Fresh looks for cool kids this Easter

Children playing outside wearing John Lewis & Partners
Editorial team

Easter marks the start of social season, so here’s how to get your mini fashionistas’ wardrobes ready and respectable for gatherings and going out

For under fives

Big family gatherings are what Easter and all those lovely May bank holiday weekends are all about. So why not take this as an opportunity to give them a smart new look.

‘I love Easter. It feels like the first opportunity to dress little ones up in sweet new spring looks,’ says kidswear stylist and mother-of-three, Charlotte Kewley. ‘I either go for pretty traditional dresses (think pinafores, Peter Pan collars and ditsy prints) or a more whimsical, bohemian-smock style for girls, and classic grandad-collar shirts, quirky prints and trousers for boys.’ The Heirloom range has you covered with items that are formal enough to be considered Sunday best, while still being built for play.

Easter is also almost as strong an opportunity for 100% adorable novelty outfits as Christmas, so give the grandparents some memories to treasure with chick and bunny-themed playsuits and dungarees.

 

For pre-teens

‘No matter where you take this cohort of kids, I give it 10 minutes before they are tearing about outside burning off all that chocolate,’ says John Lewis Deputy Editor and mum of two Jess Spiring. And given that the weather can be so changeable, think layers. Mix bright jersey separates with more structured pieces, for example jumpsuits and dresses over long-sleeved tees for girls and smarten up the boys with chino and sweater combinations. ‘Trainers go with everything at this age,’ says Jess. ‘Although I love Crocs. It’s the only way to stop my kids going outside in their flipping socks! Plus may I make the case for hats? It means at the weekend they can go a bit more feral with their hair, but nobody knows.’

For tweens and teens

Just because tweens and teens have very strong thoughts about what constitutes crushingly embarrassing and what’s ‘sick’ enough to make the cut, doesn’t mean you can’t steer them towards more, ahem, presentable choices. Jersey hoodies and tops from Anyday (small adult sizes often fit if they like things oversized), jeans from Levi’s and of course trainers from hearteningly familiar Vans and New Balance should keep you both happy. The state of their rooms, we can’t help you with. 

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