Dressed for Every Occasion

“My daughter is going to a birthday party. The invite says dress to impress, so we’re looking for something that’s a little special, yet still practical enough for party games.”

Maria — mum to Daisy, age 9

“Whatever the occasion, children of all ages want to look and feel their best! Dressing to impress can be comfortable and practical, whilst still giving the wow factor. Every girl needs a standout party dress, and to ensure these are totally wearable, we recommend opting for fully-lined style, with a reinforced hemline to provide shape and volume. Cotton or corduroy trousers are a must-have for boys, and adjustable waistbands mean their trousers will grow with them. We’re in layering season at the moment, so you’ll find that easy-on cardigans are your best friend. Finish with a smart coat and you’ve got an outfit that’s guaranteed to win best-dressed at the party.

And finally, we can't forget the littlest guests. Fabrics like soft velvet do a great job of suiting a smarter dress code, whilst staying comfy. We love pairing shortie sets with long socks; they keep little legs warm and also protect their knees when they’re on the move. You can add matching accessories too. Hairbands, bows, bags, the options are endless.”

“Dressing to impress can be comfortable and practical, whilst still giving the wow factor."

Melanie Yea, Childrensalon Personal Shopper

“We’ve been invited to a wedding. The ceremony is being held at a stately home, with an outdoor marquee reception. My son needs an outfit that’s warm, but easy to lose a layer when he makes a beeline for the dance floor later on.”

Michael — dad to Noah, age 12

"When selecting outfits for special occasions, we’re always thinking: how can we strike a balance between wearability and style? In this case, a sleek suit works perfectly for boys and pretty dresses are ideal for girls. A tailored fit is the key to a great suit, ensuring ease of movement while still looking sharp. And the best thing about navy-blue is that it’s appropriate for every occasion throughout the year. If you've got a girl to buy for, they'll love our elegant occasion dresses. Designs crafted from lightweight fabrics like tulle and crêpe were made for those twirling dance-floor moments. Dancing queens, of course, need the dancing shoes to match. Our go-to choice is a sophisticated pair of Mary Janes. We’re looking for soft and supple leather with a grippy sole to prevent slippages — no sad tears at this wedding!

And as the winter sun sets on a day of celebrations, it’s time to throw on another layer. Such a cute look, deserves the cutest of finishing touches; the bolero jacket. Sweet and cosy, these chic layers complement any occasion look without compromising on warmth.”

“Our pretty occasion dresses were made for those twirling dance-floor moments.”

Oana Cioaza, Childrensalon Personal Shopper 

“We’re hosting a get-together where four generations of our family will be under one roof. There’s a dinner party, plus we’ve organised a family photo afterwards. What would you recommend for my son and daughter?”

Dana — mum to Amir and Zara, ages 7 and 4

“The first thing to consider, especially for your family photo, is a cohesive colour theme. Black, gold and beige work so well for these looks because they’re luxurious and timeless, but understated enough to complement their surroundings. I like to think they also bring a warm, seasonal charm with the earthy tones of autumn. Speaking of autumn, nothing says ‘cosy occasion’ like luxurious velvets, soft knits and rich satins. We love these on everything from dresses and sweaters to coats and shoes.

If you’ve got your heart set on a dress, making it season-appropriate is easy; look out for long sleeves and high necklines. And don’t forget to add thick tights to keep her warm. For boys, we’ve kept it simple with a snuggly knit that’ll work just as well dressed up as it would with a pair of jeans and boots. Versatility is always important when buying for little ones, which is why black trousers and smart loafers are a reliable choice. Easy to pair and easy to wear.”

“Nothing says 'cosy occasion' like luxurious velvets, soft knits and rich satins.”

Marah Saad-Aldin, Childrensalon Personal Shopper

Images by Childrensalon