When picking out clothes for kids, function and comfort become more important than style. That isn’t to say style can’t be important, but picking lightweight and breathable outfits during summer or warm and durable fabrics for winter is the main priority.
Whether you plan a day at the beach with shorts and boys sandals, or a formal function on a winter night, following some simple rules will make clothes shopping a breeze and far kinder to your bank balance. Here are some of the best functional outfit ideas for boys.
Pants & Shorts
Finding five or six pants options for summer and winter each will give you the perfect base to build onto. For a reason, they are a year-round staple, and finding suitable materials with neutral tones will offer endless wardrobe options.
For summer, look for lightweight shorts with a lot of room for movement. Options like linen and cotton shorts can be thrown over a swimming costume for the day at the beach or a run around at your local park. They are excellent for days spent at home or playdates with friends.
If you want a more structured option, denim shorts or chino shorts will be the items to consider. Both can be dressed down for a casual event but pairing them with a smart button-up and close-toed shoes can elevate this look for a more formal setting.
Alternatively, long pants are always considered a more formal option and ideal for when the temperature starts to dip.
Denim and Chino will work here too, but avoid lighter shades if you don’t want to spend your life cleaning them. Pair them with a warm fleece jersey, wool socks, and durable winter shoes to keep your child happy and comfortable.
Shirts
Like pants, shirts are the second half of the perfect base for building outfits. Investing in t-shirts will give you versatility for the entire year as they can be worn by themselves or under any jersey or coat.
In summer, go a little more graphic and find tees that are brightly coloured or have exciting patterns or pictures on them.
Pairing them with any shorts will give your son a fun summer outfit while never compromising his ability to play. A close-toed sandal or croc will be ideal for this time of year, but sneakers with rubber soles offer grip and protection.
In the winter months, t-shirts are a great option to layer with a jersey for extra warmth. But if you are looking for an alternative, consider a cotton vest that can be worn under any top or a long-sleeve shirt for an indoor event.
You can mix and match these items for more or less warmth, according to your child’s needs.
Shoes
Shoes significantly cause inconvenience if they don’t serve a proper function. Ensuring that they are safe, versatile, and comfortable will keep your child protected and happy throughout the year and stop you from buying new shoes all the time.
Having a pair of proper summer sandals is a must. They can be paired with shorts and a t-shirt for nearly any environment during summer, like going to the beach, park, or a day out with the family.
However, if your family plans to spend more time in the country, choose right shoes like sneakers with laces or velcro to protect the foot from anything sharp and dangerous.
Purchasing a pair of dressier boots or leather sandals for formal occasions will meet the brief. Look for neutral tones as they can be matched to more outfits, expanding their usage.
Combine them with chino shorts and a linen top for a semi-casual summer look, or denim pants and a black long-sleeve shirt for appropriate eveningwear.
For colder months and the rain, a proper pair of winter boots and rain boots will be best. They are specially made to have maximum grip and warmth and, most importantly, keep feet dry.
Formal
It is far easier to dress kids in casual clothes compared to formal wear. This is because they typically find the outfits more comfortable to wear, and as a parent, you tend to care less if things get dirty. But don’t let this put you off. Instead, find closet pieces you can designate as “smart” clothes and only bring them out when necessary.
For winter, look for a pair of black chino pants, any patterned button-up, dress boots and a winter clothes. The simple but stylish combination will make it ideal for any event you need to dress your child for.
In summer, swap out the pants for dark blue or black structured cotton or denim shorts and ditch the boots for a fashionable pair of sneakers or leather sandals.
Accessories
Like grown-ups, accessorizing is fun and often practical to make an outfit better and more pleasing to wear. In summer, there are plenty of options that will give your child an extra style boost but also serve them in a way that protects them from the sun.
For example, adding a peak cap or brimmed hat will keep the sun off their faces while pushing the casual tone to another level.
If your child can tolerate sunglasses, allow them to choose a bright-framed pair of sunglasses they want to wear. It will protect their eyes and give them an extra item to be excited about.
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