Clothes shopping is never an easy task. But when you throw in pint-sized proportions, the speed in which kids grow and the uninspiring selections offered up by some kid’s brands out there, this only seems to heighten the challenge.
With celebrations afoot, and milestones at every turn, you need to find presents and outfits to suit.
In a bid to shop more conscientiously and to counteract the speed in which your kids grow, opting for well-made pieces that can be passed down to siblings or cousins feels far more justifiable for your bank balance.
We’re looking to the younger member of the royal family for their fashion cues – namely Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
Much like the impeccably well-dressed Duchess of Cambridge, anything the young Kensingtons wear seem to sell out in an instant so they must be doing something right. The little ones tend to repeat the same items and have been spotted in hand-me downs form their older siblings.
From British brands to affordable high street hacks, we have gathered the brands beloved by the Royal family.
Rachel Riley
Most famous for appearing on Countdown, Rachel Riley is fast becoming the go-to name in chic childrenswear. The beloved London-based label takes inspiration from the 50s and 60s and has received worldwide acclaim. The luxurious pieces put quality at the forefront with premium fabrics that will stand the test of time. The signature style includes hand-embroidery, smocking and sumptuous fabrics, very cute, preppy and country chic. The brand offers fashion for newborns up to 14 years old.
Riley has been a fan favourite of the Kensington children since birth. Prince George wore the smocked red one-piece to Charlotte’s christening (very similar to an outfit once work by dad Prince William when he was little) as well as the smart white shirt and short set in the portrait to commemorate his little sister’s birth. You will have also spotted her designs more recently; the floral-print button-down dress worn by Princess Charlotte for her sixth birthday portrait was a Rachel Riley creation.
My 1st Years
Bespoke clothing and gifts is more accessible than ever with this label that offers essential pieces for newborns to seven years as well as toys, books, backpacks and storage. You can have every product embroidered or stamped with their name for a truly personalised present.
In the now legendary photo of Prince George meeting then US President Barack Obama, he was wearing a customised dressing gown from My 1st Years.
Ralph Lauren
Rarely do the younger members of the Kensington family opt for high-end designer pieces, but Ralph Lauren is the exception. The American label prides itself on its timeless collection of kids clothing in its signature preppy styling.
Prince George sported a wool-cashmere jumper to a Christmas panto in 2020, while in the same year Charlotte wore a wool-blend jumper with a festive design for the family’s annual seasonal card. At the King’s Cup Regatta in August 2019, the young princess also wore the label - a blue and white pinstriped dress.
Penelope Chilvers
Constantly spotted on the feet of the Duchess of Cambridge and her sister Pippa Middleton, Penelope Chilvers is a footwear and accessory label that combines classic Spanish design with a nod to current trends. The result is easy-to-style shoes with a wearable, classic feel.
Taking cues from her mum and aunt, Princess Charlotte wore the riding boots with leather tassel design in the 2020 Christmas card.
Regatta Kids
For puddle jumping and wet weather days, Regatta should most certainly be on your radar thanks to its wardrobe of sport and bright style of raincoats, clothing and layers.
Prince George has given the brand the royal seal of approval by fashioning a brown fleece in the Christmas card above.
Trotters
The family-owned West London label first opened on the King’s Road in 1990 as a dedicated space for children. The brand offers traditional clothing and shoes for newborn to age eight with attention paid to the premium quality.
Prince George wore the Thomas Brown blue checked shirt to meet Sir David Attenborough, while youngest child Louis donned a knitted jumper with puppy design ahead of his first birthday. Charlotte’s fashioned a blossom print dress in her official fourth birthday portrait.
Pepa & Co
Pepa Gonzalez founded her eponymous label in 2013 to fill a void where premium pint-sized pieces were missing. For newborns to aged 10, the designs have a nostalgic, traditional styling harking back to the designer’s Spanish heritage as well as her London life. There’s also an emphasis on sustainable practises so that the range of baby and kids clothing is produced in an ethical way.
Prince George wore an adorable whale jumper from the brand for his third birthday portrait, while Princess Charlotte donned a baby blue smocked and embroidered dress for her baby brother’s christening. Pippa Middleton also tapped up Gonzalez to create bespoke pieces for the flower girls and page boys outfit at her wedding.
M&H
Spanish childrenswear label M&H caters for babies, boys and girls from newborn to four years old using local fabrics with quality as key. The pretty pieces have minimalistic designs that transcends seasons as well as warm weather ready ditsy prints that are calling out for a special occasion.
Princess Charlotte wore a blue floral dress from the label with a white frilly collar in her first solo portrait at just seven months old as well as in an adorable portrait pictured below. The piece is still available, and is known as the ‘Charlotte Dress’.
Amaia Kids
London-designed, Spanish-made, the family-run business is a firm favourite among the Kensingtons as well as to a global clientele. The unique pieces are elegant with a pared-back colour palette and intricate detailing. You’ll find variations on the same theme to get a matching family aesthetic. Shop 6 months to 10 years old.
Prince George sported a blue cardigan from the brand to meet his sister at the hospital and a collarless blue and white shirt for his fourth birthday. Charlotte donned a blush pink frock for the Queen’s birthday, a red pea coat for her first day of nursery, and a green dress for Christmas Day 2019 at Sandringham - a piece that she’s reworn several times. Even the youngest of the brood, Prince Louis wore a blue felt jacket from Amaia to a family trip to the pantomime.
Olivier Baby
With beautifully designed Liberty prints and high-quality Scottish-spun cashmere, the pieces from British label Olivier London will have you wishing they made adult sizes.
Princess Charlotte was photographed in the brand’s cashmere cardigan to honour her first birthday.
Marie Chantal
Founded by Princess Marie-Chantal of Greece in 2000, the playful baby clothing from her namesake label make luxe gifts for newborns up to aged eight. The styles combine fun and function with a range of practical pieces as well as statement.
Princess Charlotte wore a cashmere scarf from the brand on first day of nursery as well as the Celina Liberty Fabric Dress in July 2019.
Jojo Maman Bébé
When it comes to shopping for baby essentials for your new arrival, Jojo Maman Bébé should certainly be one of your first ports of call for its collection of maternity, baby and children’s products.
During a video for Clap for Carers, Charlotte wore Breton top from the boutique. This is her second time wearing brand. She first donned one of its floral blouses way back in 2017.
To all the doctors, nurses, carers, GPs, pharmacists, volunteers and other NHS staff working tirelessly to help those affected by #COVID19: thank you.#ClapForOurCarers #ClapForNHS pic.twitter.com/XnaUPJyDoX
— The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (@KensingtonRoyal) March 26, 2020
Petit Bateau
The French brand has some of the cutest childrenswear on the market as well as matching adult pieces to get the whole family coordinating.
In his first birthday portraits, Prince George wore sweet nautical-inspired blue and white striped dungarees, looking very ship-shape.
Little Alice London
The handmade smocked dresses and rompers provided by Little Alice London will liven up your little one’s wardrobe. The fabrics are bright and beautifully designed and enhanced only by the embroidery and frill collar.
To meet Prince Louis at the Lindo Wing after he was born, Princess Charlotte wore a blue floral dress from the label.
