Choosing baby clothes for formal occasions

Dressing your baby can be a tough undertaking at the best of times. For example, you may regularly find it hard to keep them still while you fasten their buttons, or struggle to squeeze them into the bodysuit that fit just a week ago. But preparing them for a formal occasion like a wedding is a far more difficult task. What's more, since such functions may be few and far between for babies, the likelihood of them fitting into their smart clothes after several months is slim, given their usually rapid growth rates. So if you're seeking out smart baby clothes, here are a few tips to bear in mind.



For baby girls, a smart dress paired with a knitted cardigan is often the best option. Baby dresses often come with matching pants so you need not worry about your baby's nappies being exposed. However, whether you choose block colours or patterns depends on how lively your baby girl is. If she is prone to messiness, or you're just worried about dribble (or worse, vomit) staining the front of the dress, stick to patterns. Bright checks and polka dots are usually safe options, though floral patterns can also be good disguises. If such worries do not apply to your baby, a plain dress in purple or burgundy with an embroidered border is a very pretty alternative.

While dressing up baby girls often involves a wide range of choice, smart baby clothes for boys is a different matter. This is because boys are often restricted to a mini-tuxedo or a cute shirt and waistcoat combination. There are, however, plenty of ways to play around with these tried-and-tested combinations. For instance, don't simply stick to predictable colours like pastel blue, black, grey, and white. Try pairing a yellow shirt with a navy waistcoat instead, or match a dark green shirt with a red waistcoat for a formal Christmas get-together. Alternatively, opt for a knitted tank top. These are usually found in striped, spotted or pringle patterns and, when paired with a collared shirt and trousers, will look fun and smart rather than stuffy.



In addition to the colours and styles of formal baby clothes, it's important to pay attention to their materials. Stick to high quality fabrics like 100% cotton wherever possible. This lets your baby's skin breathe, ultimately making them more comfortable than sweatier alternatives like nylon or polyester mixes. Also consider accessories, like a matching hairband for girls or a tiny pocket hankerchief for boys to complete the formal look. And don't forget to pack a change of clothes wherever you go - because, despite your best efforts, there's always the possibility that the most well-behaved of babies will become grubby.