Childhood Style Lives On

When Hilary and I were children, our mom used to make us clothes. Most often she’d make dresses for holidays and special occasions: Christmas, Easter, a summer trip. I remember accompanying her to the fabric store where she’d pick the pattern and I’d help her choose the fabric. What came next was an endless process of “stand still” while she’d pin the pattern to me, then the fabric, and slowly the dress would come together with each “stand still.”

Rocking some childhood style in a Who What Wear dress, Chinese Laundry boots (similar here), and a Bauble Bar Statement necklace (similar here)

There’s something about that those early childhood fashion experiences that seem to have subconsciously affected my adult fashion choices. Without realizing it, I gravitate towards pieces, particularly dresses, that resemble the clothes my mom made for me when I was younger.

My first year in law school I bought a blue shift dress with a heart pattern from Modcloth that closely resembled a dress my mom made for me for Easter 1990. This fall it was a Who What Wear forest green shirt dress with puffed sleeves that bears a striking resemblance to the dress my mom made for Christmas 1991. Actually, my mom bought me the Who What Wear dress, and when I modeled it for her and my dad I had a flashback to 1991.

Look at that sleeve detail!

If I remember correctly my mom styled my Christmas dress with white tights and black Mary Jane shoes. Despite the fact that I still dress like I’m five, I styled this Who What Wear piece myself and paired it with grey suede boots and a Bauble Bar statement necklace.

Taking it easy in childhood style.

My dad saw my outfit and asked, “Are you going to wear that to work?”

Yes, well, everything but the necklace. Apparently childhood style translates to adulthood.