Before I became a parent, I naively thought that having a boy meant I could stock up on ten sets of one-size-fits-all overalls and a pack of dark onesies, and call it a day. Oh, how wrong I was! Over the past 19 months, I’ve discovered that toddlers can be more particular about their outfits than a fashion editor at Vogue. I’m pretty sure my toddler’s dad is to blame for this fashion obsession; I’m perfectly content in my mom uniform of yoga pants and any shirt that doesn’t require buttons. Here are five distinct toddler styles I’ve identified:
1. The Nudist
Many toddlers revel in the freedom that comes with a clothing-free existence. If it weren’t so costly to rent a steam cleaner after an unfortunate rug incident, I would champion this lifestyle wholeheartedly. My own wardrobe is usually a casualty of toddler antics, often left to mildew in the forgotten washing machine, which makes me a bit of a nudism enthusiast myself.
2. The Fashionista
Our local park has a clique of “Fedorables,” and I must admit my son often leads the pack. Blame it on his fashionable fedora-wearing dad! These toddlers are all about style, often sporting trendy items like faux fur vests, twirly skirts, or even intentionally distressed jeans that cost more than my entire outfit. A fedora is not mandatory, but having some trendy piece is essential for this little style icon.
3. The Minimalist
For this child, less is definitely more. They thrive on simplicity, comfort, and practicality. They’re not interested in buttoned-up shirts or vests, and the Nudist’s style is just too inconvenient when it comes to keeping sand out of their pants at the park. I pictured this child when I bought all those overalls, thinking I’d never run out of simple outfits!
4. The Costumer
This one has a flair for the dramatic and often prioritizes bold statements over comfort. Picture a toddler bravely wearing a full astronaut costume to the grocery store on a sweltering summer day, or a ballerina dressed to the nines in her leotard and tutu on a frigid winter night. Don’t even think about suggesting a coat—those tutus are sacrosanct!
5. The PJ-er
This child refuses to wear anything but pajamas, preferably flannel and with built-in footies. I totally relate to this, and I might still be this child at heart! I’m such an advocate for staying in my comfy pajamas that my fashionista son has even taken it upon himself to lead me to my closet, urging me to wear “real clothes.” It’s a true story! I have a hunch that my next child will be just as happy lounging in drool-stained pajamas all day, politely declining any social invites that require us to venture outside. Sadly, while a toddler can pull off the public PJ look, a mom in PJs gets a few raised eyebrows. I’m actively working to change this stigma, one flannel pajama shirt at a time.
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In summary, toddlers have a unique sense of style that goes beyond what we might expect, ranging from nudism to elaborate costumes. Each style reflects their personality, and as parents, we learn to navigate these fashion choices with humor and understanding.