How to Choose the Perfect Fancy Dress Costume for Your Child
Whether it’s for Halloween, a themed birthday party, or a fancy dress competition, choosing a costume for your child can be challenging. You need to balance style and comfort, without breaking the bank.
Here’s a short guide on how you can choose the perfect fancy dress for your little one:
Consider the Theme
It might sound redundant, but considering the event’s theme is the first thing you should do. It will also help you narrow down your choices. For instance, if the theme of the event is superheroes, you can consider:
- Batman
- Spiderman
- Ironman
- Superman
- Hulk
- Wonder Woman
Whereas, if the theme is movie/ book characters, you have a different set of options, like:
- Dorothy
- Harry Potter
- Deadpool
- Elsa
- Woody
- Buzz Lightyear
Double-checking the theme will save you from last-minute costume changes and unnecessary panic. Moreover, being on theme will make your child feel like they belong.
Choose Age-Appropriate Styles
Not many parents consider this, but picking an age-appropriate fancy dress can make a world of difference. What suits a 10-year-old might not work for a toddler and vice versa. For a baby and toddler fancy dress, you might want to go for something bright, simple, and easy to wear. On the other hand, older kids might want something more detailed and character-specific.
Avoid costumes with elements that might be too scary for your child’s age. For instance, fake blood on a vampire costume might be a bit overwhelming for a five-year-old.
Prioritise Comfort and Flexibility
Remember that your child is going to play and roam around in their costume all day long. So, choose comfort and flexibility over everything else. An outfit that is too tight or itchy can turn an exciting day into a frustrating one. Your kid might refuse to wear the outfit at all.
Choose soft, breathable fabrics, and make sure the seams aren’t too tight. Cut off any rough patches or tags that might irritate the skin.
Choose Practical Footwear
Footwear completes a fancy dress look. But impractical ones can make your kid cranky. Sparkly heels and character boots might look amazing, but they can lead to blisters and sore toes. Therefore, choose footwear wisely.
For boys, polished loafers and lace-up dress shoes can do the trick. You can also go for black or navy sneakers, depending on their outfit. On the other hand, Mary Janes, pumps, and ballet flats are perfect for girls. You can also embellish them with stones and stars to match the rest of the look.
Consider Safety
Next, make sure the fancy dress is made of flame-resistant fabrics. While most costumes have the “Flame Resistant” tag, you can ask the retailer for confirmation. Moreover, avoid extra-long capes as they can be a tripping hazard.
Incorporate Accessories
Accessories can turn your kid’s outfit into a show-stopper. For instance, if your little girl wants to dress up as Rapunzel, you can add a long braided wig, flower clips, and a toy frying pan prop. Opt for simple and lightweight accessories, and avoid anything sharp or too delicate.
