Little Divas and Fashionistas – The Cost to be Fashionable at a Young Age

My little grand daughter is getting ready to turn 7 years old later this month. Ever since she was 4 years old she has been letting us know what type of fashions she likes and how she wants to dress! I admit…on most days she’s really good about putting together a nice outfit, but on other days…hmmm. Let’s just leave it at that.

While I think its great that little girls show off their individuality with their clothing choices…I don’t like that kids who are 6 years old are wanting clothing that costs MORE than the clothing I buy for myself! On top of that, she recognizes many brand names now and insists on having name brand, designer clothing.

Have you seen the prices lately on kid’s clothes? There is NO WAY I’m paying $64.99 for a pair of jeans or $54.00 for a top for a 7 year old little girl. Nope, not happening! Even if I was filthy rich…I wouldn’t be squandering money like that.

With that said…I’ve been working with my little grand daughter and teaching her to be frugal with her fashion choices. I think it’s important we instill these values into our children at a very young age. I’ve also been teaching her that the name on her clothing, doesn’t tell others who she really is nor does it have anything to do with her being a good person, being rich or being poor.

Recently we went shopping together and I bought her a nice denim jacket, denim jeans and suede boots. I got all three of the items you see her wearing in that photo above for less than $50.00 by using coupons and shopping clearance racks. So what…they’re not name brand but they look just as nice as the designer-duds.

While some parents have no problem dropping $100.00 on a pair of kid’s jeans…I’m certainly not okay with that! I would rather spend less money on things she’ll grow out of quickly and put the money that I save into her savings account for her future.

So…today I wanted to ask the parents and grandparents here on the blog what they thought about small children wanting designer clothing and the price of kid’s clothes in general? How old was your child or grandchild when you left them make their own fashion choices?