Baby and kids fashion
The return of another school year reminds us once again that fashion is a big part of the annual event. Trends are promoted by the manufacturers, but the kids from preschool on up are tuned into what is hip and chic. The very nature of fashion is that it changes.
Much of what inspires kids and baby fashion is rooted in the inspiration for adult fashion; European fashions, Asian fashions, Hollywood and better-known designers. It also derives kid-specific influence from current pop stars. Whenever there are younger kids in the Whitehouse, that can serve as a catalyst for kids fashion trends also.
The selection of toddler clothing and baby clothing has grown as well with the advent of the Internet supplementing the brick and mortar retailers. The opportunities for finding unique clothing are vast in a giant virtual shopping space.
Hollywood inspired fashions
On the topic of Hollywood's influence on kid's fashion, Parents Magazine did a piece that cited some specific examples. Their fashion examples included the ballerina shoes worn by Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes daughter Suri. The $230 price tag may put a few parents off though. They also report that Cate Blanchett's son Dashiell wears a Darth Vader for President tee-shirt, perfect for Star Wars junkies. They even featured tiny flower hair clips worn by Jason Priestley's daughter Ava.
Backpacks for school supplies
One fashion item that is not always thought of as a fashion accessory is backpacks. Today, backpacks make a fashion statement as much as clothing does. Parents Magazine found that dinosaur backpacks were very in currently, as well as cute animal and bug backpacks, striped and dotted versions and DIY backpacks
Eco-friendly clothing has caught on also and some items that got honorable mention by Parents included hemp and recycled materials infant shoes and baby bodysuits constructed of organic materials. If the baby and kid fashions in England have the same influence that styles did during the Beatles era, then the organic styles are very big there already. This is likely to be a trend that continues through several future fashion seasons.
Fashion repeats
Some fall fashions that are considered 'in' this year sound suspiciously like past trends. Layered tee-shirts and camouflage fashions for boys and half sleeve shirts and animal prints for girls. These fashions seem to be hold-over's, but what's really popular can survive from one fashion season to another.
It's interesting that one of the looks this fall for toddler girls is a sporty college look. Who would have thought? Shiny jackets and checked skirts also compete as fashion statements. The girls also are into the swing look in earthy colors. Baggy, loose tops and jeans or Capri's round out the look.
Cardigans and hooded sweatshirts are among the fashion must-haves for toddler boys. Both groups can wear knitted scarves to complete the style. The colder weather trend for the girls will be layers of knitwear. What happened to coats? Thick knit mittens will also be a hit with the girls.