When Noah was almost three weeks old we were invited to a dinner at my aunt and uncle’s house so we could meet my cousin’s new son (who was a week younger than Noah). As the new grandmother, Mum was very excited about the event, but said to me I had to dress Noah in his “best” outfit. Was it possible to have a fashion duel between two babies who were a matter of weeks old?
The answer is yes, but not one for one of my babies. Fashion isn’t really my thing. I know it is for lots of mums (and dads) though, and both of our boys have been on the receiving end of some fantastic hand-me-downs that have been worn once (or not at all) because they have passed their fashion used-by date.
Most of our sons’ clothing is bought by doting grandparents, so at least they are in fashion for that season. My mother and stepmother buy great quality boy’s clothes for them for birthdays and Christmas. Every so often Harvey and I will see something cute and buy it, but our boys are essentially dressed by their grandparents.
I’m not sure I have ever worn anything that is in fashion (certainly not at the time it was fashionable). I am overweight and work from home – two excuses for me to not take as much care about my wardrobe as perhaps I should. Granted these are not the best excuses, but they are mine and I’m sticking with them.
My disinterest in fashion has extended to my two sons. In my defence, though, they are boys and don’t really care what they look like. At the age of nearly four Noah is still dressed by Harvey or me. If he is asked to choose his clothes he will pick up the first T-shirt and pair of shorts he comes across. He doesn’t care if they match.
That is where I step in. I can’t allow my children’s clothes not to go together – I even try to ensure the spare clothes (in case of an accident) will match. I’m the same – I don’t do clashing colours or patterns. Out of all the aspects of parenting I had to hand over to Harvey when he started caring for the boys, this is one thing I have been unable to let go of. Like his eldest son, Harvey doesn’t care whether the items that make up the outfit go together (he used to ask which tie went with the shirt he’d chosen when he was a corporate suit). I always check out what he is planning on dressing the boys in and express an opinion if I think there is a better option.
Control freak, yes. But our boys should look good in their clothes, even if they not fashionable.
How much of a role does fashion play in your child/ren’s wardrobe?
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Johanna Baker-Dowdell is mum to two boys – Noah and Ethan – and combines looking after them with her work as a blogger, journalist, writer and public relations consultant. She owns and manages Strawberry Communications which started small in the third bedroom, but has grown into its own office space (in the converted garage).
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