How to Dress Your Children Like Royals

When Prince George made his first public appearance on his parents’ Australian tour in 2014 wearing a totally adorable smocked number with a Peter Pan collar, the Southern girl in me did a little happy dance. I knew that meant that classic children’s clothing was going to make a comeback. Today I am sharing how anyone can dress their children like royals, even on a budget!

Before I get to the key attributes of the classic children’s clothing worn by Prince Geroge and Princess Charlotte, I think it needs to be explained why parents choose to dress their children this way in the first place. Now I obviously can’t speak for William and Kate, but being from the South I can tell you the reasons many traditional Southern mothers choose this same style for their children:

First, children are only children once. Classic children’s clothing allows us to savor and enjoy that sweet, innocent, and oh-so-short season. Children can dress like teenagers . . . when they are teenagers. 

Second, classic children’s clothing allows people to notice the child first and not their (loud) clothes. This is a key design element of the Florence Eiseman line, a favorite brand of the once American “royal” children: the Kennedys. 

Third, traditional children’s clothing never goes out of style. When you look back at photos, you will never think, “Why on earth did I dress her like that?!” The royals never have to worry about those regrets. 

So what are the keys to dressing your children in the same classic style as the royals? Here are eight attributes to remember as you shop on any budget: 

1. Soft or traditional colors. 

Royal babies typically wear pale pinks, blues, yellows, usually in solids or tiny floral prints, and the traditional colors of red and navy. This soft yellow eyelet dress from Lucky is adorable or this dress set from Carter’s is so affordable. 

2. No graphics, characters, symbols, or phrases. 

You won’t ever see Prince George wearing a Batman graphic tee or Princess Charlotte a polyester dress with Elsa on the front. Reserve the slang and catchy phrases for hipster babies! 

3. Smocked for special occasions. 

We all remember the adorable red smocked button down Prince George wore for Princess Charlotte’s baptism – very similar to the one Prince William wore as a child. (In case you haven’t noticed, button-on shorts are a must-have for boys’ traditional attire!). If you can’t swing Prince George’s Rachel Riley hand-smocked outfit (the blue is adorable for Spring!) check out Smocked Auctions for affordable and adorable smocked clothing. 

4. Traditional Leather Shoes with Strap.

Both boys and girl babies can wear Prince George’s Rachel Riley’s T-Bar shoes. My girls have always worn these Footmates (boys can wear, too!) and I also like these L’Amour Shoes for girls. And white Keds are reasonably priced and look good with just about anything! 

5. No metallics. Ever. 

Sorry, but you won’t be seeing Princess Caroline donning sparkly gold shoes to meet her great-grandmother. And while we are on the subject of sparkly, no tulle either. (Unless it’s for dress up play, of course!)

6. Knee-high socks all year round.  

Even in the middle of winter, you will find “traditional” boys in shorts and knee highs. There’s something about seeing those chubby toddler legs that just makes you smile! Find knee highs on Zappos. 

7. A cardigan completes the outfit. 

A simple dress from Old Navy can look so much more “royal” paired with a white or pale pink cardigan. And this mint green dress from H&M or this one from Laura Ashley London would be so darling. 

8. Monochromatic makes it easy! 

When in doubt, go for a monochromatic look like Prince George often wears. Navy shorts and a sweater from Lands’ End – or this royal blue sweater on Amazon – with a white polo looks absolutely adorable on a little boy. Add some navy crocs for an outfit he will wear again and again!

What style do you prefer for your children? Comment below!

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