Dressing Themselves

My girls LOVE to pick out their own outfits. They select accessories, shoes, socks... every detail must be "just so." Sometimes that means tutus and tiaras (Daddy's "favorite" for trips to the hardware store!), other days it means favorite t-shirts and shorts. And, sometimes, it is wild colors and patterns that somehow seem to work!

My oldest daughter, in particular, has determined that she is the resident "fashion expert" in the family. She frequently advises me and my husband in our outfits, and she LOVES to pick out the entire outfit for Daddy when we're going on a date. With her own "ensembles" she often chooses bright colors and patterns, or princess-y (think Fancy Nancy) outfits, and invariably, her combos wind up being super cute and often complimented. She puts together outfits I could never imagine.

This morning she left for her first day of VBS in a bright orange dress with polka-dots, striped tights, and bright rain boots. It is one of her favorite outfits. (Below is the best photo I could find... it is missing the new addition of STRIPED tights).

On days when bright orange dresses and rain boots are not appropriate for our plans, I give her guidelines and she's learned to ask if today is a "fancy dress day" or "play clothes."

Do your children choose their own outfits? Do they ever choose something you must veto? What are the guidelines you set in your family?