Before becoming a parent, I naively thought that having a son meant I could simply stock up on a few pairs of one-size-fits-all overalls and packs of basic dark onesies. However, my experience over the past 19 months has revealed that toddlers can be far more discerning about their clothing than a fashion editor. I attribute this to my son’s father; I’m quite happy in my mom uniform of yoga pants and any shirt that doesn’t involve buttons. Through my toddler’s guidance, I’ve identified five distinct styles that toddlers seem to embrace:
- The Nudist: Many toddlers love the freedom of going au naturel. If it weren’t for the expense of renting a steam cleaner after an unfortunate incident on the rug, I would fully support this clothing choice. My own attire is often stained, forgotten in the washer, or crumpled on the floor, so I’ve become a bit of a nudism enthusiast myself.
- The Fashionista: There’s a group of trendsetting little ones at our local park, and I must admit my son often takes the lead. That’s likely due to his father’s influence, as he’s already honing his musical talents on a keyboard and harmonica. While a trendy fedora isn’t essential for this style, a chic accessory is a must—whether it’s a faux fur vest, a fancy tutu, or intentionally distressed jeans that cost more than my groceries.
- The Minimalist: This child values simplicity above all else. They prefer functional, comfortable clothes without the fuss of buttons or fancy patterns. I imagined this was the type of kid I would have when I invested in overalls from Osh Kosh B’Gosh, but it turns out they are rare.
- The Costumer: Much like the fashionista, this toddler embraces the dramatic. They may choose to wear a full astronaut suit during a summer shopping trip or insist on their tutu and leotard for a winter ballet. Comfort is secondary to making a statement, and heaven forbid you suggest they wear a coat over their precious tutu.
- The PJ-er: This style revolves around the idea that pajamas are the ultimate in comfort. My little one is a fan of flannel and footie pajamas, and I’m still this child at heart! I often find myself in my cozy sleepwear, with my fashion-forward toddler urging me to dress appropriately. It seems that my next child will also embrace the PJ lifestyle, happily opting to decline any outings that require changing out of their drool-stained pajamas. Unfortunately, while the toddler PJ-er is socially accepted, the same cannot be said for their mothers; I’m working to change that stigma, one day in my flannel pajamas at a time.
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In summary, parenting a toddler can reveal a variety of surprising styles that reflect their unique personalities. Whether they lean towards nudism, fashion, minimalism, dramatic costuming, or the ever-comfortable pajamas, each style brings its own joy and challenges to parenthood.