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).
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
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
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
