Wedding looks for kids that are fun and functional
When your kids are the most fashionable people at the event
Though it's not uncommon or uncouth for kids to not be invited to weddings these days — I'm a mom and sometimes I welcome the excuse for a night without them — if your kids are actually invited to a wedding reception and you actually want to bring them, this roundup of super stylish kids' formal wear will make you both more excited about the long day out. Wedding fashion is fun for the whole family but comfort is always a key requirement for anything your kids will be wearing for longer than five minutes. So, don't think about what you want them to be wearing for photo opps only — think about what you want them to be wearing when it's way past their bedtime and they're both cranky but also hopped up on wedding cake and dance music.
The scene stealer
Nothing to see here except a baby in a tuxedo! This black wool blend tuxedo by Canadian-born duo DSquared is actually a romper with a notched collar and popper snaps in the back. It has some elastane for stretch but the outer is 95% virgin wool. Nothing but the best for your baby Bond.
DSquared2 Kids Tuxedo Romper, $571, farfetch.com
The little gentleman
Okay, here's the $20 version from H&M's Conscious line, made from organic cotton-blend fabric. It's not as over the top, but this bodysuit and pants set is versatile (when the ties and high heels come off, baby's legs can also go free) and it is machine washable.
Bodysuit and Pants, $19.99, hm.com
Baby's first wedding
Everyone loves theme dressing, so give your baby some wedding bling with this t-shirt from Montreal company Bébé Fête. Made of bamboo and cotton, it's a more comfortable option for babies 0-12 months.
"Diamond" White t-shirt, $28, bebefete.com
A skirt to twirl in
Where there is a dancefloor, there is a kid dying to twirl. The delicately pleated skirt of this mesh dress has a double lining for extra volume for your dancing queen. The thick straps and bow detail are nice formal details for the price and it comes in yellow, pink or white.
Glittery Mesh Dress, $24.99, hm.com
Your daughter, the fashion editor
The bubblegum colour, the all-over dotted mesh, the pleats at the back and on the sleeves — any guest of any age would be challenged to find a more high impact fashion choice. It's fully lined (sleeves too) for girls sizes 5-12 years.
Dotted Mesh Dress, $29.99, zara.com
Cooler than you
If you're going to put your son in a suit, seersucker is the most lightweight and breathable options for the summer. It won't get crushed like linen and he won't be ripping the jacket off 10 minutes in. Pair with clean sneakers for a sharp look your wild child can party in.
Boys' Ludlow Suit Jacket in Seersucker, $178, and Suit Pant, $106, jcrew.com
Kids need stuff too
These glitter bags are so much fun, I am ready to buy myself and my boys a coordinating set. Kids love carrying around their own stuff. My three year old, Rocco, carries around a photo of his baby brother and his cousin, Lily, wherever he goes in a drawstring backpack. So, your kids might actually need a fancy alternative to their everyday backpacks.
Glitter Bags, $39.50-$59.50, jcrew.com
Tongue in cheek
If your boys or girls are really not the dress-up type, don't force it. Turn the whole idea it on its head with these tuxedo tshirts, which are even funnier when worn in pairs or more. Tuxedo t-shirts for all the cousins!
Tuxedo Unisex Kids t-shirt, $10.99, amazon.ca
Truly lovely
This dress and shirt were made in a factory in India where kids' clothing company Mini Rodini has implemented living wages so as to help workers maintain a normal standard of living. Chemical control is also big for this company and they apply strict controls on the entire manufacturing process. So you can feel good about your kids wearing the love in these colourful 100% organic cotton rainbow heart pieces.
Rainbow Love Woven Dress, $118, and Rainbow Love Woven Dhirt, $100, minirodini.com