Mother Daughter Style: The Un-Dorky Edition

Think dressing your daughter like your mini-me is dorky? Well, it’s totally not.

Like the time I ordered a juniors’ size of a Hanna Andersson dress so the girls and I could look exactly alike, even thought the dress made me look like a striped toilet paper roll?

Totally not dorky.

Or the time I bought that Burberry polo dress, even though I am so not the polo-dress-wearing type, so the entire family could wear matching plaid for the Christmas photo? Including the dog?

Absolutely un-dorky.

Ooh, and the time we all wore matching tutus for a photo shoot? Wait. That hasn’t happened yet. But it will.

And it will be adorable.

Tutu idea aside, I’ve made some questionable style choices in the quest to coordinate with my minis, and in the process, I’ve learned a cruel lesson.

Everything looks adorable in a 2T. Everything. Even a cylindrical striped sweater dress.

And, no matter how classic your style, there are corners of your closet you should never turn to for inspiration when dressing your minis. Evening gowns, stilettos, and skinny leather pants are never toddler-appropriate. But maybe that’s just me.

Now that my girls are 6 and 8, I have years of experience (and a few unfortunate photos) under my skinny leopard belt, and I’ve learned a few things about pulling off mother daughter style without sacrificing your personal style. I promise.

1. Echo, Don’t Imitate:

It may seem obvious, but tragically, it ain’t. Some celebs, like Jessica Alba, seem to do this intuitively with their little people, subtly echoing colors and mood without directly copying each other’s looks. Genius.

This photo shoot look from fall 2013 gives an example of a way to coordinate without copying, allowing everyone to retain their individual style.

2. Except for Photo Shoots:

There are times when a more deliberately matched look works, as in this family photo shoot look, above. As long as it works for everybody. Which brings me to my next point.

3. Only Wear it if You Would Otherwise Wear It:

If you would never consider wearing a sugary floral print, or a boxy dress, then don’t cave just to match your daughter. It will show. And it won’t be pretty. Trust me. Hold on to your own style, and your dignity.

4. Find One Thing to Match, and Do It Well:

Shoes. Sara Chloe bracelets. A tutu. Pick one thing to match, and throw it in to your everyday mix. Adorable. Need more ideas? Check out the picks on this board. (For outfit details, scroll to the end of this post. After you read it).

How to dress your daughter like a mini-me, while still retaining your dignity.

5. Enjoy It While You Can

Because, like all the best things about being a mom to minis, it won’t last. (The worry, on the other hand, is yours to keep.)

(Credits: Mom Daughter Style Board: Swedish Hasbeens (yellow shoes); AvarcasUSA.com (silver shoes); Printed pieces (Prada & Lemlem for Born Free at ShopBop); GAP chambray; J. Crew Pixie pants; Boden gingham)