Just this morning, my youngest daughter chased me down the driveway in rain boots, a tutu, and a costume dragon head. It was a delightful, if unexpected, sight made all the more lovable by the confidence the outfit clearly gave her. And while this isn’t an outfit I would have picked myself, there are many times when I catch myself envious of my children’s dressing habits. At 7 and 3-years-old, they have yet to be bound in by what’s appropriate or proper. By which I mean, their daily outfits boil down to three things and three things only: imagination, comfort, and playfulness. They wear what they love and, while the effect is sometimes outrageous, the practice is always admirable.To keep my little ones feeling sartorially inspired, I have been looking to small, indie brands for well-made, affordable, and fun pieces. That way, not only do I get the satisfaction of supporting small businesses, but my daughters also find one-of-a-kind items to make their closets sing.Want to follow suit? I’m sharing a handful of shops below that promise to pique the interest of your well-dressed kid, (though I can’t promise you a costume dragon head).
4. Appaman
Sizing: 6-12 months – 14
Appaman has always been cool. But now we’re doubly impressed to see the brand expand its offerings to include a full line of adaptive clothing, too. So whether you need wheelchair-friendly pieces or items that accommodate braces or prosthetics, Appaman has stylish picks that fit the bill—offered right alongside its original clothing line.