around here.
Rebecca L. says:
Thanks for a great giveaway! My little girl has been a big fan of Old Navy clothes, I’m not sure what the big appeal is but everything we have got from there, she has loved to wear. This would be great to win!
Brooke says:
I give my almost 3 year old two different options and she chooses
Lisa says:
Yay old navy and yay annie!!!
Mary C. says:
Dress kids in affordable everyday clothes (like Old Navy) so that you don’t worry about life happening (spills/dirt/mess). Save the nice clothes for special occasions.
Stephanie V. says:
We are all about basic bottoms and some personality in shirts. Shoes – comfy trainers and sandals for solid 4 year old play.
Shannon B says:
My girls insist on picking out their own clothes, and I’m not exactly fashionable myself, so I let them. I decided that letting them be mismatched from time to time is better than starting a fight.
Though, if I really want my youngest (18 months) to wear something, I put it on top in the drawer. It works 9 times out of 10.
Corry Engelbrecht says:
Shop sales! An adult can wear the same clothes for years, but a kid will be in an outfit for maybe half a year before they outgrow them. It gets expensive! Sales sales sales!
Thanks for the great giveaway!
Marilyn Wons says:
My grandsons love to wear jeans and shirts with pictures on them.
ninfalis says:
I buy some things a little bigger so they fit longer. Before I know it, my kid has out grown something.
Kristy H says:
I like to rotate my daughters clothes, and pretty much do the same thing while shopping for the kids. Getting alot of items that mix and match well, helps when she’s just in her “fashion diva” mood, and needs to do it all on her own! Every few weeks, ill pull new shirts out of her closet and put them in her drawers so she can choose what she wants to wear. Its almost like getting new clothes, and I don’t have to hear that she wants to wear the same shirt, every single day, lol!
We also try to plan our outfits the night before, so if we are in a rush in the A.M, clothes are one less thing to worry about!
Lisa says:
I love a local boutique but can’t afford their prices all the time….until they started a resale rack-and most things 10$! So I hit there and I also hit a place called Other Mothers-for things the girls will wear once-like snow suits and boots. Love saving $!!!
Cora says:
Love the idea of buying in one color palate!!
Michelle says:
Right now my son get tow options but he is only 15 months and would rather go naked then put clothes. I on the other had love to dress him. When I go shopping for which is all the time I tend to look for somthing that will last for a couple of sizes ( my son does not grow out of clothes very fast) and what else does he currently have that will go with it.
Cari Runia says:
I have all kinds of good cheap tricks for keeping my kids dressed cute! I like to find great deals, and usually find them online… Sometimes it’s hard dragging 3 toddlers around the store!
Sukanya says:
Style tip #1 – Same tip I apply to myself, don’t spend too much money on “trendy” items, buy her several classic pieces that can be passed down to her siblings or cousins etc.
Terri says:
Love your ideas & ON!!
ferriz says:
i guess just let the kid pick out what they like. if it is too “odd” give them 1 piece and you pick the rest. that is what we do with my niece. shes becoming quite the fashionista at nearly 3 yrs old!
nickie says:
I let my son pick out one piece of clothes then work around that. It fun to work with his style
Margaret Smith says:
Having boys, it’s a bit easier, since they usually wear pants (mostly jeans) & a shirt. Any jackets/hoodies I pick can usually go with anything that they wear. Both my boys tend to pick out what they are going to wear and if something doesn’t look right I’ll guide them, but I think it’s great when they show their own sense of style and independence.
Thanks so much.
Brandi says:
I would love to win! That is a new wardrobe for this tired mama!
Crystal F says:
Buy dresses if you can. You get a whole outfit for the price of one piece. Thank you!!
Cynthia C says:
My tip is to let kids choose from several good options.
Kristen m says:
My kid style tip is to check out consignment shops for deals on barely worn clothes to mix in with new stuff from old navy!
blue65829 at aol dot com
McKim says:
I try to get mostly solid pants so that any shirt they pick out to wear will go with them.
Tiffany Hearn says:
I let my daughters pick out their own clothes. They have great style. They like to layer their clothes. Leggings with skirts or shorts, and tops with shrugs. Thanks for the awesome giveaway! My family loves Old Navy!
Kim Keithline says:
My style tips are try to get things that will mix and match easily, comfort is key I don’t buy for cuteness anymore after 3 kids it doesn’t work it it doesn’t look comfortable it probably isn’t and they will be miserable in it, and buckle or tie shoes – if I don’t have buckle or tie shoes on my children they are gone and I am getting new shoes!!
Susan Smith says:
I didn’t buy name brands because kids grow out of their clothes so quickle. I stuck with buying clothes in colors that could go with every color like blue black or red and then what ever bottom and top my daughter would pick out would match.
Sarah Hirsch says:
We love Old Navy so I would love to win!
My kid shopping tip is to buy end-of-season clearance items in the next size up and save them for your kids to wear the following year (this doesn’t work for babies when they change sizes so rapidly and you don’t know what size they will be the following year, but works great for bigger kids and you can score great deals!)
Lisa says:
I try to stick with a color palette when shopping for my daughter too so that lots of things match. Makes things easier for me and her father. She’s still young enough to not care what I put her in, but I’m also going to try to relax when she wants to pick her own clothes and they look crazy. After all, I love the photos of myself as a kid where I dressed myself and it shows.
jules mcnubbin says:
we stick with neutral colors for pants and then i add vibrant color with t shirts that will go with any of them. I leave her a few options in the mornings so she can choose based on her mood. But about 90% of her clothes are old navy, so she would be ecstatic if i won this!
Lacey Jane says:
Everyone has different styles so it is hard to leave a style tip! I for one hate ALL PINK or ALL BLUE wardrobes for babies. Hate it. I am not a huge fan of pastels all the time either. Give me BOLD colors any day I am due April 1st with my first kid, a girl, and I had to beg people not to drown me in pink.
So we have yellow. Lots of yellow. Sigh.
Randy Russell says:
I usually check online at major kids clothing retailers to get a good idea on what’s trendy and ‘in style’ for kids. It also helps give me ideas when trying to put together outfits
Holly C. says:
my children are grown now, but I always let them pick out 2 fav outfits of their choice in the beginning of the school year then I picked out the rest that I knew would be useful and affordable.
Caitlin says:
We have two girls and a boy. Luckily the girls are the same size now, so I buy a lot of basics they can share (10 pairs of black leggings) and then fun tops and sweaters they can mix and match. In the summer we were all ON sundresses and flip flops.
Our little guy is our third and so far I have been buying mostly brown and blue to mix and match and a couple pairs of staple jeans and cords.
Hope says:
My little guy is only 11 weeks old so he doesn’t have his own style yet. He wears cute, comfy clothes that mommy picks out. My only tip would be to choose clothes that don’t have tags inside (just printed info). It’s much more comfortable for them without the tag.
Amy says:
My 17 month old doesn’t have much of an opinion yet, but my 3 year old is starting to. Since they are both boys, it’s fairly easy to buy most of their clothes to match almost everything else. T-shirts, nice sweatpants and jeans dominate their wardrobe.
Heather says:
We’re big into mix and match in my house- the more outfits I can make out of separates, the better! If I can find 3 shirts and 3 pairs of shorts and they all match each other, I’m one very happy mama!
Jalene says:
My son isn’t in to clothes, so as long as they fit he is good. My girls on the other hand..that’s a different story. My 15 yo loves to wear my clothes and my 7 yo loves PINK!
Robin S says:
So far my kids are pretty good with wearing what I set out for them, but I do tend to give a few choices each day so they have a say! Although, our 5 year old daughter LOVES green right now, so we have to abide by the “wearing-something-green-every-day” rule… at least hair ties still count!
Rach says:
My tip is to not care. As long as all of her kibbles and bits are covered, she can wear whatever she wants (out of the clothes I bought for her in the first place, of course).
Amanda says:
I don’t have kids yet, but now that we have a niece I just LOVE looking at all the cute girl clothes…and it just so happens that I LOVE Old Navy…
Lindsay C says:
I don’t have kids, but I used to work in childcare and I love love LOVED it when the children dressed themselves. It was such an expression of joy when they got all crazy with the clothes. I also had lots of secret joy when one parent would get exasperated at the other parent’s sartorial decisions.
Kristen says:
I too try to make most things match, or mostly match, for my 5 year. I still prefer him to look like a 5 year old and not a teenager so I try to find more plain shirts rather than the skull/skateboarding shirts that seem to be popular amongst the bigger sizes.
jenifer says:
Love Old Navy!
Mary says:
No matter how cute and cheap that white onesie is, it’s not a deal when they’ll only wear it once. #messychildren
Linmarie says:
Would love a gift card to Old Navy for my older son!Very cute clothes!!
tamar says:
I LOVE Old Navy.
My tip: go with comfort, and be sure to have a belt for little pants that fall down!
Kim says:
My kids style tips are wear what’s clean and comfortable! Thankfully, they match. Usually. We love Old Navy!!
Suzanne K says:
I always laid out a couple of options the night before and let her pick between them
Kristin says:
I let my boys wear whatever gaudy underpants they want (Batman, Green Lantern, sports teams) and they seem to not notice that they don’t own any gaudy shirts. My choice for the outer layer, their choice for the under layer
Julia says:
My tip…go to the clearance first!
Aubrey B says:
A great style tip for me is definitely utilize the mix and match system. You can come up with lots of cute outfits for a lower price!
Rylee says:
Most importantly: Don’t buy it BECAUSE it is on sale. If you need it, okay. If you want it, sure. But if you’re just buying because it’s cheap? No. No. No.
Cathy says:
I tend to just let my kids pick what they what want. Although we haven’t done the whole wardrobe is interchangeable like you, they seem to have a pretty good sense of style.
Emily says:
If your daughter had leggings she loves, BUY ANOTHER PAIR before they disappear. They will wear out long before the shirts they match. Watch clearance and when they hit a great price, buy more.
Jennifer Y says:
I hope to do the same with our children. Buy options they are mix and match and let them choose their own outfits. Of course, I’m sure I’d let them wear anything they wanted.
Casey Yandle says:
We’re forever shopping the kids clearance for great deals. We can always find such great outfits at our local Old Navy. We usually try & get outfits that they can mix & match too. Now if only they had those nice looking outfits for men.
Dawn says:
I never mind mismatched, even if they do look a bit outrageous. Freedom of expression, baby! I remember one lovely day when a then two year old Mad girl insisted on wearing shorts in winter. We had no tights that fit. We compromised and she wore them over her then favorite pants. She was insanely proud of herself.. and she did look adorable.
*ramble*
I’m all for letting them choose. Colors, styles, etc. It’s fun.
Danielle Hilton says:
My daughter loves old navy!!
Laura S says:
My daughter is now grown with 2 small girls of her own. If I won the card I would be passing it on to her because they are always needed new/bigger clothes!
My tip is this: buy the same tee or top in a variety of colors and then keep the pants/shorts all the same color.
Kyl Neusch says:
something that is comfortable and wearable
Jean F says:
I’m a big believer in shopping at thrift and consignment stores. Kids grow so fast they don’t have time to wear out their clothes. Stores sponsored by membership groups like Junior League often have high quality name brand clothes but they still charge modest prices.
Katie D says:
Find pieces to mix and match. Also….shop clearance!!!
Daniel M says:
let them have a say, they have to wear the stuff
Britt W says:
Boys are so much easier, but my son DOES have an opinion on shoes, of all things. He’s fine with his clothes as long as it’s comfy jeans, and usually a graphfic t with something like trains, dinosaurs, or bugs, but he has 5 different pair of shoes. Yesterday he wanted to wear his camo snow boots..there was no snow. It was an interesting outfit.
Ari says:
I agree with many other commenters–buy a bunch of mix n’ match pieces! It’s great to be able to make many different outfits, with only a few different items. I love to shop clearance racks, and often buy ahead. There are great clearance deals on summer items in the winter and vice versa. You take a risk with guessing what your child’s size may be, but often the price is so ridiculously cheap that it’s still worth it!!
Katie says:
I love mix and match! My daughter isn’t picking out her clothes yet, but it definitely makes it easier when my husband dresses her!
Renski says:
My style tip is to let kids choose (to some extent) what they want to wear.
Hannah Hawley says:
No special tips! I love things that are interchangeable.
Megan Hartman says:
My daughter Paisley is almost 2 and for the most part still lets me pick her outfits out. But she ALWAYS has to pick which pair of shoes she will be wearing. But I pretty much do the same thing as you. If she is shopping with me I let her pick whatever she wants out and kinda go from their. Old Navy has the best clothes because so many of there styles go together.
Elizabeth says:
As a soon to be mom (eeep!) I definitely want to be budget conscious as my son is sure to be growing out of outfits as soon as I put him one. Because of that, I do plan on color coordinating with lots of options in a specific array of colors to make it easy to mix and match. This will be especially helpful when he starts dressing himself if he inherits his dad’s inability to match. =)
Erica C. says:
My biggest tip is to let your kids pick out their own stuff often so they can develop their own style. Also, when you find something great…buy more than one!
Ray says:
I’m not a mom, but my tip/advice would be: If you have more than one child, both the same sex, slightly different ages…? “PLEASE, DO NOT DRESS THEM LIKE TWINS ALL THE TIME.” It’s one thing to have your kids coordinating in the same colors/different patterns. But a whole other thing to have them in the same outfit, at five years apart. Individuality is KEY.
joni says:
Let the kids pick out what they want to wear. Discuss it and approve it.
Debbie C says:
Kid style tips, nothing beats an extensive collection of tights for little girls. Every color you can find. Then, if you have a top, a tee, a dress, even a scarf you can tie into a top, you always have an outfit!
chrisdeglen(at)gmail(dot)com
Erin says:
My daughter has matching hair accessories to all of her outfits… she doesn’t have much hair and even in an all pink dress people still call her a boy… so giant flowers and bows usually helps them.
Leigh Elliott says:
Oh, I don’t have a single style tip. My daughter will be 5 in June and now when she gets dressed I just hope it’s not something stained or too small. Other than that, anything goes!
If my daughter could have her way in designing her clothes, they’d be comfy, colorful, and have as many cats on them as possible. Oh, and rainbows.
Kim W says:
My tip is to let the child pick out what fits their personality, that way they are always comfortable in their clothes
Meghan says:
This is an awesome giveaway! I really only buy items when there is a sale.
Carrie says:
We are expecting our first baby in April- and we are keeping the gender a surprise!!! Don’t have any tips yet, but I am loving reading everyone elses! THANK YOU!
Mandy says:
Right now it’s easy. She is still young so I choose the clothes and 2 choices of shoes. She picks her shoes!
Amber says:
ME! With three kids (5, 7, 9), they’re constantly outgrowing clothes which = expensive! I love shopping the Old Navy sales racks and will often buy things they really like or staples (khaki’s, jeans, etc.) in their current size and the next size up when possible.
I wear Old Navy clothes, too. They’re one of the few places I can find my size on a consistant basis (which is rare!) while not having to pay out the nose for cute things! Most of their clothes are good to mix and match with, so for somone who is fashion dumb like me, they’re especially nice!
laura says:
Style tips for toddlers:
Give them (limited) clothing choices every day.
Buy extras of their favorites if you see them on sale. That favorite “airplane” (or whatever) is destined to get stained.
Look for adjustable waist bands.
Mary Calabrese says:
My tip is to keep it as simple as possible.
Courtney says:
I guess it is not much of a style tip but my goal is not to spend more than $5 on any article of kids clothing (except coats and shoes). I also try to have the basics in every size, khakis, jeans, white tshirt and solid color shirts that can be jazzed up with fun, patterned pieces that are more unique.
nicole says:
I don’t really have any tips, but I love Old Navy and with a new baby due any day now it would be nice to not have to worry about buying him some new clothes!!
Ellie W says:
I have two boys and they have pretty simple style tastes. They both like anything to do with sports so they live in jeans, sports tees, and basketball pants. It isn’t worth it for me to buy much dressier clothes for them because they won’t be worn much.
Thanks for the giveaway!
eswright18 at gmail dot com
ally (adil320). says:
Oh Old Navy. How I love thee. I am currently dressing three kids and 99% of their clothing comes from ON!
misty sunrise says:
I let my daughter choose her own clothes, so she can create her own style.
Thanks for the contest!
itsjustme62613 at gmail.com
Ericka says:
I have 4 month old twin boys and I dress them how I want to and make sure their clothes coordinate or match because I know when they get older I won’t have a say in the matter.
Holly says:
I would say make sure you have outfits that mix and match, that way you can give them a little independence and let them choose the outfit. That way it will match no matter what!
Amanda says:
my favorite style tip is to buy a line dresses when my girls are babies and reuse them as shirts when they get bigger!
Shelagh P says:
My style tip is when I find a pair of pants that my kids like – buy them in every color (because they are so picky on what is they like to wear) and then purchase the coordinating shirts that way I don’t have to hunt down shirts from other stores that coordinate. Kind of a lazy style but it works.
becca says:
my boys love to layer their t shirts. plain or striped long sleeve with their favorite graphic tee on top so everyone can see it even when it’s cold outside.
we could use some more favorite shirts from old navy!
Julie says:
I have boys so it’s all jeans and tshirts!
Christine says:
leggings and t shirts, quick and easy
Montoya Cox says:
I usually let my girls pick out their own clothing and to my surprise they do quite well for their age. Very seldom I have to tell them to pick another outfit, and occasionally they pick something inappropriate for the current season like sandals and a wool vest….lol
Jill L says:
I would say my son is a casual kind of Old Navy guy. He told me today that his Old Navy tshirt was his all time favorite shirt.
Kellie Rose Wilson says:
Hearts and ruffles lots of pink..
Old Navy has the best clothes for little girls I think!
Flower sandals, graphic tees…
neon colors for the little sweetpea!
We can’t get enough of Old Navy styles..
wearing it always makes us smile!
Lisa Garner says:
My sons main styling tip would be to never wear pants that are to short and make sure your socks match.
lisalmg25 at gmail dot com
Claire says:
Most important for me – make sure to get things that are WASHABLE! Kids should be running around and having fun with little regard to mess, not making sure their clothes stay spotless.
Another tip is to buy and dress them in layers. Cuts down on complaining about being too hot/cold
Michaela R says:
I like to let my kids have a choice with what they wear. Given I let them choose, I lay out a couple of options for them on the bed and they can choose which they like best. Whatever they’re in the mood for, works. When I’ve tried to just put them with what I choose, it tends to be a fussy day haha.
Jill says:
Getting my boys in pants is by far one of the biggest challenges at age 3. Currently, the littlest is channeling the 80s with “socks over pants” daily. This is an improvement from “rainboots only” which was last winter. Boys styles are fairly easy for me. I don’t buy it unless my husband would also wear it. Except for a few gratuitous Star Wars shirts. And hopefully, everyone agrees to wear pants.
Paula says:
Pants with snaps verses buttons are a must because they always wait until the last minute to pee. Give them a few options but let them choose. Buy bigger sizes for the following year when things are marked down at the end of the season. And finally, don’t sweat the small stuff… if they want to wear rain boots, and it is 90 degrees and sunny, let them.
Annie Y says:
My little dude is a total rocker, and we are looking forward to seeing what the little lady’s style will be!
Chantel says:
Old Navy is the only place that has clothes to fit my entire family! The clothes are cute and durable (a must with two kids!) and my daughter likes some of the shirts in the boy’s section, which get passed down to my son a year or so later. The clearance and sales have saved my wallet on more occasions than I care to count!
Tracey says:
I used to pull out clothes for school the night before. Around third grade or so – she became defiant and would change things up in the morning. Sometimes a match and sometimes not so much a match. Oh well at least she was covered and had clean clothes.
Nadine L says:
My daughter was always one to mix and match, Mom didn’t always agree with her choices, but I let her be, it was her style and as long as she was dressed appropriately and not showing off body parts not appropriate for her age, I bit my tongue. Now that she is a bit older, she has learned to mix and match a bit better and still keeps her unique style
Tonya Dean says:
My daughter is 14 and we still struggle with clothes. She wants to wear shirts more revealing than I am comfortable with. When she was little it was so much easier. Just had to make sure they were comfortable and cute.
KASEY KOLLMAN says:
love Old Navys clearance sales!
Lee Cockrum says:
Such cute outfits! It would be great fun to win the gift card!
Kristin says:
my best kid’s shopping tip is to buy a bunch of adorable clothes for all my friend’s babies so that when I finally have one, I’ll get all the cute hand-me-downs!
Nicci says:
My daughter has always been more fashionable than me and now that she’s a tween, she is in full control of both of our fashion choices:)
Martha says:
My daughter loves to wear her tutu’s with tights underneath. We love the clearance rack.
Brittany says:
Well, I technically don’t have a child of my own so I don’t really have too many styling tips for children. But as a former babysitter, I would let the kids pick out which clothes they wanted, but if they weren’t appropriate for the days activities, like say a dress when we’re going to the park, I would make a comment like, “You would look really cute in this shirt.” or “I LOVE these shorts.” and most of the time she would change her mind once she say that I liked them!
Jenn says:
Here’s my vote incase us Canadians can be in the contest too. Thanks!!!
divrchk says:
This isn’t so much a tip but a heads up for the future. When you send Annabel to school in a dress, she needs to be wearing shorts, like bike shorts, underneath. They sit criss cross, applesauce (not Indian style) and you don’t want her panties to show. A Children’s Place always has them for cheap and the Gymboree ones are good too.
Leah says:
Old Navy is the best!
Leah says:
I think it’s adorable when kids dress themselves. And I love crazy outfit combos!
Liz says:
My daughter is only 4 months old. Our style tip is to use the clothes that other people give to us. And we much prefer onesies with snaps over anything that needs to go over the poor girls head. She hates that!
evsmarie says:
At (almost) 18 months – we are just starting to deal with our daughter wanting to choose some of her own clothing pieces. For whatever reason, she is especially picky about her socks. ??? Whatevs. I am such a newbie at this that I didn’t think about the potential hobo look until I read your post! So – I think that I’ll be stealing your idea, thank you very much.
Leiah says:
When my daughter was small, I avoided the dreaded clothing battle meltdown by picking out two outfits that were mom-approved and then asking her which one she wanted to wear. Even though they were outfits I chose, she was OK with because she felt she had a say so in the final decision. Sneaky? Probably, but a mom’s gotta do what a mom’s gotta do to get by some days.
Jen M. says:
My tip would be to hire Heather as my kids’ stylist. I love the outfits you put together!
Adrianne says:
Well I just have the one kid and she’s only 5 months old, so not a lot of tips yet in the baby fashion area. But one I like is putting the onesie OVER the pants instead of the other way around. Much cuter and then she doesn’t look like a little old man!
Kristy says:
I love Old Navy. My son wears huskies – don’t tell him, he doesn’t know – and they always have a great selection. Cute baby clothes for the grandchildren too.
Julie Paris says:
I like to give my daughter options and I also don’t worry about it if she doesn’t want her socks to match.
Erin Christine says:
Shop clearance, not only for clothes the kiddos can wear now, but several sizes up for the future…jammies, winter items, etc. I always shop there first. And I agree with the mix & match method – so much more practical!
Jaedeanne says:
I do exactly what you suggested – buy cute things that are interchangeable, then let her express her little “independence” from those choices. Which works for the most part, but she seems to always throw a last-minute addition in, like a tutu, a Snow White dress, or her rainboots. She’s only 3 for a little while though, and I think it’s adorable!
Laura says:
Occasionally check out the boys’ section for your daughter – otherwise her wardrobe will be way.too.pink.
Kim says:
i let my kids wear what they want, within reason. Often they don’t match and that’s ok with me. Everything has to fit though. There willbd nobellu button or crack showing around here!
Kimberly says:
I bought my six year old grand-daughter long sleeved tee shirts in every color of the rainbow! That way she can wear her short sleeve tee’s and even her cute summer tank tops, just layered over the long sleeved ones, all year round.
Andrea says:
I’ve learned to pick my battles and clothes is one area where I let my daughter have it her way. My only rule is that she is appropriately modest when in public. No camisoles to the mall, but around the house, sure! I have to force myself to say nothing some days, but it is better than arguing and in the end, it is just clothes!
addrienne mertens says:
my son goes for the layered look. it doesnt quite have to match. he has fun picking out his outfits, and shopping at the second and store really helps.
Sarah H. says:
I have three girls – 11, 12 and 18. They all have completely different styles and tastes. I like to buy the essentials like jeans, tank tops, coats without them around so they end up being Christmas and Birthday presents. I then take them out individually for a shopping trip with Mom where they can pick out more personalized items like shirts, jewelry and shoes.
Amy says:
With 2 boys my style tip is to just find clean clothes that match.
Joanne Larson says:
Luckily, my little guy hasn’t started picking out his clothes yet – and maybe never will? – so I google the weather, see what the temp will be and dress appropriately, usually a pair of jeans or khakis with a sweater/ shirt, depending.
shelly says:
I have three kiddos under 4 and WOW, clothing is expensive. I would love to get my hands on a gift card
Joni Thompson says:
My daughter is 18 and has pretty much kept things simple in her style world… however!!! …. she’s having a baby girl in May!! What a blessing it would be for Old Navy to dress my first Granddaughter!! Thanks for the chance to win!!
Danielle Oyen says:
I try to match things that can make several different outfits. I have two teenage daughters and , thank goodness, they like to share clothes which is a life saver.
Brandi says:
Yay for another entry! I really need a little girl to dress up Can I borrow Annie?
Barbara T. says:
For my boys, I stuck to plain, solid color bottoms like jeans or sweat pants, then jazzed them up with tee shirts. Stripes were good, as were all the dinosaurs, trucks, rockets, etc., that boys love, and it all went well together.
Lucy Thrasher says:
I looooove me some Old Navy. The clothes are cute and the prices are reasonable – the perfect combination for kid’s clothes!
Kristin says:
I have a four year old boy, so he’s a little easier to dress. Most days he still lets me pick out his clothes, but sometimes he insists on a specific shirt or jacket. I buy everything so that it will coordinate with the jeans/pants that he has so we avoid the “hobo” issue.
Terry C says:
I don’t have any tips but I like your idea of buying things that go together. Mix and match!
Melissa says:
I definitely need style tips…for myself as well as my kids : ) Love all of your suggestions.
kim says:
For my son he looks good in stripes. My daughter looks great (and loves) anything thats really bright looking.
Kim
Jaclyn says:
I do a lot of my shopping at the used kids store. But, since I have 3 girls to cloth, I do by some nice things for the oldest that I can pass down to the other two. Did I mention I have THREE girls to dress….man I could really use that shopping spree!!!
JoAnn F. says:
I use to buy color coordinated outfits for my twins instead of dressing them identically. It saved us alot of money! My girls were always into style at a young age, lol.
jofo120 at yahoo dot com
Sarah Krajewski says:
I shop clearance racks like crazy! I buy a size up for the next year and with three boys chances are someone will get to wear it!
Michelle Tucker says:
Honestly, the closest thing to style we can hope for is that they actually want to change their clothes when they get up in the morning. It’s like pulling teeth. Perhaps they just need extra incentive, like new clothing. Hah.
S Carter says:
My tip is to let them pick out at least some part of their outfit so they feel like they have contributed as well.
sammysweet says:
Our “style” has been pretty simple – as a family on a budget, we get everything handed down from family! a shopping spree would be quite the gift for our little family (just ask 2nd born son that has yet to own a ‘new’ item) LOL!
Elizabeth says:
I love Old Navy for my girls. Their clothes are so cute and comfy!
I also love how their website puts outfits together for those of us who might be a little fashion-impaired.
Christina Ridge says:
My three-year-old’s style tips are:
If it doesn’t include a tutu, headband, or sparkly shoes, then it’s NOT style.
Stephanie says:
I love Annie’s wardrobe and my girls love Old Navy!
Kaylin says:
My toddler fashion trick is I hang “outfits” up together on those awesome kid hangers that hang pants and shirts together. I say “outfits” because they may not be purchased that way, but they are things that go together so my daughter doesn’t look like a hobo. This works well for us for 2 reasons, 1- my daughter can “choose” her outfit and feel like she is in control. And 2- on days when I work, my husband can get the kids ready and I don’t have to fear what they look like (he is terrible about coordinating any clothes!) $500 to old navy would be awesome! Pick me pick me!
Marty says:
It would be awesome to win this so I could treat my grandkids! Yay Old Navy!
susan says:
Dresses dresses and more dresses.
Nicole Singleton says:
The last time I went into Old Navy for ONE pair of tights for my daughter I fell into the rabbit hole and spent $120 on clothes. That money was SUPPOSED to go toward a bill, my bad. I haven’t been in since – though I LOVE their clothes, I clearly have a problem and can’t be trusted in there.
To avoid meltdowns I give her 2 or 3 options every morning. She picks what she wants and all is well in the world. Thankfully she doesn’t have her wardrobe memorized or I’d be SOL.
Thanks for the opportunity.
Caroline says:
I have all boys – so easy!! But we love Old Navy!
Annette D says:
I have two sons and they love Old Navy! They love Old Navy t-shirts! My oldest son wears his Old Navy almost every day. They both got new jackets from Old Navy for Christmas.
Sharon says:
JEANS! Jeans match with everything, and the styles range from casual to dressy.
Jennifer says:
Heather,
Old Navy is a great store for kids clothes. As a teenager I used to buy their jeans because they were a perfect fit. It would be awesome to win a shopping spree for Keven and Isabel.
Jenn
Wendy says:
I think its good to have a few pair of pants and shoe that can work for any shirt. Keep it simple.
Erin says:
I love jeans. Shorts, skirts, pants…almost anything matches.
Jennifer J says:
Is it wrong that I don’t have a strategy. I just buy what is cute and at a good price. thanks!!
lindsey says:
Old Navy is great for clothes! Cash grows so fast, I like the idea of getting 2 or 3 of each piece that you love!
Lindsey
Patty says:
My son is 5 and he has been dressing himself for a long time. His clothes mostly match no matter what he chooses. At least with boys, there aren’t too many color options for the bottoms!
LuAnn says:
old navy gets a lot of my money! i would love to have a shopping spree for my 4 and almost 2 y.o.!
Jenbug says:
My kid style tip? Pick your battles. Have lots of options, but know when to give in and let them wear whatever they want. A happy toddler makes for a happy home!
kirsten says:
I always took my girls shopping with me so they had a say in the matter. The oldest loved pinks and frills. The youngest will not wear a dress or anything close to pink. You learn to work with both and giving them choices makes you life easier.
mikki says:
My 3 yo daughter will only dress in clothes with monkeys. That is her only fashion requirement. Oh and no jeans! and mismatched socks and no hair accessories. I think we are what you were trying to steer Annie from being, a toddler hobo…. Oh well
Mikki
Andrea says:
My 3 girls have hit the ages where it’s best to just throw some money at them and have them pick out what they want. I’m guaranteed to be returning items if I shop for them
Sara says:
Uugh, after my 3rd kid, I’ve realized that the less options you give them…the better. It also helps us to pick out two outfits the night before pre-school and then she only has two choices. Why oh why hasn’t anyone come up with seamless socks yet.
Nicole says:
I don’t have any tips, but I like the tips you posted. I’ll have to pass that on to my bff for my goddaughter.
shelly says:
My niece will only wear things that sparkle, and my nephew will not wear anything with buttons!
Kelly says:
My style tip is HAND ME DOWNS!
Stephanie says:
My tip is to make sure you buy stuff in different colors. Because if it’s all pink, you look like a marshmallow.
Heather says:
My tip is to choose your battles. If picking out their own clothing is important to your kid, let them do it, even if it means walking down the street with a hobo who has taken style tips from Bozo the Clown. It seems to me like you should reserve controlling how they look until later when you’ll need some serious veto power over tattoos and nose rings. Mismatched clothing never hurt anyone and, frankly, I think it is pretty cute!
Amy says:
We are currently in the “cozy pants” stage — my daughter will not wear anything with buttons, snaps, or zippers. We buy a lot of leggings and dresses, which works well as she grows. She also currently loves her flip flops, which would be great, except it’s February…in Idaho.
Karsten says:
Love Old Navy! Cute outfits….
Jamie Elizabeth says:
I try to stick to basics- no words, no glittery butterflies, no licensed characters (unless it’s Hello Kitty, I just can’t help myself).
Tammy C says:
Out with the old and in with the new!! Happy shopping!!
Karol says:
My son is 4. He has likes and dislikes. His big like is “blue”, anything blue. His dislikes are every other color (except gray on some days)…and jeans. I let him pick out his clothes. Luckily, I’m able to provide a modicum of oversight in this process because I’m the one who buys his clothes! And I only buy so much blue stuff. Once he wears all the blue items (usually Monday-Wednesday), he has to wear the other colors in his drawer…or go naked.
Bethany says:
I have a 7 year old daughter and 4 year old son, and I am one of those weird control freak parents that still lays out their clothes for them every night before bed! I know they are both capable of putting together outfits, I am just having issues letting go! I like them to look good…like its some kind of reflection on me. I know..I have issues! Anyway, we live at Old Navy. The majority of their clothes and mine come from there. You can keep up with trends, without breaking the bank, and you can generally avoid that ticky tacky, glittery, sequined and somewhat inappropriate clothing (for girls) that you find at some of these other chain stores! As for tips, when my kids were really little, I used to always make sure to get them neutral bottoms…like khaki shorts, capris or jeans, and then just buy lots of cute tops to go with them. As they get older, its harder to do that, as I am always seeing cute plaid shorts for them, or other non-neutral bottoms. However, I do generally try to follow your rule of making sure a lot of things coordinate, and that’s way easy to do when buying most of their clothes from the same store…like Old Navy…the color palettes usually coordinate anyway. Here’s to hoping I hit it big with the gift card!…spring/summer clothes buying season is upon us!
Alison B says:
I love the ON! My husband has to keep me away from there or our 17 month old would have too many clothes. But they’re so cute!!!!
Caro says:
I teach preschool, and my favorite kid style tip is mixing patterns–striped leggings, and a flowery top is my current favorite.
Aubrey says:
i let my kids wear whatever they want
Rachel W. says:
I don’t have kids yet, but when I do, I’ll definitely be going with the color-palette idea like you have done. When I have a baby who is too young to choose their own clothing, I’ll try to stick to one style, and shop ahead to simplify things and to save money!
Mommy says:
I’m trying to get my 3 year old boy to try and pick his own clothes but he just does not care. It’s kind of fun for me though, because then I can dress him and the baby in matching or coordinating outfits. We would love that gift card!!
Kristin says:
I have two boys- 3 & 4. To try and give them some control/independence, I have moved their clothes to a dresser where my 4 year old can literally go into his own drawers and pick out what he wants to wear. I still have to lift the 3 year old to see his clothes, but I try to be consistent about showing him his drawers so he can pick out what he wants. My best advice for boys is to find 2 or 3 really good pairs of shoes. They will go through them, FAST. We would love a gc to ON My 4 y/o is getting taller, but staying slim; it’s hard to find pants long enough where the waist still fits.
Nicole says:
I have boys (3&4), and my boys dont care what I put on them. I dont think they know about matching. They want comfortable jeans. And shirts that arent hot or itchy. Oh, and clothes must be washable because everything gets really dirty.
Angelica says:
I store all my girls’ clothes in outfits. For my youngest (she’s almost 2) I hang all her clothes up in her closet so I hang outfits together and for my 3 year old I match all her outfits before folding and putting them in her drawers. That way she can choose what outfit she wants to wear without mismatching her clothes
Shelley Mitchell says:
Khaki pants and shorts are must. They can be used to dress up a little and for more casual occasions.
msjem2001 at yahoo dot com
Erin says:
We definitely have a style. It’s called my two-year old finds any articles of clothing that are the same color, no matter what shade or pattern, says they match and wears them. Sometimes that means three tank tops and a pair of tights!
Danielle says:
My son is 14 now and extremely picky about his clothes and he changes like 3 times a day, UGH! (We have taken to calling him Kanye Luther) Anyhoodle, living in Seattle I constantly have to make sure he has basics+layers because it could be raining one minute and sun shiny the next. I buy him several pairs of jeans, layering tees and sweatshirts/hoodies so he can peel layers off if he gets too warm.
chrissyj says:
We match outfits together when we’re putting laundry away and we also choose school outfits the night before to avoid morning meltdowns. Going to public school that requires uniforms is helpful but it was very traumatic for my five-year-old when she started kindergarten and realized she could no longer wear tutus to school every day. Free dress Fridays are very special in our house!
Charlane says:
I call my daughter’s style Hobo Chic so it made me laugh when you said you didn’t want Annie to look like a hobo. I let Keelee wear really whatever she wants. After all, there are really only a short few years that people look at you adorningly when you have a tutu on over your pants, mouse ears over your hat, and a feather boa scarf. The only rule that I insist on is that undies MUST be worn UNDER the pants!
Melanie says:
This is a pretty boring tip, but I’ve taught both of my kids that jeans go with just about everything. My daughter (6) knows if she chooses jeans, she can chose just about any shirt from her drawer and she’s good to go. She now has an eye for which shirts might be better with leggings or a skirt too. Now if I could just get the 4 year old to steer away from the athletic pants (who can blame him… they are comfy!).
Susan says:
Not exactly a style tip, but with three kids, everybody has to pick their clothes before bedtime on school nights.
Kayla says:
I don’t really have any tips, but my family loves Old Navy and the gift card would be awesome to get spring and summer clothes!
naomi says:
daughter is 3…options sometimes work, but many times i’m met with a scowl and crossed arms, and nothing will budge her.
Julie says:
Oh my daughter would be in heaven with $500 to spend at Old Navy!!
angie says:
On school days, I try to dress my three year old daughter before I wake her up. I head to the bed with the clothes and dress her as I wake her up. By the time she is fully concious, she is already dressed and I have avoided her opinions:)
On weekends, I tend to let her wear whatever she wants, which is sometimes VERY CREATIVE
ROSE O. says:
My son has a very laid back style – jeans and a t-shirt will do!
Tracey says:
Love Old Navy!
Lynn says:
I think your system is great…makes everyone happy! My kids are grown, 4 girls. What worked for us was to lay everything out the night before. No time-suck surprises in the A.M.!
Thank you for hosting this awesomely-fantastic drawing!!
Sarah says:
I too love to buy items that can be mixed and matched. I also shop the clearance section to buy for the next season/year!
Meyli says:
I’d love to win! But I do not have any kids… but I do know someone who’s expecting, so maybe they’d like some awesome styles! I promise I’ll share.
Kid fashion tips? Hm. Stirruped leggings and colorful scrunchies were oh so cool when I was little.
beck says:
sometimes skinny jeans look best on chubby little toddler legs… when you are little, adult fashion rules to not always apply.
Amy says:
Shopping tips? I am copying your entire wardrobe for Annie for myself!
But seriously…. as the mom of a teenage boy, I struggle with the transition from my picks of GapKids, Children’s Place, and Old Navy to places like Hot Topic. My coping strategy: as long as its not offensive, uses bad language, or reveals too much skin, its fine. Better to have him express himself than grow up repressed and damaged. And we *both* love Old Navy retro tee’s, so we can bond over that!
Leah says:
I try to buy clothes that will match other clothes. Also, I try to hide clothes that were given as gifts, that I don’t really like. Although some of those clothes I let my kids (4 and 2) wear to school because they are going to get ruined anyway. I try very hard not to make a big deal about what they pick out to wear unless we are taking pictures or going somewhere fancy. My son used to like wearing his pants backwards, and my daughter sometimes picks out pajama pants to wear under a skirt:)
Sunny says:
If possible, go shopping WITHOUT your child. Because despite your best efforts to instill your son with a decent sense of fashion, he will inevitably find the ugliest clothing in the entire store and INSIST that you buy it. Then he will INSIST that he wear it every. single. day.
And they say *parents* are the embarrassing ones.
Nicole DeFontes says:
Definitely but what’s comfortable because the kids really do fall back on the same comfortable clothes while the fancy outfits stay in the closet. Thanks for the great giveaway!
Breanne says:
Shop sales
Erica says:
fun, funky and frilly. anything with pizazz — but they get to pick. they’re only kids once!
Leah says:
When we go shopping my 10 year old daughter definately knows what she likes and doesn’t like. My main tip is don’t spend a lot, look for the bargain. The clothes get stained and they grow so fast. I will also check the clearance racks for the next size up too.
Debbie in Memphis says:
I’d love to win! I NEED to win. My kids REALLY, REALLY NEED for me to win so they can have new clothes and not hand-me-downs.
debbie ibarra says:
love your blog and love old navy…would be great to win a gift card for some new duds for my two boys and my new job!
CATHARINE R says:
When I find a well-made basic piece, I buy it in a few different colors.
ceriehl at gmail dot com
Lindsey says:
Wish I had some kid styling tips but since my kids are 21 (he is preppy with ever present polo shirt/khaki pants), 23 (she is Target chic – so proud of her great outfits that she gets at discounted places, esp TJ Maxx) and 25 (she is a 2nd grade teacher so dresses the part and her kids think she is CUTE as they tell her every day!!)
Would love to win the prize — thanks so much for the chance!! Annie looks like she is ready to dance!!! Mine started at three and took for 13 yrs and they both LOVED it!
Jill says:
I try to dress my three boys alike so that I can find them easily when we’re out and about. I coordinate their little sister when I can–though if she’s dressing like a princess, it’s hard to do that!!
brian e. says:
Thanks for the giveaway…to avoid “disagreements” with clothing choices, we let the kids have a few options so that it does not turn into a daily drama…as parents, we should choose our “battles” wisely.
senorpiero [at] yahoo [dot] com
Jody M says:
I let my daughter choose her own clothes. Otherwise I just end up wasting money on clothes that never get worn.
Amy says:
Lots of solid colors and take the clothes out of the drawers that don’t fit anymore (so hard to tell my 4 year old that his favorite shirt is too small…need to get it out of sight).
Ashlee says:
Luckily my boys aren’t too picky when it comes to clothes. I do give them options when shopping , “do you like this shirt or this one?”. I try to let them choose their own styles, but I ultimately have veto power.
Jessica says:
Could use this for maternity clothes:) Thanks for the style tips
Dianna says:
Buy the clothes in a size larger than you think they need. They grow so fast.
Kelly says:
If it fits and they like it, buy in in multiple colors. Always have at least one pair of pants or leggings that she can wear under a dress. Overall, unless it is completely inappropriate, let her decide what to wear.
I would love to be able to stock up at Old Navy–their stuff is the best for mixing and matching!
Jessica V. says:
I have two boys and LOVE dressing them in bright colors and combos. Old Navy is a go-to for fun tshirts and hoodies. And, when I need to get my girlie shopping fix on, I just wander over to the girl side to shop for my niece!
Diana says:
My 3.5 yr old loves to dress herself and often ends up looking like a mini Cyndi Lauper (yes, really). I try to give her 3 or 4 choices and just let her go from there…much easier than forcing her to wear something she doesn’t want to.
Amanda Pyle says:
I love shopping – especially for my (almost) 2 year old daughter. Old Navy is the perfect place to shop because you can get so much for your money:)
Dawn @What's Around the Next Bend? says:
My tip is find a friend that has a child slightly older or younger than yours… split the cost of the clothes and then take good care of them and hand them down… or get hand me downs from them. My friend and I have 3 boys between us. We shop the sales, but we don’t mind spending a little more when we know that 3 kids are gonna get use out of it.
PS – I could REALLY use a little shopping $$ right now!!
Suz says:
Flip flops go with everything… In Florida.
Stacy Trimble says:
I’m totally having this battle with my three year old. Ugh. I can only imagine what it’s going to be like when she’s a teenager!
Momma Lioness Michele says:
My 4 year old so has taught me that, as long as he is comfortable, he’ll be stylin’. A $500 gift card would go a long way towards making him and his lil bro comfy and stylish. Thanks for the chance to win!
Mel J. says:
I could really use this. Annie has much more style sense than I do
Debi says:
I buy their favorite colours in pants and shirts, tops and everything makes an outfit. Old Navy is a favorite of ours. The kids know we look at the reduced rack first and then they are able to get more for their (mine) money. And since they are 6 and 7, they are growing like weeds. The gift card would help so much.
Melissa P says:
LOVE Old Navy!
Jachel says:
Neutral bottoms are my answer. For my daughter I think it will be a little harder, but definitely the same color pallet.