Parent-and-child clothing battles are a story for the ages. Finding outfits that a kid will wear is so cute and easy when they're little, but as soon as they get old enough to choose their own clothes, it can get ridiculous. There are the kiddos who end up crying because they want to wear a tutu and a football jersey to school and mom won't allow it, and then of course that morphs into teenagers who are about a million times more problematic.
But some parent and kiddos love to match, even if it's only for a short few years. Some moms get creative with making matching outfits for the little ones. Others enjoy wearing coordinating mommy-daughter costumes for Halloween.
When we think of mommy-and-me outfits, it's usually a flashback — and it's never a good flashback — to those pastel-and-puce floral print Laura Ashley monstrosities we were forced to wear as kids. They came along with big (and we mean twice-the-size-of-our-heads) hair bows, too-tight patent leather shoes, and forced photo sessions that involved that pose where we had to place our chin on our fist. They were absolutely horrible.
But the truth is that much like kids' playgrounds no longer involve lots of hot, sharp metal that bakes in the sun until it's approximately the temperature of Saturn (who ever thought that was a good idea?), mommy-and-me outfits are also no longer incredibly freaking horrifyingly bad. In fact, many of them are … dare we say it? Extremely cute. As in, non-moms may be tempted to wear the outfits on their own (as might their kiddos).
Palm Leaves Shirt Dress
We love this short dress with a sweet collar, buttons down the front, little front chest pockets with flaps, sewn-cuff sleeves, gathered seam at the waist, and gently flared hem. It runs a tiny bit big, but that's great for kids to grow into!
Palm Leaves Shirt Dress ($25, H&M)
Palm Leaves Sleeveless Jumpsuit
And for the mama version, try this clean-lined, super cool jumpsuit. The palm fronds are such a relaxed, updated version of a matching floral print, and this jumpsuit is so airy, chill, and relaxed. The twisted ties with tassels at the waist add some interest.
Palm Leaves Sleeveless Jumpsuit ($18, H&M)
Stylish Striped Color-Blocking Sleeveless Mommy & Me Maxi Dress
How completely adorable and elegant are these charming color-block maxi dresses? This is the perfect pairing for little ones who really want to match mommy and a mommy who really doesn't do cutesy.
Stylish Striped Color-blocking Sleeveless Mommy and Me Maxi Dress (sale $14 for kid, $20 for mom, PatPat)
Fluffy Matching Long Dress for Mommy & Me
These pretty, low-key summer dresses would be beautiful for a day out together, or to go to a fancy event like a classical concert. The sweet detailing reads as elegant more than overly precious.
Fluffy Matching Long Dress for Mommy and Me (sale $20 for kid, $28 for mom, PatPat)
Mommy & Me V-Neck Striped Matching Maxi Dress in Blue
How incredibly cute are these perfect summertime dresses? The button-front detailing, the flattering bodice waist, and lightly flared skirt bring interest and a modern feel to the dresses. Most of all, we love the fact that these come with deep, fully functional pockets.
Mommy and Me V-neck Striped Matching Maxi Dress in Blue (sale $26 for kid, $33 for mom, PatPat)
Patterned Tie-Hem Getaway Shirt for Girls
The big collar and cute tie-hem detail make this sweet, sherbet-colored sleeveless shirt just scream "summer." A soft cotton-rayon blend, this is still breathable without wrinkling easily.
Patterned Tie-Hem Getaway Shirt for Girls (sale $22, Old Navy)
Printed Button-Front Shirt for Women
And the mom version is just as cute, easy, and relaxed — just a little more grown-up. We're so happy stripes are making a major comeback, and that there are vented sides for the summertime. Easy machine wash, too.
Printed Button-Front Shirt for Women ($30, Old Navy)
Mommy & Me Plaid Skirts
These plaid skirts are so stylish. The fluted skirt for mom is so flattering for curves, while the sweet little circle skirt for their kiddos looks super cute when they twirl. These skirts are definitely going to be used far more frequently than just for matching!
Mommy and Me Plaid Skirts (from $65, MIFILLE/Etsy)
Striped One-Shoulder Long-Sleeve Matching Jumpsuits
Cozy, soft, with an extra-long leg, these jumpsuits are impossibly cool for hip mamas and their hip mini-mes. We love the off-the-shoulder, relaxed look and the budget-friendly prices. Plus, they're easy to care for: just machine-wash and tumble-dry.
Striped One-Shoulder Long-Sleeve Matching Jumpsuits (sale $10 for kid, $19 for mom, PatPat)
Girl's Mustard Yellow Off the Shoulder Ruffle Dress
How stunning is this sweet little cotton gauze off-the-shoulder dress? Nothing says summer quite like the warm yellow color and the relaxed Boho vibe. For accurate sizing, take a look at the chart, and if it's confusing, contact the seller.
Girl's Mustard Yellow Off the Shoulder Ruffle Dress (from $58, JustSheli/Etsy)
Women's Mustard Yellow Off the Shoulder Ruffle Dress
This handmade, made-to-order dress is such a sweet part of a mom-and-me outfit, but is also ideal for going out for tea or cocktails with girlfriends in the afternoon. We love the variety of options, including mini or knee-length, and strapless or with straps.
Women's Mustard Yellow Off the Shoulder Ruffle Dress (from $61, JustSheli/Etsy)
Mommy and me Outfit-Grey Stripes
Most mommy-and-me outfits are geared toward little girls, so it's really nice to see an option for moms with their sons! These light cotton outfits are just right for summer. Plus, they're handmade and prewashed so there won't be shrinkage.
Mommy and Me Outfits-Grey Stripes (from $65, TinyTotsKids/Etsy)
Mommy & Me Outfit
This set of handmade, matching African print cotton Ankara skirts is perfect for families who want to show pride in their African heritage. The seller, who is based in Washington, D.C., also lovingly makes handmade headwraps.
Mommy and Me Outfit (from $100, BabyOkraBoutique/Etsy)
En Elly Kid's Isla Dress
This modern, clean-lined dress is so cool for a kiddo to wear anytime, but it's even better paired with the mom-and-me outfit. Designed in LA's downtown Arts District, this is such a cool polka dot dress for a kiddo.
En Elly Kid's Isla Dress ($44, Anthropologie)
En Elly Mommy & Me Isla Top
Matching the polka dot dress, this brushed knit jersey polka-dot top featured slight puff sleeves and a cool, contemporary look. These garments would work so well for a photo shoot but may not be everyday wear as they are hand wash only.
En Elly Mommy & Me Isla Top ($58, Anthropologie)
Summer Cute Mommy & Me Boho Striped Chevron Maxi Dresses
These budget-friendly mommy-and-me dresses are extremely cute without looking too old for the kid or too little-kid for mama — perfect for when kids go through that phase of wanting to dress like their moms. The loose, relaxed fit simply screams summer. Dry clean only.
Summer Cute Mommy and Me Boho Striped Chevron Maxi Dresses (sale $18 for kid, $20 for mom, Amazon)
Mom & Me Dress
What's not to love about these beautiful handmade cotton jersey dresses? They're such a sunny, summery color, and are charmingly flattering and appropriate on women and girls of all ages. We think they're incredibly sweet.
Mom and Me Dress ($83, SoftMoodBoutique/Etsy)
Mommy & Me Dresses
The '90s are back, and we're so happy about it — especially when it comes to these charming sweater dresses in a cool plaid. Totally reminiscent of 90s grunge, these handmade dresses would be so fitting for fall and winter.
Mommy and Me Dresses (from $78, LaIslaBoutique/Etsy)
Purple Sleeveless Skater Dress
These extremely flattering skater dresses are so perfect for a mommy-and-me event, including being a bridesmaid and junior bridesmaid at a wedding. They're designed and hand-sewn in Miami, Florida, too.
Purple Sleeveless Skater Dress (sale from $72, Pineapple Clothing)
Mommy & Me Dress
The blue soft chiffon fabric makes this an elegant choice for events like weddings or photo shoots. It's flowing, flattering, and incredibly sweet on both mom and babe — without being too cutesy or overly sweet.
Mommy and Me Dress ($186, CoraleneMatching/Etsy)
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