How to Dress Toddlers and Kids for More Formal Events

The same nap dresses that have become ubiquitous at weddings, garden parties, and baby showers across the country have now infiltrated kids’ closets with adorable results. The Tiny Ellie comes in sizes 2/3y through 12y, and there are also a few other kid-specific designs to check out (like a collab with La Coqueta), including cute non-dress styles. You have plenty of sweet options here, with lots of matching opportunities, and they’re machine-washable, too.

An old faithful retailer that we keep returning to, for both casual wear and event outfits, Janie and Jack has reliable high-quality, easy-to-care-for options, including a beautiful and extensive holiday collection each year. Seasonal sales can also score you pretty good discounts on some of the more expensive pieces. We particularly love the brand’s dresses and sweaters, which are the perfect mix of adorably grown-up and appropriately youthful. These bow tights (which come in several colors) are also something we stock up on every winter.

We’re sure you’re familiar with Old Navy’s casual classics, but don’t sleep on its increasingly robust formal offerings, like the recently launched Occasion shop. It’s a great place to find prom dresses, for instance, and while prices are low to begin with, with sales it’s possible to find something beautiful for under $30 or even $20. You’ll also find inclusive sizing, with options up to 4X. For younger kids, we also like their well-priced chinos and button-down shirts.

It may no longer be so common to visit a department store to try on a lot of things in person — but Macy’s is still a great resource for occasionwear, with a particularly impressive collection of boys’ suits. With options ranging from good-looking separates and ties to colorful five-piece suits and beyond (including a toddler-friendly tuxedo), you should be covered for just about any fancy event. In the dress department, there are wedding guest options, communion dresses, holiday crowd-pleasers, and more. Check out the Juniors section for prom picks at reasonable prices, too.

We think of Maisonette as an online department store curated by people with whimsical, fun, eccentric, and sometimes very expensive taste. Since the platform offers clothing from many different brands, there’s a fun element of discovery here, and it’s a good place to browse for wedding guest or flower girl dresses, party dresses, suits, and even Parisian-designed haute couture.

Quince sells pretty convincing dupes for popular pieces made by more expensive brands, and this tiered tulle dress (available in sizes 2T-12) is a great example of something you might pay a lot more money for elsewhere. They’re also known for their affordable cashmere, so grab a little cardigan or quarter-zip sweater while you’re there.

Made in Spain and inspired by the region’s heritage and traditional design, this kids’ clothing brand lends an air of European sophistication to any occasion. You’ll find gorgeous dresses, distinctive jackets, heirloom-quality knitwear, and more.

Andy & Evan has a small collection of suits in sizes 2-16, and, maybe most notably, a tuxedo that works for 3-month-old babies through young adults wearing size 13-14. A few colors and patterns of button-down shirts are also available in sizes 2T-14, and if a full suit is more than you’re looking for, these “dapper-in-a-dash” vest sets or similar sweater vest sets might fit the bill.

Boden is one of our go-tos for nicer everyday wear, but they have plenty of event-worthy pieces worth stashing away in the back of your kids’ closets. Fans of hearts, flowers, and tulle have a lot of shopping to do, and anyone who appreciates high-quality knitwear will also find pieces to love.

If you want to splurge on a special occasion outfit for your little one, you have plenty of great options in this guide. But there are times when you don’t want to spend upwards of $100 on fancy things that will be worn just once, and when that’s the case, H&M is a great resource. Whether you have little kids (2-8) or big ones (9-14), H&M has options. Toddler suit separates start at just $9.99, and you can find nice dresses for under $20.

A great one-stop shop for kids’ suits and dresses, Nordstrom has lots to offer on both fronts — plus plenty of prom and homecoming options. The kids’ special-occasion category has a ton to browse, including things you won’t find elsewhere…like a green toddler suit or double-breasted kids’ sport coat. For juniors, we also love Nordstrom Rack’s dress selection.

No timid flower girl dresses or understated old-school European vibes here. Lola + the Boys is all about putting sequins, feathers, and dramatic accents front and center. From a bright green sequined party dress with feathered sleeves to a trendy bubble dress and even a shimmer puffer coat, their fancy outfits are the stuff of sparkle-obsessed dreams.

With some of our favorite kids’ brands, like Lola + the Boys and Polo Ralph Lauren, but also plenty of store exclusives, Dillard’s is a good place to check anytime you’re shopping for kids’ eventwear. You’ll find lots of flower girl options and communion dresses, for example, plus blazers and suits in boys’ sizes. There’s also a great Juniors section full of prom and homecoming options, so older kids don’t have to feel stuck between kids’ and adult sizes.

For boys’ formalwear at a premium price point, Brooks Brothers has a few things to try — including suit separates, blazers, and a full tuxedo with all the trimmings, in sizes down to 4.

If you’re shopping for flower girl dresses, you need to at least look here. Anthropologie has some truly beautiful options in sizes 2 and up. They’re mostly in the $150+ range, but you may consider them worth the investment, especially if they can be handed down in the near future.

When you’re already picturing the perfect flower girl dress, just wishing you could find it in an actual store, JJ’s House is for you. You can pretty much customize to your heart’s content here, choosing the length, neckline, sleeves, fabric, silhouette, and color that fit your occasion. It’s a great and pretty affordable option for weddings, first communions, proms, quinceañeras, and more, and there are plenty of customizable options for grown-ups, too.

Lulu’s is a popular choice for prom and homecoming dresses, with a wide selection of formal attire, from the minimalist to the more dramatic. Keep an eye on their under-$50 section for deals, and their extended sizing section that has styles ranging from XXS-3X.