Autumn Uniform

Green dress | Cardigan | Tights | Kickers boots

I’m starting off with our most tried and tested look, aka an autumn uniform. This outfit combination has saved us on so many mornings. A neutral cardigan goes with most dresses, and the boots work with almost anything (check out Vinted for Kickers). Throw in some neutral tights and you have yourself a really easy outfit formula that can be mixed and matched on repeat (which helps if you’re carrying spares for a day out when potty training).

H&M have the most lovely range of knitted cardigans which we’ve been buying for the past few years. They come in neutral shades and they’re really long lasting, no bobbling or fraying etc. I tend to prefer cardigans as they’re easier to persuade Isla to wear, and easier to get on and off. Buy at least one size up, collect a few colours and wear for multiple seasons…

Below I’ve linked to a few of our current favourite dresses that you can mix and match as above. They wash well, they’re high street prices and they disguise chocolate stains.

Very similar to the green dress featured above but WITH POCKETS! Bonus that they’re on the front of the dress too as my daughter likes to keep tiny soft toys in them and it’s cute to see their heads poking out during the day (we have this one in red). Suitable for dressing as an elf so can justify this one as

This dress from Next has been a favourite over the last few months. The fabric is lovely (always something I look for, I can’t handle the thin, clingy fabric lots of kids clothes are made from) and the collar is perfection. Extra sweet when poking over the top of a cardigan. No pockets but the design makes up for it.

My daughter wore this one to preschool this morning so I hope it’s still in rotation after today… but another very cute pick from Next (which has absolutely become one of my favourite kidswear brands in general. For anyone east London based, there’s a new store opening in Westfield Stratford City this month and I’m probably a bit too excited about that). Does it have pockets? Sadly not, but, collar.

Continuing on the gingham theme because it’s perfect for this time of year. This one gives ‘tiny Victorian child’ vibes which is basically how I’d like to dress Isla most of the time. Another nice design making up for the lack of pockets.

This denim dress from John Lewis has pockets, a collar AND tiers so if it wasn’t sold out in our size I’d be adding it to cart. Denim is great as it goes with everything and in my experience tends to withstand a day at preschool (see cherry dress situation above, fingers crossed for that one).