WORDS BY AMELIA BELL, SOPHIE HENDERSON & KATIE HILL
Gucci bags, Balenciaga sock sneakers and Givenchy logo T-shirts — it was only a matter of time before the biggest names in fashion turned their iconic pieces into seriously little lookalikes. Naturally, this has prompted us to scout out some of the internet’s most stylish mums.
Besides endless multitasking and packed lunch prepping, not only do these ladies know how to throw together an outfit, they know how to dress their kids too. From Burberry gabardine to Kenzo denim, it’s all present and accounted for… only ten times cuter! We got in touch with our favourite mum bloggers (and their mini-mes, of course) to bring you the best pieces of designer kidswear right now. They offer shopping tips and style heroes, but one theme runs true throughout — you’ve got to twin it to win it.
Describe your everyday uniform…
‘I describe my style as a ‘girly tomboy’. I love to be comfortable — I love oversized anything, but I like to always have a feminine element. I work from home so comfort is key, but at the same time it’s important to feel energised and inspired. I love to add a leather biker jacket or tailored blazer to a cashmere tracksuit. I really look forward to my Friday meetings because I dress up for them. On the weekends, I love simple, classic pieces and focus on my jackets and accessories to style each look.’
Who are the best designers doing kids wear?
‘I am very surprised by how much I have fallen in love with Gucci as a kidswear brand. The quality and fit are lovely. I did a lot of research into my baby bag — I chose the Gucci one and cannot recommend it enough. The long strap and side pockets are a must, and it’s wipeable inside and out. I love the monogram changing mat that comes with it! I have fallen in love with Fendi since discovering the kidswear. Patachou is another one of my favourites, the fabrics are super soft and I love their traditional style. Il Gufo is also good for a traditional look.'
Who's your style hero?
People are always shocked by this, but I love Dolly Parton and Elvis Presley. I can look at archived outfit images of them both for hours. I can get so much inspiration from a cowboy jacket or one of Dolly Parton’s blouses. I’m more inspired by eras than I am by icons — I love the eighties and twenties.
Tell us about your 'mini-me' outfit?
‘I’m so happy I thought of this whilst pregnant — it’s the most wonderful feeling looking back at the bump photos and now I have my son in the baby look. The dress is very flattering, it was ideal for the bump but just as lovely post-baby. The fabric of the baby grow is super soft, it’s beautiful in real life. I chose a big size — baby grows are fine a little big. This means he can have another six months wear out of it and makes it worth the investment. This look created the best memories for us.'
What's your best shopping tip?
‘I always share these top five tips in my YouTube videos.
1. Cost per wear. Try and imagine multiple ways to wear the piece you’re looking to buy. Sometimes items can feel expensive but if you divide the price by how many times you’ll wear it — it really can result in value for money! I would prefer one good quality piece that fits well, made with beautiful fabrics, more than ten items that do not fit or feel as good.
2. Don’t worry about trends. Due to social media, the ‘It’ items of the season can come and go quicker than ever before. As long as you love the piece, that’s all that matters. Wear what you love.
3. I have a dress and top rule. If you ever come across a dress or nice top you love but you have no special occasion to wear it, just buy it! Put it away for when you do have that special occasion. We all panic shop and panic buy when we need an outfit for an event.
4. You don’t need a special occasion to wear your nice outfits. Don’t save your ‘best outfits’ for the ‘best days’. I always used to tell my clients, ‘I would prefer to look my best on the supermarket run, bumping into my ex, my ex's new girlfriend or my worst enemy.’ Don’t save your best things for special occasions, enjoy them every day.
5. Pay close attention to the fit of your garments. Well-fitted pieces will make you feel comfortable and being comfortable gives you confidence. You can wear pieces oversized, wear whatever you like, how you like but make sure you feel comfortable. If you don’t feel comfortable, you’ve wasted your money. You’ll never wear it and when you do, you’ll lack confidence.’
Describe your everyday uniform...
‘My uniform could best be described as feminine. It normally consists of a dress, heels and a designer bag. I can dress the outfit up with a tailored jacket for work meetings, or down with a denim or biker jacket. If I’m not in a dress, it’s typically skinny jeans with a blouse and heels. I don’t leave the house without earrings — I love wearing both vintage and new.’
Who’s your style hero?
‘In terms of icons it would be Audrey Hepburn. She is the epitome of elegance and her style is timeless. I also gravitate towards floral patterns, silk, blouses and pearls. Currently, I’m obsessed with the ‘Toile De Jouy’ patterns from Dior (especially in pink). They’re so pretty, and they give me Marie Antoinette vibes... magnifique!’
Tell us about your ‘mini-me’ outfits…
‘When my daughter and I twin it’s all about having fun. Sometimes it’s with designer pieces, a few of which I own too. I let my daughter borrow my bags and accessories for shoots, like my mini Fendi Nano Baguette Charm which looks adorable on her as a cross-body bag. We simply love spending ‘mommy and me’ time together, and this is one of many ways to express ourselves. She also loves fashion.’
What’s your best shopping tip?
‘Check out the men’s section! I share my son’s grey Balmain T-shirt. He bought his usual size and I simply folded up the sleeves — voilà, it transforms into a nice, casual, relaxed T-shirt. Also, if you are petite enough I recommend shopping the kids designer section.’
Kenzo Tiger Logo Sweatshirt | Saint Laurent Loulou Medium Leather Shoulder Bag | Dolce & Gabbana Tulle Skirt | Kenzo Tiger Sweatshirt
Describe your everyday uniform...
’My usual go-tos include tailored trousers, loafers and a mid-length coat — I love timeless pieces I can wear again and again.’
Who’s your style hero?
'Audrey Hepburn.’
Tell us about your ‘mini-me’ outfits...
‘[There’s] Nothing more quintessential than a Burberry trench coat, and where styling’s concerned, you’ll simply need a pair of vintage jeans and t-shirt. As for Lucia, she’s chosen the house check shirt dress — she loves picking out her own outfits and is happiest when wearing little frocks and fancy shoes.’
What’s your best shopping tip?
‘Invest in quality classics! A staple coat, wide-leg trousers, wool turtleneck… these will see you through every season.’
Burberry Trench Coat | Burberry Check Print Wallet | Burberry Kids Vintage Check Dress | Burberry Kids Trench Coat
Describe your everyday uniform...
'I alternate between a maxi dress with sneakers and a denim jacket, paired with slides and a basic tee.’
Who are the best designers doing kidswear?
'Mini Rodini, Bangbang Copenhagen and Stella McCartney for playful pieces, and Chloé Kids for mini versions of the label’s feminine classics.’
Tell us about your mini-me outfits…
'We are both wearing denim with pops of pastel. My shirt dress is the perfect anywhere piece, and as for my daughter, you can’t go wrong with a pair of baby overalls!’
Who are your style heroes?
'Jane Birkin is my all-time muse, Alexa Chung my modern day icon and at the risk of sounding cliché, my mum! She taught me that you can have 6 kids at home and still look smokin’ on the school run.’
Peserico Denim Shirt Dress | Prada Ultravox Sunglasses | Givenchy Denim Dress | Kenzo Kids Wax Tiger Logo Dress
Describe your everyday uniform…
'I'm a real comfort girl, I'm usually in jeans or joggers with a hoodie. Currently I’m really into streetwear — Off-White and Balenciaga have some pretty cool pieces this season.’
Who are the best designers doing kidswear?
‘I'm obsessed with the Moschino kids collection — they take all of [my daughter] Marley's favourite characters and transform them into cool, wearable pieces that work just as well for grown-ups too.’
Does your daughter pick out her own outfits?
'Most of the time, yes — I really want to let her develop her own sense of style.’
Share some great shopping tips…
'I love to mix new seasons with vintage; investing in the classics and then pairing with something new and attention — grabbing is the best way to switch up your outfits.’