Kids Wear Trends for 2016

What does 2016 have in store for kids’ fashion?

If the outfits on offer at the CIFF Kids trade fair in Copenhagen are anything to go by, the ‘mini me’ looks is set to continue. Held in early February, CIFF Kids showcased threads from a wide range of revered kids wear designers – many of which were modelled on trending adult collections.

The mini me look has proven to be very popular amongst celebrities in recent years – and this trend is set to continue throughout 2016. Of course comfort plays an important role here, with many of the outfits being subtly altered to ensure they are 100% playground friendly!

David and Victoria Beckham and their children attend the Burberry “London in Los Angeles” fashion show mid-2015; an example of ‘mini me’ fashion.

The CIFF Kids trade fair featured some of Tinypeople’s favourite designers, including Beau Loves, Bobo Choses, I Dig Denim, Louis Louise, Soft Gallery and Tutu du Monde. We stock the latest from these brands, as they are the forefront of cutting edge children’s fashion.

So which looks are set to dominate in 2016?

Alongside the ‘mini me’ look, pared-back, minimalist styles are set to dominate this year; think single or dual tone sweat tops in neutral tones, as well as pants and t-shirts in soft, comfortable fabrics. Urban cool is also on the radar, with blue denim jeans and bomber jackets leading the trend – especially for boys. For girls, feminine chic is forever popular; princess themed threads, soft knits and also light ‘glacier colours’ were tipped as hot trends at CIFF Kids.

Below we take a closer look at hot trends for girls and boys.

Trends for Girls

Girls’ fashion in 2016 is still feminine and reminiscent of a fairytale princess; after all, how else do most little girls love to dress?

There is a strong emphasis on luxe fabrics, including soft cotton and denim, tulle and even lace. Detail varies, swinging between a pared-back minimalist look and detailed embellishments depending on the designer. In terms of colour, it’s all about soft pastels and natural, earthy tones.

When it comes to accessories, flower headpieces – which have dominated women’s fashion for a couple of years now – have cropped up as a popular girls’ fashion trend for 2016. Flower hair accessories and similarly feminine headbands featured at the CIFF Kids trade show and we are big fans here at Tinypeople. These head pieces complement the natural, earthy tones that are so popular this year.

Of course, embellished headbands do far more than look cute – they are practical accessories for girls who want to keep their hair out of the way when playtime rolls around!

Embellished headbands are a popular accessory.

Trends for Boys

Following the mini me trend, skinny denim (including ripped denim) has made the crossover to kids wear – particularly for boys. Soft, stretch fabric that provides plenty of room to move is essential here, as we certainly don’t want to inflict the same level of skinny jean discomfort some men have endured in years gone by! In terms of colour, pale faded blue and also faded black denim are trending.

I Dig Denim Arizona jeans in black.

Tailored shorts are also proving to be a hit on the runways this year. Forget baggy board shorts; 2016 is about tailored shorts that are as stylish as they are comfortable. We’re loving fitted blue denim shorts that finish just above the knee; they’re perfect for hitting the street and the playground alike.

While on the subject of bottoms, harem pant style trackies have also made the men’s wear / boys’ wear crossover. With a slim-fit lower leg and elastic drawstring waists, these trackies are made to leave the house and are the definition of urban cool. The trackies of 2016 are all about colour; staple tones such as black and grey are still popular, however brighter colours and eye catching prints (see below) appear to be the new direction for track pants this year.

Munster Kids Polka fleece trackie.

Boys’ tops have also headed down a similar path. In 2016, semi-casual sweat tops are making their mark – as are dark puffer vests, bomber jackets, plain and printed hoodies and chequered flannel shirts. Again, many of these trends are essentially men’s fashion downsized.

Alphabet Soup The Downlow vest, with quilted jersey cotton lining.

On Trend for 2016

Kids’ fashion trends for 2016 are all about adult fashion on a smaller scale. The key to popular kids wear is clothing that merges the latest trends with wearability; kids need clothes that can take them from home, to the playground and then out to lunch with the family.

At Tinypeople, we select our collection based on this premise. Our preferred designers are those that blend style and comfort with looks that appeal to the creative mind of a child.

Offering the best from around the world, our threads are available to view in-store here in Byron Bay – as well as online across Australia!