The start of a new school year can mean so much new in a child’s life, and one of those includes the clothes they wear.
According to Rachel Crismond and Melody Joy Snelen, owners of Kyds Children’s Boutique in Neptune Beach and twin sisters, there has never been a more fun and creative time for children and parents when back to school shopping for new clothes.
“The trends that are really taking off are comfortable sets, so that’s matching and coordinating tops and bottoms, which keeps it super simple and easy but also so much fun,” Crismond said. “The materials are also getting more soft and comfortable than ever.”
However, the sets also provide the opportunity to be creative where the prints on the tops and bottoms do not necessarily have to match in order to still look the part.
“The sets provide opportunities to mix and match, so you could wear a solid top with a printed bottom or skirt or the opposite,” Snelen said. “It really allows the child to build an outfit that matches their personality and reflects who they are.”
There are certain styles or fabrics that are staples and remain that way in children’s fashion, one of which is denim, which Crismond has seen less of this year, but it still has its place because it is durable and is good for lasting through a school year.
The twin sisters have owned Kyds Children’s Boutique for about seven years and in that time have been able to see the trends transform over the years, and sometimes from year to year.
Clothes made from a Terry cloth material are another common thing Crismond has seen this year.
“That’s big in Florida, especially, because it’s breathable and can keep you dry and cool but is also a very soft and comfortable fabric,” Crismond said.
Finding the right mix of comfort and style is a challenge at times, but Crismond knows how important it is having children of her own.
“They are going to be wearing these clothes all day at school, so you want something that will last but also continue to be comfortable for them as the day goes on,” Crismond said.
There are a variety of prints available to choose from among this season’s selection, many of which in stock at Kyds reflect the Florida lifestyle with palm trees and flowers for girls and sharks for boys as just a few of the examples.
“It’s definitely important to know your customer base and where you live,” Snelen said. “That goes a long way in determining which trends to go with.”
Rompers are a popular trend for girls in Florida because they provide breathable material for when children go outside at school, but the pants as part of the outfit can provide a little bit of warmth needed in the cooler air-conditioned classroom.
The continued advancement in clothing material is something that they both believe has allowed for more unique prints and patterns to be introduced over time compared to the more traditional basic looks and solid colors.
The colors that are solid are often very bright and vibrant colors that reflect the mood of children.
“We want to make back to school shopping such a fun and unique experience for everyone involved, because the parents are just as much a part of it as the kids are,” Snelen said. “When the kids come into the store, they usually quickly gravitate to the thing or the print they connect with most, and that’s a special moment to see.”
Kyds is located at 216B First Street in Neptune Beach and has a wide range of clothing from newborn preemie to size 16.
“We actually have some petite women that have even shopped in our store, which shows how fashionable the styles are,” Snelen said.
So back to school time may represent the end of summer for many children, but at least it does not have to signify the end of looking and feeling good with what they wear thanks to the ever-evolving landscape of children’s clothes.
