Credit: Claude & Co, Lucy Reber, Sézane
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4 min read
Stylist’s fashion director, Lucy Reber, is on an unexpected mission: to find the very best clothes so she can match with her little one. Read on for mini-me dresses, matching family PJs and more.
There are so many things you can’t really understand about parenting before you become a parent. I speak from experience. Some are profound; others are more light-hearted, and include suddenly coveting jewellery with your child’s name on it, even if you thought that would never be you; that toddlers really can run on good vibes and a single Pom-Bear, despite your best efforts to get them to eat something wholesome; and, finally, that mum-and-baby matching clothes are, in fact, the best idea ever.
While I rarely manage to match with my four-year-old daughter – and really, who has the time and finances for such frivolities – it’s something I would love to do more often. I remember scrolling curated mummy accounts while on maternity leave, admiring the complementary pastel hues, and while my daughter was dressed beautifully, I was more often to be found in my own uniform: a slightly stained tracksuit. The few times we have managed to wear matching outfits, it’s been so cute and fun that it was worth the effort. Stacey Solomon often does full-family matching, which I love to see, and Serena Williams’s matching dresses with her girls are just adorable.
The issue I have is finding something that I can get on board with that still suits my daughter’s hyper-feminine princess style. Pyjamas are a great place to start, as cosy matching indoors feels less pressured. One of my proudest matching moments was for my daughter’s second birthday, when I had managed to pair a chic lace-trimmed chambray shirt from Sézane – for me – and a very cute denim Next dress – for her – with a matching lacy collar. I keep buying her the next size up on Vinted so we can match as long as she will wear that specific dress, but as it is neither pink nor unicorn-themed, I fear my time is limited.
Happily, Sézane has now launched Petit Sézane for the tiny loves of your life, and there are lots of other lovely brands offering similar matching looks to appeal to all.
Read on for my edit of the best ones out there.
Nobody’s Child x Elizabeth Scarlett
Last week, Nobody’s Child launched this super cute collab with Elizabeth Scarlett. As you would expect from a brand so famed for its embroidery, the collection includes some beautifully embellished items, including dresses, a two-piece and a cool khaki jacket.
Shop Nobody’s Child mint green floral embroidered Asher midi dress, £170
Shop Nobody’s Child girls mint green embroidered Gianna dress, £55
Claude & Co
I’m suddenly back into printed trousers, especially in this slouchy barrel shape, and Claude & Co has the perfect pair for me and both of my girls. I’ll be rocking these with a barn jacket and Birkenstocks all through my maternity leave.
Boden
If you and your little ones love bold print, then Boden is the place to go. I love that they will do the same print in different styles for mother, daughter and baby-matching purposes.
Sézane
The French brand that somehow has everything I want to buy now does pieces for your mini-me, too. Matching Betty cardigans or striped T-shirts are such a vibe.
Needle & Thread
Now, this is not a budget option, but for an occasion that calls for a matchy-matchy statement, Needle & Thread has the most beautiful selection. Its tulle skirts for girls start at £55 and they’re beautifully made. I love this black trimmed pair worn by Neinah Nur (@zeinahnur) and her daughter.
If Only If
The only thing better than a cotton voile nightdress is a cotton voile nightdress that matches with your little one. Gingham is having a moment, and this buttercup yellow take on it is so gorgeous you’ll want to wear it out and about as well.
Shop If Only If Clara buttercup yellow gingham nightdress, £145
Shop If Only If Alexa buttercup yellow gingham nightdress, £58
Images: courtesy of brands, @zeinahnur
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