5 Reasons You Should Hand Over School-Style Reins To Your Kids– TODAY!

This post is sponsored by Levi’s Kids.

There is but a small, deliciously sweet window of time when we parents have full control over our kid’s #OOTD’s.

I remember, getting Delaina ready to go out to eat when she was–oh, around three and a half.

The fall chill had set in and I had to break it to her that, no, she would not be leaving the house in her favorite princess dress. She didn’t put up too much of a fuss. We packed our bags and we were out the door.

Then BAM! We got settled in the restaurant and she whipped out an entire outfit, accessories and PLASTIC HEELS from her tiny little backpack and began to change –  AT. THE. TABLE.

Kid– 1 / Mom– 0

The lesson? When it comes to kids and style, you can either fight it or embrace it. That night I learned to embrace it.

She put her dress up clothes OVER the warm clothes I had picked out, we laughed until tears streamed down our faces and noshed on French fries.

C’est La Vie!

To this day, Laina is our little fashionista and has strong opinions on what she will and will not wear.

So when we are setting up for a new season, like Back To School– we have learned to compromise.

I get to pick out the essential basics that I know will get a lot of wear and tear (like the Levi’s Kids denim jacket and jeans you see here), she gets to make the outfit her own.

This isn’t always easy, but there are benefits to handing over the styling reins to our kids…

It Gives Glimpses Into Their Personality And How They Feel

The outfits Laina styles are always all encompassing of her personality– sweet and sparkly with a ton of moxie.

So I try my best not to intervene with her vision (as long as it is weather and event-appropriate).

They Learn To Match Colors And Patterns

….. (well, sometimes).

They Gain Confidence And Independence

They Get To Define Comfort

Levi’s is my go-to for denim because they are comfy– but also cause they last for-ev-er! Seriously. I think they get better with each wash– both kids and adults. Over 4 years, my husband has worn thin his favorite Levi’s and patched them up TWICE. He refuses to get rid of them. True. Story.

Laina feels the same way about these Levi’s Kids knit denim skinny jeans she is wearing above. From the minute she put them on, she couldn’t stop raving about how soft and comfortable they are (they feel like cotton leggings)– because if there is anything she haaa-aates– it is restricting clothing.

And really, who could blame her? Don’t we all?

They Learn From Their Hits And Misses

While I’m actually quite impressed with the way Laina styled up these pieces. Sometimes what she picks out is a little…. dare I say, quirky?

But I’ve learned that just like big hair in the 80’s and wearing our clothes backwards in the 90’s, we must trust that things like– the basketball socks and sandals {shivers} of 2015 (that my son has been wearing all summer long!), will teach them how to learn from their mistakes.

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What are some of those most outrageous outfits your kids have put together?

Levi’s® is for kids who know they were born bold and aren’t afraid to show it. Give your kids classic American style and effortless cool when they head back to school. The Levi’s Kids Collection is available at Levi.com. #LevisKids