How to Create a Gender-Neutral Wardrobe for Your Child

Creating a unisex or gender-neutral wardrobe is an excellent way to encourage your child’s self-expression while assembling a capsule collection they’ll cherish. These key pieces can be worn across various seasons and can eventually be passed down to younger siblings, friends, or donated to clothing banks. At Coco Au Lait, you'll discover the perfect items to achieve this, and next, we’ll delve into the importance of such choices. Let’s get started! 

What is a Gender-Neutral Wardrobe?

A gender neutral wardrobe for kids is a space where creativity, freedom of expression, and personal choice in clothing flourish. This inclusive approach challenges traditional gender norms in fashion, offering countless possibilities for children to dress as they truly desire. The benefits of adopting this practice are numerous; it allows kids to explore their individuality and develop a unique sense of style from an early age. By encouraging self-expression through clothing, parents can stimulate creativity and help their children build a strong, authentic identity.

At Coco Au Lait, we are passionate about creative combinations, adorable skirts for our girls, and, of course, all things traditional and familiar! However, we also want to provide you with ideas that blend practicality and comfort while instilling a gender-neutral perspective in your children’s wardrobes. For us, respect is the cornerstone of coexistence. Therefore, this time, we’re sharing practical tips to help you choose what works best for your family. We’re confident you’ll find these insights enriching, as you’ll discover below! ;) 

Why Choose Gender-Neutral Clothing for Your Child?

Mixed collections have quickly become the norm in the fashion world, with an increasing number of designers pushing the boundaries of unisex clothing. From contemporary figures like Arturo Obegero in Paris to Bloke by Faith Oluwajimi in Lagos, Nigeria, unisex fashion is constantly evolving. This approach to fashion is not new; its roots can be traced back to the innovations of Coco Chanel in the 1920s when the "flapper" style emerged as a symbol of female emancipation.

Today, many parents are opting for gender-neutral clothing to encourage creativity and self-expression in their children. This choice is not just a trend; it offers several significant benefits:

1. Encourages self-expression: Gender-neutral clothing allows children to explore their personal identity without the constraints of traditional gender norms, fostering greater self-confidence.

2. Versatility and comfort: Unisex garments tend to be more versatile, enabling kids to dress comfortably and practically for a variety of activities, from playtime to more formal events.

3. Cost-effective: By choosing a gender-neutral wardrobe, parents can invest in items that can be worn by multiple children or passed down, making for a more efficient use of clothing.

4. Reduces gender stigmas: Dressing children in unisex clothing helps dismantle gender stereotypes and promotes a more inclusive and open-minded society.

5. Sustainability: Gender-neutral fashion often emphasizes durability and quality, helping to reduce waste and promote more sustainable consumption habits. Choosing unisex clothing not only minimizes waste but also saves money, making it a smart and eco-friendly option for environmentally-conscious families.

Fashion has always been a reflection of culture and society, and it’s up to us to choose what makes us and our children feel best. When sharing opinions with our kids, it’s important to encourage their choices while providing the guidance they need. It’s not just about avoiding certain colors or styles; it's about listening to their preferences and selecting what truly resonates with their essence. 

Ultimately, our goal is to create a nurturing environment where children can express themselves freely, allowing them to embrace their individuality. By choosing clothing that reflects their true selves, we foster confidence and creativity, all while celebrating the joy of fashion together.

Key Principles of a Gender-Neutral Wardrobe

Focus on Comfort and Practicality

Imagine…. that it’s a sunny Saturday afternoon, and your kids are ready to run and play in your friends’ garden. Meanwhile, you’re juggling a busy day filled with meetings and tasks. When it’s time to head out, the last thing you want to worry about is what your children will wear. You want to make the most of that precious time with them, not stress over their outfit choices.

A gender-neutral wardrobe simplifies these decisions, allowing your kids to mix and match effortlessly. With easy-to-coordinate colors and versatile pieces, they’ll be ready to go (or stay in and play) in just minutes. This way, you can focus on what really matters: enjoying the day and creating unforgettable memories with your children, all without the last-minute chaos ;) Time is gold. 

Choosing Versatile and Timeless Pieces

If you also value quality and durability, it can be frustrating to see your kids' clothes quickly become outdated or outgrown. Investing in versatile, timeless pieces takes away that concern, offering clothing that works for any occasion, from family gatherings to casual outings. Gender-neutral options are especially practical, as they can be easily mixed, matched, and passed down, reducing the need to constantly refresh their wardrobe. This not only saves money but also provides a more sustainable and practical way to dress your children. 

Avoiding Gender-Specific Colors and Patterns

As parents, we often find ourselves caught up in the routine of choosing clothes that fit certain expectations—pink for girls, blue for boys. This not only limits your child's options but also consumes time and energy trying to conform to outdated norms. A gender-neutral wardrobe for kids simplifies these choices, reducing the time spent worrying about what “should” or “shouldn’t” be worn.

A gender-neutral wardrobe means opting for versatile pieces that allow for creativity and self-expression. It’s not about avoiding pink for girls or blue for boys; if your daughter chooses a pink unicorn skirt or your son picks a blue jacket, that’s perfectly fine. We shouldn’t go to extremes and forbid certain colors or embellishments in their clothes; that’s also good. 

It's about giving them the freedom to choose and experiment without being constrained by rigid stereotypes dictating what they should wear based on gender. By opting for neutral colors and patterns, you allow them to explore their personal style freely, and in a subtle, elegant way, they’ll look great in their own choices. Plus, you ensure that the clothes you buy are ones they’ll actually wear, which is essential for making both you (your energy, your taste, your time, your investment) and your children happy and aligned.

Essential Items for a Gender-Neutral Wardrobe

Basic T-Shirts and Tops

In a gender-neutral wardrobe, basic t-shirts and tops are essential pieces. Our collection offers a range of neutral colors that are perfect for both boys and girls. From adorable horse-themed embellishments to a unisex vest, each garment is designed to mix and match effortlessly with other pieces in the collection.

Imagine your children sporting our unisex vest paired with our "Little Checks Turtleneck" sweater. This combination is not only stylish and versatile but also allows them to express themselves freely while staying comfortable and fashionable. By choosing basic pieces in neutral colors, you’re giving your children the opportunity to experiment with their personal style without the constraints of gender norms, ensuring they always look great and feel happy in their choices.  

Comfortable Pants and Leggings

When it comes to building a gender-neutral wardrobe, comfortable pants and leggings are essential pieces for your children's outfits. Our collection showcases a stunning array of neutral tones that evoke the beauty of nature, including earthy hues like greens, browns, and soft beiges.  Our sweatshirt pants and plaid pants blend style with functionality, making them perfect for any occasion. We invite you to explore our entire range of options, we're confident you’ll find something you love! 

Additionally, we offer fantastic choices for those long hours of travel, where it's crucial for your kids to stay comfortable. Our leggings are designed to keep them cozy during the journey, whether you're on a family trip, heading out for an excursion, or attending a casual event. For everyday wear, check out our super comfy striped leggings and charming horse-themed accessories that pair perfectly with your selections.

Unisex Jackets and Outerwear

We all feel the cold, right? So why not make it easy to meet such an essential need when it comes to keeping our little ones warm? Choosing the right outerwear for your children should be an easy-peasy task. Our unisex jackets and outerwear are designed to provide both comfort and style, ensuring that your kids stay cozy while looking great. With versatile options that work for any occasion, you can feel confident that you’re making a choice that suits your child's unique personality without being confined to traditional gender norms.

Footwear: Neutral and Practical Options

When it comes to footwear, we recommend keeping it simple yet stylish. Look for classic white, black, and beige sneakers in neutral tones, designed without excessive ornamentation to ensure versatility in your kids’ wardrobes. Basic brown sandals are perfect for warmer days, offering both comfort and practicality. And let’s not forget what we absolutely love, boots! Whether it’s sturdy boots for adventurous outings or stylish ankle boots for a more polished look, these footwear options will keep your children’s feet comfortable and ready for anything. 

Check out how great these perfect combinations look on our models, both boys and girls, wearing the same outfit paired with their shoes. Click here to see their perfect mix & match!

How to Choose Colors and Patterns

So, how do you create a unisex kids' wardrobe? Here, we give you tips for a gender neutral wardrobe: The best way to begin is by gathering essential gender-neutral clothing items, including comfy t-shirts, several pairs of pants, and cozy pajamas. Incorporating seasonal pieces like hoodies and jackets for the colder months or overalls and t-shirts for warmer weather will ensure your little one stays comfortable year-round. With these versatile options, you’ll be creating a wardrobe that truly meets your child’s needs. 

We believe that all colors are perfect because what’s the point of creating a creative and free unisex wardrobe if we limit ourselves? In our collection, you’ll find a joyful mix of vibrant blues, reds, greens, beiges, browns, and more. With our fun color options, you can’t go wrong! So, expect plenty of cool designs with fun slogans and playful patterns.

Encouraging Individuality Through a Gender-Neutral Wardrobe

Fostering Individuality Through a Gender-Neutral Wardrobe is Beneficial!. Research indicates that embracing individuality enhances self-esteem, critical thinking, and creativity, enabling young learners to navigate the complexities of the world with confidence and skill. Finding creative ways to celebrate each child’s unique personality is crucial for their overall growth and development. 

As Dr. Waad Masoud, a psychologist and family constellations expert at the Autonomous University of Barcelona, notes her extensive experience with multicultural families worldwide has shaped her insights. Dr. Masoud recently completed her Master’s in Oxford Events in 2024, studying alongside renowned therapists Dr. Gabor Maté and Deran Young. In our blog, she states, “When children are permitted to showcase their uniqueness, they grow more self-assured and are better prepared to tackle challenges. They come to appreciate their own thoughts, thus nurturing abilities such as critical thinking and creativity.”

 Letting Your Child Choose What They Like

We know that you care deeply about your children, and while this headline sounds great, we all go through that phase when our little ones start to make their own decisions, and it can be challenging for us to accept, after all, it’s only natural to want to protect them. 😊

Let’s start by discussing that babies, especially when presented with too many options, can feel overwhelmed and overstimulated. However, it’s vital to "offer them choices" so they can select their clothing. As mentioned earlier, this isn’t about letting your kids do whatever they want; they need their parents to guide them in their growth. Still, it's crucial to strike a healthy balance between your preferences and their genuine desires. Allowing them to make choices is important, and offering support when they struggle ensures they feel fulfilled and happy.

Dr. Waad Masoud tells us that it's vital to let kids choose, except when they can’t. “Even with clothes or art materials, within reason and with boundaries, they should have the freedom to decide how to engage with them, how to experiment, and for how long. These are all healthy and empowering choices that children can make and continue to make, leading them to feel accomplished and joyful.” 

Building Confidence with Non-Gendered Fashion Choices

Non-gendered fashion not only challenges traditional norms but also plays a crucial role in building children’s confidence. By allowing them to choose clothing that isn’t confined by gender stereotypes, we encourage their self-expression and grant them the freedom to explore their identity. This empowers them to feel more comfortable in their own skin and fosters a positive self-image. When children can dress in a way that makes them feel happy and secure—with the guidance and support of their parents, they are better equipped to navigate the challenges of the world and build healthy relationships with others. Furthermore, this approach cultivates a sense of belonging and acceptance, which is essential for their emotional and social well-being.

Dealing with External Opinions and Stereotypes

Innovation always comes with certain risks, but who hasn’t ever felt the fear of being different and showing their true selves? Embracing that diversity is essential; criticism will always be a part of life, and we can’t avoid it. However, what we can do is teach our little ones that with love and respect for different ways of being and living, we can build a better world.

As parents and family, our mission is to support those choices, guiding our children as they develop their own sense of judgment, always alongside ours. At Coco Au Lait, we want to celebrate authenticity and individuality. Ultimately, what matters most is that our kids feel good in what they wear.  So, if you want to celebrate your little one’s authenticity with us, don’t forget to tag us on our instagram account! :) and show us their outfits. Until next time! 👋