Fashion for 5 yr old girl.. Help...

[Doing my best]

I will preface this by saying I was never a girly girl. Always overweight so never really wore the latest fashion, and always tried to cover everything, so I am really out of my depth with dd!

We went shopping yesterday and DD wanted a pair of boots. No probs until the pair she wanted were mid calf length. She was wearing a skirt with tights and it looked good. However DH says it is a bit old for her. I would agree if they were much higher on her leg in length, but I think they look much more girly than ankle high boots. Are these considered ok for this age? Or reserved for older girls?

I encourage her to wear bike pants or shorts under dresses/skirts if playing in playground etc where flashing is common, and she much preferes to wear summer skirts/dresses with tights in winter instead of jeans/trackies. I am very conscious about not letting her grow up too fast with fashion too old for her, but trying to let her have a say in what we buy for her to wear.. She has overnight gone from not wanting frilly pink stuff to bigger girls stuff, which is good timing since she is currently growing out of current sizing in her wardrobe..

[Nai]

I like to encourage a sense of self in my girls clothing choices. We spend a lot of time at op shops and markets where they can pick up different clothes that express a bit of individuality. I think tights with skirts and boots are great for winter (I remember wearing the same when I was that age so I don't think it's too old) as it is a practical alternative at the playground etc.

In summer they wear monkey bar undies under dresses as they are like little shorts and more modest than normal undies. They also like skorts which are like shorts with a skirt over them.

I would only worry if they wanted something like a midriff top or things with inappropriate messages on them. Otherwise I think giving her some choices will encourage a feeling of ownership for her.

[Astrid]

We went shopping yesterday and DD wanted a pair of boots. No probs until the pair she wanted were mid calf length. She was wearing a skirt with tights and it looked good. However DH says it is a bit old for her. I would agree if they were much higher on her leg in length, but I think they look much more girly than ankle high boots. Are these considered ok for this age? Or reserved for older girls?

My girls dress like that. As Nai has said, great for winter. I also remember dressing similar as a child. Actually as a child I remember wearing really short shorts. I think we are too quick to put an adult perspective on clothes. Are they covered, are they happy, is it right for the season?? Yes? Then I think they are fine.

[~Gee_Whizzy~]

sounds fine to me. DD1 has been wearing what you've describe since she was 2.5yrs and DD2 who turned 2 in Feb has inherited the hand-me-downs

like Nai's DD my DD1 wears monkey bar knickers in summer for more modesty under her dresses if it's too hot for leggings

[RhiChiChi]

I'm with Nai on this. My DD aged 5 yo is a girly girl and always wants to wear dresses or skirts. Boots with tights under dresses/skirts during winter are a favourite and I think they look fine, not too old at all.

[Beach Mama]

Boots here too, none with a heel but flat warm boots with rights and skirts are staples here coz she hates wearing trackies and jeans!!!

[Doing my best]

Thanks for putting my mind at rest. We had bought them, but DH put doubt in my mind when he saw them .. DD is so confident in her style, and I want to nurture that without letting my own insecurities sneak in and take over.

[LuluHB]

Yep. That's pretty much what my girls wear during winter too and have since about 2 years of age. DD2 hates jeans, so she is either in tracky dacks or dresses/skirts. I let them choose pretty much all their own clothes and will only veto if I consider it inappropriate - I can't stand little girls being made to look like miniature versions of adults. DD1 especially loves the flashy, heeled sandals that come out every summer and every summer she gets disappointed when I don't let her have them. flat heeled boots though look great, and are very practical.

FWIW, I'm not a girly girl at all either and for the life of me I don't know where my girls get it from but I love that they know their own minds so well.

[Nai]

This morning DD2 (4yo) chose a long sleeved top, woolen dress over the top, stripey tights and boots for kinder. I took a good objective look at her and thought she looked cute and warm - not too old.

[Rouge]

Layers always works. I don't think boots are inappropriate. I find shorty shorts more offensive than footwear. I made DD a pair of 50's style shorts out of op shop jeans because I was so horrified at the shorts that wear available this past summer.

My DD has always had a very alternative view of fashion, even at 5. So a lot of parents might not approve of her style I personally have never found it inappropriate. Even now with her new found love of 90's grunge (skirts, textured stockings and doc martens) I still don't see that as inappropriate. I have more issues with off the shoulder tops and short shorts, leggings as pants etc. But that's my inner prude coming out.

[Cass72]

Oh your poor husband! Daddy's always think their little girls shouldn't grow up too quickly! He'll probably think she should be in ribbons and frills even when she's 20!

Boots and tights teamed with a skirt are fine. I'm assuming she's not wearing FM boots and a mini right?!