Let’s be honest, shopping for our littles is way more fun these days than trying to figure out what size we even wear anymore and facing the grim reaper that is the change room mirror! If putting your energy into making your kids represent in the fashion stakes seems like a more worthy cause, here is what you need to know in 2019 to send your kids to the top of the style class! You won’t need a full tank of petrol, a road map and 30 episodes of Peppa Pig on the Ipad to hit the brief either, everything you need can be found under one roof at Stockland Greenhills.

TRENDS TO WATCH

SPOTS & STRIPES – Old faves get new love with a bit of French influence this Autumn/Winter! Your little Parisian will want to be seen in the colours du jour: Red, Navy, Black And White. Check out Country Road at David Jones & Seed. J’Adore!

SAFARI – Leopard is THE print of the season. You won’t need your binoculars to spot this trend as it finds its natural environment on racks everywhere from David Jones to H & M and Seed. Teamed with neutrals it’s a little less ‘Rockstar’ and a bit more ‘Urban Safari’ this time around!

PREPPY – The kid might not have even made it through grade school yet but their style this season is straight out of college. Think cardigans, puffer vests, logo tees, baseball caps and lots of navy and grey. Rookie by Academy Brand at David Jones nails the trend with boys wear that is unique and sophisticated with quality to withstand the rugby field.

BOTANICA - An abundance of flora and fauna themed prints will swathe our bundles of joy for the rest of the year. If it can be found in nature it will be found on anoraks, tees and leggings in beautiful and intricate patterns that will make even Grandma’s wallpaper look boring. Visit Best & Less, Target and don’t miss Marlo at David Jones for stunning special occasion dresses.

GLAM – For the little Pop Princess there is still plenty of glitter and glam to be found in coming seasons. Luxe black glitter satchels from Country Road at DJ’s, Metallic Bombers from Peter Alexander and velour twin Sets at H & M will ensure she makes an impression as big as her personality.

NEXT LEVEL DENIM – Boys and Girls are getting a denim upgrade this year with new styles, colours and fabrics to play with. Look out for ruffles, fringing and embroidery for the gals as well as overall styles in every shape and size, athletic stripes, chambray details and new lengths for the lads. Just Jeans have the big kids covered while Target, Indie Kids @ DJ’s and Seed have something for everyone else.

EL RANCHO – Desert tones reign supreme with rust, mustard and greens setting the scene for a backdrop of cactus, fox and Navajo inspired prints. Peter Alexander kids play range is your vista on the horizon for fun play attire and Ghanda always provides the goods for the earthy babe.

MINI ME STYLE

Twinning with Mum & Dad is a huge trend in kids wear right now, spurred on by the rise of ‘Mummy & Me’ bloggers and Instagrammers who find their fame styling their mini’s to match. If copycat style is your thing check out H & M’s fun “family collection” where you can dress the whole fam on trend – all the key season looks are covered with leopard, preppy and stripes all available in men’s, women’s and kids! Seed’s teen and girl ranges also compliment their womenswear beautifully with each new drop ensuring you two (or three or four!) will wow while youyou’re your babycino and double shot mugacinos.

Photo Credit: Instagram @justy_olive

SHOP SMART:

Keeping our kids stylish is a tricky game with them outgrowing, undressing and messing up our efforts quicker than we can say PayPass please. Remembering a few tips and tricks will ensure you get a little more bang for your buck!

*Buy clothes in larger sizes at the clearance sales – now is a fab time to shop for Summer next year!
*Quality over quantity – spend more on one great coat/jacket in a neutral tone which will match lots of outfits over the season rather than grabbing cheaper versions in less versatile colours (as tempting as that bright Fuschia number with the purple buttons may be to your little buddy).
*Take advantage of the fabulous options on offer at purse-friendly prices at retailers such as Best & Less, Big W and Target for everyday wear. Basics such as tee’s and leggings will be worn through and get stained the quickest so best to save the heartbreak and only spend a little on these items. Save the $$ for hardy denim and quality knitwear that wash well.
*Validate bigger ticket purchases by thinking of their re-sale value. If that gorgeous Seed dress is not going to be passed on to a grateful little sister or cousin, brands such as Seed and Country Road are popular in online buying/selling communities and could earn you back some coin to put towards their next dress!
*Read the tags! Avoid “Dry Clean Only” items or anything that is going to see you spending extra time in the laundry that could have been on the couch watching Married At First Sight.
*Comfort is priority Numero Uno! Kids don’t have the same tolerance we do for “Beauty is Pain”. If it’s too fussy or not conducive to running/climbing/slipping/sliding it’s only going to end in tears – for them, you and your bank account.
*Style is an important part of expressing yourself and telling the world who we are! Encourage your kids to enjoy this process and get involved in styling themselves. Find out what they love and why! You might learn a little more about your budding fashionista and their personality along the way. Make it easier for yourself though by providing a few options to choose between rather than giving free reign over the shop.

Kirstyn Chapman is available for Personal Style Consultations at Stockland Greenhills. To book, please call 02 49 332 799 or email greenhillscm@stockland.com.au