Warning: that sleek Burberry trench coat that looks perfect for spring, those chic Gucci ballet flats, and those skater-style Hilfiger skinny jeans may not be designed to fit Mommy or Daddy. High-fashion designers are making headlines with their pricey looks for boys, girls, and even babies. Here are six looks and their price tags, from preppy to pretty for ages 0 and up, along with low-key alternatives that will go a little easier on the wallet (and easier on your nerves, too, when Junior’s skinny jeans fall prey to a muddy fall, or your Little Miss gets glitter paint on her new glittery sandals).
ROMPER VS. ROMPER
Perfect for playtime on hot summer days, this sweet Madras Romper ($49.50) from Ralph Lauren brings panache to the playground. Pair with metallic Mara Knot Sandals ($80).
Total price tag: $129.50
It comes in lavender or pink, but either way The Children’s Place has an easy, breezy take on the romper with its Plaid Ruffle Romper ($19.95). Add some shine with these glittery American Eagle Girls’ Lunar Glitter Flip-Flops ($7.99) from Payless.
Total price tag: $27.94
CHIC ALL-BLACK VS. DRESSY NAVY
For cool occasions on even cooler nights, this chic all-black Gucci ensemble (Single Breasted Coat, $545; Ballerina shoes with horsebit detail, $260) is very metropolitan, with a retro dash of Mad Men.
Total price tag: $805
Lighten up the look (and the price tag) with a sleeveless Uniform Sweater Dress ($24.95) in navy blue and Every Kay Ballet Flat ($10) from The Children’s Place. Plus, the pullover dress allows for pairing with long or short sleeves.
Total price tag: $34.95
PRICEY PREPPY VS. PREPPY PIZAZZ
Peppy gets preppy with this complete look from Gucci (Long sleeve sweater, $270; short sleeve t-shirt with gg web print, $165; pants, $295; belt with interlocking g buckle, $140; driving shoe with horsebit buckle, $225).
Total price tag: $1095
J. Crew’s kiddie offshoot Crewcuts puts some color into their own complete preppy look with aqua pants, a stripey tee, and sneakers (Boys’ Polo in Ripcord Stripe, $36.50; Boys’ Stanton Pant in aqua blue, $45; Boys’ Stripe Elastic Belt in navy, $24.50, Kids’ Adidas® Classic Gazelle Sneakers, $55; orange sneaker laces, $4). Add on a Boys’ Rollneck Sweater (select colors, $29.50).
Total price tag: $194.50
DESIGNER DENIM VS. OLD NAVY TWO-FOR-ONES
Boys and denim go together like peanut butter and jelly or soccer and grass stains. But you won’t want Junior to get PB&J or grass stains on these skinny jeans from Tommy Hilfiger ($45), which have a trendy cut and Hilfiger’s trademark team numbers on the leg.
Total price tag: $45
Considering that boys are likely to get their denim dirty with everything they encounter under the sun, these skinny jeans from Old Navy ($19.50) have the same popular cut as the Hilfiger jeans, but won’t cut through your wallet.
Total price tag: $19.50, or $15 for two or more
BABY BURBERRY VS. TRENCH COAT TOT
Nothing says spring like a trench coat, and nothing says trench coat like Burberry. This Burberry Belted Jacket ($375) is a miniature version of the brand’s famous look.
Total price tag: $375
Chances are, just as your little one wears Carter’s, so did you as a tot—that’s how long this venerable brand has been around. Their nice and Lightweight Trench Coat ($17.60) comes at a nice and lightweight price.
Total price tag: $17.60
SHOWDOWN: LITTLE WHITE DRESS VS. LITTLE WHITE DRESS
Fans of the Lanvin line of clothing can probably spot designer Alber Elbaz’s signature look a mile away. This white silk Lanvin Sleeveless Dress ($1145) captures Lanvin’s floaty, dreamy style, but it’s pint-sized. (Nothing pint-sized about the price, however—and that’s without shoes!)
Total price tag: $1145
Just because it’s a fraction of Lanvin’s price doesn’t mean Baby won’t be sitting pretty in this sleeveless white silk dress with a flouncy skirt and a little bow in front Silk Duppioni Dress ($50.99) from Gymboree. For a blush of color, this dress also comes in pink. Throw in a pair of tiny white Bow Patent Shoes ($32.49)—also adorned with a bow—and you’ll still fall short of Lanvin’s price by $1,061.52.
Total price tag: $83.48
