Some mornings it's hard enough to put ourselves together, but what about all those moms and dads who have to get a whole household out the door? This might feel like a monumental task, but we found some creative and cheap ways to make getting dressed in the morning exciting for everyone. Stacy London, “Today” style expert and co-host of TLC's “What Not to Wear,” offers tips for styling your little ones.

Do you have a very opinionated 4-year-old who only likes certain colors or a 10-year-old who insists everything match a certain way? Looking for fun kids' clothes that don't cost oodles but don't look so generic? Want to give your precious Sally or Bobby an outfit that gets them excited to get dressed in the morning? Look no further. We've got great new looks for kids that won't burn a hole in your wallet, but are fun for kids to wear and enjoy. With all your daily responsibilities, you may not feel up to the task of getting yourself all dolled up every day, but you can pat yourself on the back for having the coolest-looking kids on the block — and maybe avoid some early morning tantrums!

While we've always had to dress our kids, most of us go to the local department store or mass retailer and pick up the basic items. Everything looks pretty much the same. But just as there has been a massive boom in the maternity market, there has recently been a huge boom in the kidswear market. Not only is there more choice in kids clothing in general, specialty stores are popping up across the country. And there is more specialization in each age group. Most larger stores carry kids clothes in one or two departments, but there are now stores that specialize in a specific age range: newborn, toddler, 6-9 years, 10-13 years, and 14 and up. There is a greater awareness that parents want a fuller, more interesting range of clothes for their kids and an easier time trying find them. There is also a greater understanding that kids care about the way they dress and can be very opinionated about it, even from a young age!

Looks featured on the show:

BBQ
Try one of the great new T-shirts with cool designs and a denim skirt with some great studded embellishment near the hem from Berkley Girl. (Girls will never stop loving a little cha-cha on their clothes!)
Berkley Girl shirt, $30 and skirt, $40

An embroidered top is so cute and feminine. Doing a little ruffle top with something functional like shorts is a great look for summer.
Babybird top, $38 and shorts, $50

I love little girls in halters with pants or skirts that match. The color palettes for kids are getting more sophisticated as well. Designers are mixing great colors together, like blue and brown, that mimic the color palettes we find in adult clothing.
Orange Blossom top, $40 and pants, $54

There is such great stuff out there for toddlers nowadays. For boys, try a cool silk-screened T-shirt in styles that can be found in the menswear department as well. And plaid shorts may look tired on an elderly golfer, but they're so cute on a 3-year-old!
Sam & Seb top, $31 and shorts, $39.50

Beach
There are tons of great board shorts for boys now. Again, brown is a neutral being used in all kinds of kids clothes now. The great thing about kidswear is that it can be so much fun! It can have a costume-y element that adults can't get away with, but kids can really enjoy and be imaginative with.
Lester's bathing suit, $22.80 and Bo Bo Brooklyn cape, $48.50

For girls' suits, try a pattern that is just a little bit mod meets Beach Blanket Bingo and that takes its cue from adult clothing.
Firefly hat, $15 and bathing suit, $30

There are great, inexpensive dresses, like those made of terrycloth, that are terrific for older girls as a beach cover-up. They look stylish, but are functional as well. Wear it on the beach, or wear it for a family picnic or BBQ.
Berkley Girl bathing suit, $52 and dress, $58

Bedtime
There are lots of sets in sleepwear for kids. PJ sets from Lester's come with pants as well as shorts and a scrunchie for the hair! (Note: Only children should wear a scrunchie. Mom should be well advised not to borrow it!) The patterns are all different but all pieces are color-coordinated.
Lester's pajamas, $26.50

All of us know or have little girls that want to dress in the prettiest or sparkliest or shiniest clothes, so why wouldn't that apply to bedtime? Buy your little one a feminine nightie — for girls who go to sleep dreaming of being a princess in a far off land.
Ibiza Kids pajamas, $48

I love robes for small kids. They always seem like kind of an afterthought, even for grown ups, but they really are so functional. The one from Ibiza is super light, and really soft and fluffy. They're great for after bathtime, but don't be surprised if your children get attached and never want to take it off!
Ibiza kids robe, $65 and pajamas, $46.50

Birthday
There is something about boys getting dressed up for birthday parties that always makes me smile. The shirt and pant from Bu & The Duck are a lightweight linen-blend, great for summer. And the pants even come with suspenders! Finish the outfit with two-tone shoes, which remind me of Saddle shoes, always a classic kids look.
Bu & The Duck top, $50 and pants, $80

Even as young as 8, girls want casual dressy looks for birthdays. You can always dress up casual jeans and a tank with a sequin shrug. I also love all the cool two-tone seaming on the jeans from Alikat. Alikat top, $75; tank, $26 and jeans, $58

You can never go wrong with a beautiful dress for a birthday. There are so many great colors out there for kids now that make them look and feel great, even for when they need something a bit more formal.
Berkley Girl dress, $95

All shoes from East Side Kids

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