Rachael Ray: Rachael's Daytime Talkshow

Gretta's Faux-Pas for Dressing Your Child

Gretta's Faux-Pas for Dressing Your Child
Gretta's Faux-Pas for Dressing Your Child
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The Dilley sextuplets are about to enter high school, so Gretta takes them on a shopping trip to choose outfits that best express their unique personalities.

When it comes to clothes shopping for your kids, Gretta says, "It's very important that kids are comfortable both emotionally and physically. Boys have generally grown more style sensitive, and girls want to have fun with their wardrobes more than ever and are starting younger." Gretta says that kids have a lot more wardrobe options these days, but that not everything is appropriate. She offers parents the following fashion no-nos for kids:

Dressing Inappropriately for Their Age

"This is my number one pet peeve," Gretta says. "I cannot stand to see children dressed like a Bratz doll. Childhood is short enough, so let's keep the skirts and mid-drifts a bit longer."

Dressing Inappropriately for the Weather

Gretta says, "Kids need the proper gear to keep them comfortable in all weather. Children need rain gear in the rain; cool, breathable clothing in the summer, and winter wear in cold weather. Remember to dress kids in layers so that they can regulate their body temperature by adding or taking away items. Overbundling children is just as bad as underdressing them, so active children need to wear the same amount of clothing that an adult does. A younger child needs only one extra layer in cold weather."

Dressing Them Out of Character

"Each kid has his or her own unique character, so dress them in things they like. This doesn't mean that they can wear sweatpants to church just because that's what they enjoy wearing. However, if a girl is a tomboy, don't force her to wear pink dresses every day. And if your little boy isn't an athlete, avoid dressing him head to toe in your favorite football team's logo wear.

Dressing Small Children in Uncomfortable Clothing

"I love to see children dressed well, but I am not fond of seeing small toddlers dressed in stiff, stuffy clothing. Kids need to be comfortable. We adults understand that sometimes to be fashionable we must be a bit uncomfortable, but this rule does not apply to small children. There are lots of nice, dressy looks out there for toddlers and babies that are beautiful and comfy on small bodies.

Looking Unkempt

"Kids get rumpled and messy -- it's unavoidable. They should, however, begin their day looking clean, tidy and cared for. Kids will be kids, so dress them comfortably and in clothes that you don't have to worry about them ruining. Just make sure they are clean in the morning, even if they come home looking like they've been rolling around in the pig pen."

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