Toddler Summer Wardrobe Essentials

When selecting Max’s summer clothes I looked for pieces that could be easily mixed and matched. I was careful not to go overboard (I have that tendency!) and limited myself to buying about 5 pairs of shorts, 10-12 t-shirts, 3-4 rompers/overalls, 2-3 pairs of shoes. I probably could have gone with a couple less in each category, but we typically keep 2-3 full outfit changes at daycare.

Since I do most of my shopping online, it is easy to overlook some of the nuances associated with children’s clothing (i.e. functional vs non-functional draw strings). My guiding principle is to stick to bottoms that can be adjusted beyond an eleastic waistband. For example, pants with a functional drawstring or interior adjustable elastic. It took me until Max was almost 9 months to understand the adjustable elastic, but once I did I was blown away. The feature is brilliant and significantly extends the wear time of an item. With those considerations in mind, here are some of my favorites from Max’s summer wardrobe.

1. Crocs kids - I have never been a fan of crocs for adults, but these are the perfect shoes for outdoor water activities. They are easy to slip on, lightweight and pretty darn cute on a mini human.

2. Gap Pull-on Shorts - These shorts are great because they have a real drawstring. They are made of durable fabric and come in 4 bright colors. I bought the yellow and orange ones for Max.

3. H&M Cotton Twill Shorts - With an adjustable elastic waistband, I bought these in a slightly larger size to make sure Max could wear them through the summer.

4. OshKosh Buffalo Checkered Shortalls - I wore OshKosh overalls when I was a kid and I love seeing Max in them. Compared to classic OshKosh denim overall these checkered pair are a lightweight material that is ideal for summer.

5. Carter’s Rompers - Although dressing Max in little rompers is about as cute as it gets, Aaron prefers him in separates. As a compromise, I only bought 2 of these.

6. Zara T-Shirts - This is one of my go-to shops for quality low-cost t-shirts. Most options range from $5.90-$7.90. These t-shirts are well made, durable and extremely soft. Since t-shirts are easily stained and ruined by rambunctious toddlers, finding ones you love at low cost is key.

7. Target T-shirts - Target is another great option for quality low-cost t-shirts. I stocked up several different colors.

8. Old Navy Summer Pajamas - With the summer heat in full bloom, we traded Max’s long sleeve pajamas for short sleeve options. We love Old Navy’s pajama selection and the best part is they go on sale a lot.

What are some of your favorite wardrobe essentials for your little one, and where do you like to shop for them?