A Reluctant Embrace of Matching Styles
I never envisioned myself as a participant in the “mommy and me” fashion trend. As a child, I detested when my mother dressed my sister and me in matching outfits. I would resist, searching for any excuse not to wear the chosen attire, feeling that it erased our individuality, something I valued deeply. Now, as a mother myself, I find the “mommy and me” trend more prevalent than ever, and I’ve had to question my own stance on dressing like my children.
The Celebrity Influence on Mother-Child Coordination
Celebrities such as Beyoncé and Kim Kardashian West have propelled the “mommy and me” dressing trend to new heights in recent years. This trend isn’t just limited to high-end brands like Gucci and Oscar de la Renta; even indie labels like Marysia and Doen have released special collections that allow mothers to purchase coordinating outfits for themselves and their children, with some even offering rental options.
A Change of Heart Inspired by My Toddler
My perspective on “mommy and me” dressing began to shift, influenced by my two-and-a-half-year-old daughter. She would excitedly choose outfits for us to match, whether it was selecting a striped dress for herself and then finding a similar pattern for me or coordinating our pajamas. This behavior wasn’t unique to my daughter; Sylvana Ward Durrett from Maisonette, a luxury children’s site, confirmed that “mommy and me” is a significant part of their business, with high demand from both parents and children.
The Business of Coordinated Fashion
Maisonette has responded to this demand by creating a dedicated section called Maman & Míni. Sylvana Ward Durrett notes that “daddy and me” swimwear is also popular. Rebeca Hessel Cohen of LoveShackFancy shared her experience of starting “mommy and me” collections when her daughter was young, which resonated with multigenerational shoppers, creating a beautiful shared shopping experience.
The Joy of Coordinated Outfits
The experiential aspect of “mommy and me” dressing is crucial for shoppers and for me personally. I find joy in indulging my daughter’s desire to coordinate our outfits. It’s a sweet and chic experience that brings her happiness, which I’m more than willing to provide.
The Nostalgia and Bonding of ‘Mommy and Me’
Rebeca Hessel Cohen reflects on the nostalgia of “mommy and me” shopping experiences, which she cherished from her own childhood. I’ve come to appreciate and even love “mommy and me” dressing for the bonding experience it provides. It’s not about wearing identical outfits; it’s about having fun with coordinating prints and designs that suit our individual lives, or even just matching accessories.
Exploring ‘Mommy and Me’ Fashion Options
As I’ve warmed to the idea of “mommy and me” fashion, I’ve started to look for pieces that we can enjoy together. Whether it’s coordinating patterns or complementary styles, the options are endless and provide a unique way to bond with my daughter through our shared love of fashion.
