Kidswear to invest in now that will last forever

The opportunities to dress your children up this year might have been minimal. With weddings, christenings and parties struck off the social calendar, the usual occasionwear of summer has been largely redundant. But of course, sooner or later the invitations will start rolling in again and fingers crossed, next year could be a bumper year for weddings. Now is a great time to think ahead and invest in something special for a future event – you just have to make sure you buy a size or two big enough for them to grow into. John Lewis & Partners’ exquisite Heirloom collection is the obvious place to start with timeless, event-ready pieces for the littlest guests. 

‘This collection was inspired by the Lost Gardens of Heligan in Cornwall,’ says Jessica Glenn, Partner & Kidswear Designer. ‘It’s an 18th Century garden which was forgotten for hundreds of years only to be rediscovered in 1990. It’s both romantic and mysterious. We took inspiration from it’s subtropical gardens, formal gardens, ancient woodland and jungle filled with strange and marvelous plants and trees alongside a visit to the John Lewis Archive.’ What makes these pieces extra special? Many of them are finished by hand with the highest level of attention to detail. In other words, Heirloom pieces are made to be passed on from generation to generation.

Everything is so alluring in a sale but what makes a wise investment? ‘My top sales tip is always buy for the future,’ says kids’ stylist and blogger Charlotte Kewley, @The Little Stylist. ‘This applies to every element of baby and kids’ fashion but especially occasion clothing this summer when, let’s face it, we most likely aren’t going to have any big celebrations to attend. Therefore all those lovely party dresses and sharp little suits in the shops are heavily reduced. So, if you know you have a wedding or big celebration next summer now is a fab time to pick up a bargain.’

‘From pretty dresses to adorable little three-piece suits, the sales are full of buy-now-wear-later items at fantastic prices that you can pop in the wardrobe for the future,’ says Morag Turner, digital editor, City Kids Magazine. ‘Create complete outfits or opt for specific pieces that you can accessorise at a later date. For example, if your little one is due to be a page boy or bridesmaid next year you may not know the exact wedding colour scheme yet, so go for classic, neutral clothing that you can add a touch of colour to nearer the time.’ There's something to look forward to.