As I mentioned in my maxi tassel dress post & my 4th of July outfits post for this year, I shop in the kids section. I probably shouldn’t shop in the kids section as much as I do. In fact, if What Not to Wear was still on, I’d be breaking Stacy & Clintons rule. Don’t Shop in the kids or juniors section! But a new era has come, and kids fashion is just as fabulous as adult fashion. Which is why I’m sharing my tips & tricks for shopping in the kids section. If you’re not petite, I apologize. Rest assured, there are adult styles that are basically identical to the kids (or is it vice versa?)
Tips for Shopping in the Kids Section
There’s a lot of factors that you need to keep in mind when shopping in the kids section. There are clearly differences between kids and adults. These difference apply to clothing as well. Remember that the sizing, style detailing and price will all differ somewhat for adult versions.
Sizing
Obviously kids differ in their physical characteristics than adults do. As women, we have assets that younger children probably don’t have. Sizing for kids involve two aspects. The length and the width. A skinny but tall child will still need a larger size. This is how petite women typically will shop in the kids section. I size up to an XL (14-16) in kids clothes because I need the length. However, because the large sizes are made for length and width, it will typically be wider than my frame.
I suggest using two practices when it comes to shopping in the kids section as a petite woman. First, if you can try it on in store. This will give you an idea of what size fits you best. Second, be prepared to alter the item. Even if you try it on in stores, you have to decide if making alterations is worth buying it. 9 times out of 10 I’ll buy it and make the alterations myself. They are minor and usually involve taking the sides under the armpit in slightly. Everyone’s preference is different and some will chose not to buy an item that needs alterations. To each their own, but because this alteration is so minor that I can do it myself, I’ll opt in to buy it.
Style Detailing
If there is a mini-me version of an adult dress, odds are it will have slight differences in the details of the item. I pointed this out in my maxi tassel dress post. It could be that there is one less tier in a dress, or fewer embellishments. This is because the item is made for a shorter version of the dress. And not shorter as in petite, shorter as in kids. These slight differences in details or fabric choice don’t bother me enough to not make the purchase.
Price
This is the big one. It all comes down to price for me. I’m money conscious, living on a budget and trying to get out of debt. Right now, I just can’t justify making large designer purchases, no matter how much I love it. This is where shopping in the kids section has really come in handy for me. Kids clothes will always be cheaper than women’s clothes. And with how many identical styles there are in kids and women’s clothing, it’s just a no brainer to buy the kids. I’m talking the difference between $200 and $50, and it’s usually even more of a difference than that.
Is Shopping in the Kids Section Worth it?
Like I said. 9 times out of 10 I think it’s worth it. The added time and effort to make alterations, the differences in style, are all worth it to me. Why? Because the savings are ridiculously good! Being petite, I have to alter most things anyway. But if I’ve saved the money on it, I won’t even mind paying for those changes. It’s all up to you, but for me, saving $150 & looking like a million bucks is something I can’t pass up.
Favorite Places to Kids Shop
Some of my favorite stores and brands to shop in the kids section include: Old Navy, J. Crew, Kate Spade, Dillards, and Target. I’ve linked some of my favorite kids items from these store below.
Also, shop this kids dress in the header image or the matching women’s skirt from Marley Lilly. See Style Her Strong style both these items below.
Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you I may make a commission if you click through and purchase.
