How I work with Lucy to find clothes she loves and will actually wear.
In This Post
Unicorns, Glitter, and All Things Pink + Purple
Lucy started kindergarten this week, and our (big!) girl is a strong-willed, opinionated, silly, and picky one. I love her ability and willingness to do things on her own, and when it comes to clothing, it’s no different. She loves what she loves – unicorns, glitter, and all things pink and purple – and long gone are the days where I shop for something cute and expect her to wear what I like. (I shouldn’t expect that anyway, she’s a 5-year-old with a drive to ‘do it myself.’) I’m often reminding her that her big energy and bold opinions are her superpower, and we work on harnessing that power every day.
Choosing Independence
Which is exactly why we lean into Lucy’s independence. I don’t think I’ve picked out her clothing (outside of the occasional wedding or special event) for at least 2 years, and while I will always, always be in awe of children who wear earth tones, slicked back ponytails and leggings without a hole in sight – well, that’s not Lucy. So rather than fight it (one less thing to worry about), I’ve embraced what she loves, and I shop through her eyes.
Lucy’s Back-to-School Picks
So, to all my fellow parents who have requested a Lucy back-to-school round up, this one is for you! It can be a challenge and a struggle, but it should come as no surprise that she’s most proud when she’s a part of the selection process, chooses how she’d like to dress each day, and eagerly walks out the front door for her walk to school.
Note: Some items below were purchased second hand (#2), or if her exact item was no longer available (#8), a similar item is linked.
1. tie-dye shorts set, $19 | 2. Converse high tops, $40 | 3. ruffle sweatshirt and leggings set, $27 | 4. daisies pullover, $10 | 5. tulle dress, $32 (50% off price) | 6. cats, tacos + unicorn tee, $20 | 7. tie-dye zip-up, $12 | 8. galaxy backpack, $45 | 9. pink jeggings, $25 (additional 35% off right now) | 10. unicorn riding a dinosaur tee, $18 | 11. purple metallic leggings, $15 | 12. waterproof shoes, $45 | 13. purple raglan shirt, $10
If you’re looking for more Lucy content, this is how we kept her clothing under control as a toddler, last year’s preschool wardrobe picks, and her purple-and-unicorn big kid bedroom reveal!
Love Love Love when parents allow the kids to dress themselves, my great nieces and nephews are so much fun and so proud to describe their outfits when asked! Good job you guys!
So sweet and fun! I love your approach. We did the same and my kids remind me I never prioritized matching socks for 20 years 😂 same goes with choosing their Halloween costumes-no family themes just executing odd requests that are now legendary in the family lore!
SO sweet!! Lucy’s BFF has never matched a sock in her life, and I find it so endearing. (Lucy is much too particular to allow for a mismatch, ha!)
We have recently bought inexpensive white t-shirts and let our kids tie dye their own shirts, and they are the most favorite thing they wear! Similar to the look Lucy is going for in that picture – did she make that one?
This one was a gift, but she definitely has a couple of DIY tie dyes from projects at school!
in her taylor swift RED era with those cat ears!
I love H&M for girls clothes and shoes. I have two young girls who love to dress themselves and I love to see the options they pick each morning. My oldest is very particular about matching, though she went through an anything goes phase, which is what my youngest is in now! Socks and crocs, with any combo of stripes and colors. It’s a surprise daily and I love it. I will say though I do draw the line at glittery clothes or backpacks. That stuff gets everywhere!!
Haha, agreed!