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There’s something so sweet about classic children’s clothes. I grew up in the 80s and 90s in the South (Houston, Memphis and Asheville, to be exact — my family moved a lot!), and if my mother didn’t sew the clothes herself, she always made sure my two older brothers and I were dressed in classic children’s clothing, especially for special occasions!

Now, you might be asking…

What is classic children’s clothing, anyway, and why should I dress my kids this way?

Classic children’s clothing embodies the innocence of childhood while featuring a soft color palette, clean lines, high-quality fabric and simple designs. These timeless pieces can include smocked dresses, oxford shirts, sweaters, and elevated design elements like monograms, appliqués and embroidery.

When I started having children 5 years ago, my mom would mail me products, along with texting me photos and links to adorable classic children’s clothing. But, to be honest, I wasn’t quite sold yet. I thought the style looked “old-fashioned” and like an 80s grandma was dressing my children! But, then, when it came to dressing my children for special occasions, like their first Christmas, Easter or Baptism, I started thinking about those moments in my childhood and maintaining tradition felt important to me. I thought of the photos of those special moments that we’d look back on year after year, and it became clear to me why so many parents love classic children’s clothing. It never goes out of style and always looks cute and appropriate for their age and the occasion! On top of that, the quality of classic children’s clothing is typically very nice, so the items can be passed down to siblings or kept as heirlooms. Classic children’s clothing is more sustainable than fast fashion. Now, as my kids are getting older and not growing as fast, I love that they can wear some of the same pieces year after year without going out of style. Not only that, but I love that dressing my children in classic children’s clothes helps preserve this short-lived sweet time of their lives. They only have a few short years of childhood to wear these sweet clothes, and they have the rest of their lives to dress like adults. 

What are the best classic children’s play clothes for summer?

This summer, we have some fun family vacations, events and activities coming up where I’m excited to dress my children in sweet outfits from Mud Pie, a female-founded and family-operated company that specializes in everyday classic children’s clothing, along with clothing for women, home decor and gifts. Mud Pie has so many cute classic children’s clothes options for baby through toddler for everything from playdates to special occasions.

Best classic children’s clothes for July 4th holiday:

Nothing is more quintessential summer than Americana themed clothing, and I adore these toddler pieces from Mud Pie, below, featuring an American flag, USA colors and sailboats, along with smocked embroidery, applique details and comfy jersey fabric. These casual classic children’s clothing pieces make me want to take the family on a sailing excursion followed by a New England style clambake! These outfits are going to be perfect for our Memorial Day celebrations, annual July 4th pool party, and all the fun summer moments in between!

I’m the type of person who loves to wear Americana themed clothing all summer long, not just on holidays! Below are some more of my favorite USA themed outfits from Mud Pie for your kids to wear while having fun in the sun!

I’m in love with the bow straps on this sailboat dress!

Nothing is more American than denim!

The details of this red and blue seersucker swimsuit are perfection!

How cute would a little baby girl be in this classic seersucker swimsuit with ruffles?!

Best classic children’s play clothes to wear to camps and country clubs:

Our kids are just now getting old enough to participate in summer camps, and I’m so excited that they’ve taken interest in hobbies at our country club (just like their parents!), where they’ll be doing their first golf and tennis camps! Mud Pie’s tennis and golf prints are perfect for your little sports enthusiasts’ upcoming camps or any playtime this summer.

I’m a big tennis fan, and my daughter adores being like mommy, so we’re both loving this adorable tennis print that comes in a dress for toddlers, as well as a baby longall, sunsuit and sleeper. Check out all the cute tennis outfits from Mud Pie, below!

Your kiddo can dream of tennis in these adorable pajamas!

How cute is this sunsuit?! Makes me want to have another baby girl!!

Seersucker is so classic and perfect for summer!

A cute tennis themed romper for the boys!

My 5-year-old son is doing his first golf camp this summer and he’s so excited to be on the course like his golf-loving dad. Whether your child is on the greens or not, the whole family will love Mud Pie’s precious golf themed outfits for kids – everything from a short set, t-shirt set, t-shirt jersey dress, bodysuit, sleeper set and swimsuit. Below are some of my personal favorite Mud Pie outfits for your kids to wear around the pro shop this summer!

This golf cart crochet detail is to die for! Wish my son was still little enough to wear this!

Shoes can be just for fun!

At the beginning of this post, I shared about an important characteristic of classic children’s clothing is that it’s timeless, so it can be passed down for generations without going out of style. One way for your children to easily express themselves or have fun wearing something trendy is with shoes and accessories! My kids are obsessed with Mud Pie’s Light Up Toddler Sandals!

I know we’re going to have so much fun wearing them this summer! Can’t wait for them to make memories watching fireworks while their sandals light up the night!

Let me know which of these Mud Pie summer outfits you’d like to see your little one wearing! What other children’s clothing brands do you like? Let me know in the comments below, and be sure to follow me on Instagram and TikTok for more fun family-friendly products and ideas!

XO Maggie