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Why Do I Care?
February 10, 2010 by The Next Family
Filed under Brandy Black
By: Brandy Black
So now that my daughter has taken to only tank tops and dresses she is now also insisting on dressing herself in the morning. She is coming up with the oddest combinations: pink and brown flower dress paired with a lovely green and pink ice cream cone-printed tank top with pink pants. It’s oddly a cute combination in a Selma Blair kind of way but certainly not attire that I would take her out of the house in. I didn’t think anything of it until we were about to go out.
“Angel, maybe we should take the tank top off and just put a coat over the dress.”
“Nooooooooo Mama NOoooooooo”
I began to cringe. Why do I care? I always thought it was ridiculous that moms would enforce their fashion style on their kids, but now here I am trying to convince my 2 year old to dress the way I want her to. I find myself wanting to explain to the barista at the coffee shop why Sophia looks miss-matched today. I’m going to practice shutting my mouth and letting her be the vibrant person that she is becoming. I may even learn some tips from her along the way. What do I know about fashion anyway?
Hahaha! One of my earliest memories is throwing absolute fits when my mother attempted to dress me in cute clothes. Eventually she gave up and started letting my wear whatever I wanted, even if it was mismatched or really embarrassing. She caught a lot of flack from my dad and my relatives for it, but I really do feel it helped shape me into the woman I am today. I often think that women don’t trust themselves to make decisions for themselves and this is a good way to start instilling confidence. Besides, I love these outfit combinations. Sophia might be on to something!
Chances are that she will learn what works and what doesn’t work from the reactions of people outside the house. This may take years of course, and if she’s got a rebellious streak, look out. Frankly, in the picture at least, that outfit looks darling and pretty fashion forward for a toddler. She just might have a good eye!
Of course, your other option would be to buy her only basics that all work together. Khakis, navies, blacks, with a few well placed graphics, sensible accessories, and white tees. Huh.
Yeah, better to let her be “the vibrant person that she is becoming.”
everyone will know she dressed herself, and they’ll think you’re an amazing mom for celebrating her independence and creativity!
Good points Fierce& Nerdy, Matthew and Nina- and it’s funny I was thinking after I put the picture up- she really does look pretty cute- here I am in my browns and blacks thinking I’m all cool- she’s got it going on. Great advice and will make me feel better when I find myself struggling with her.
I say hooray that your little one can express herself. Frankly I am tired of what’s in, what’s out. Since when can’t we just be ourselves,all unique and special. Fashion generates $$$ and lot’s of unneeded insecurity if you cannot keep up with it. I think your daughters choice is wonderful.
Thanks B!
Our daughter, Izzy, is exactly the same way. We’ve tried everything and just given up. We now let her go out in whatever she wants and it’s almost always a tank top or spaghetti straps. We’ve decided she runs hot and there isn’t much we can do for a kid who feels strongly about her wardrobe. She also has a long top that she refers to as her “pretty dress” that we see at every opportunity. Our son (Izzy’s twin) could care less. His only real dislike is jeans – not sure why but just doesn’t like them. We get him in them every now and then just because they’re sooo cute.
I’m glad to hear that there is another little girl out there like Sophia- most people say really?? She’s that particular already?