Have you ever been jealous of a kid’s wardrobe?
No judgment from us. Some children’s clothing is pretty cool – so much so we often wish it came in adult sizes.
Mum-of-one Melissa Hardy knows this feeling well.
Seeing how bright and fun her daughter’s clothing was, Melissa realised she was missing out.
So the mum started to wear matching outfits with her six-year-old daughter, Elizabeth.
She has no shame in copying her kid’s style, saying that twinning with Elizabeth makes her feel young again – and attracts positive comments from everyone she encounters.
Melissa said: ‘We started [dressing] the same when she was about three or four, and she really loves it.
‘I’ve always liked bright colours and bold prints ever since I was a child, but as you get older the clothes become more boring. They’re all black or navy.
‘I was dressing her in some colourful clothes a few years back and realised how much I liked her outfits.
‘I had a look online and saw some companies that did matching outfits for kids and adults, which was great. So, I ordered some nice clothes online.
‘Her clothes really appealed to me, so it’s good to join in on the fun.
‘From the first time we tried it, she absolutely loved it.
‘She usually requests for us to wear ‘matchy matchy’ and will come up with some ideas for what we should try.
‘We dress up in the same outfits about three or four days a week.
‘I always joke that if I lose her, and the police ask what she was wearing, at least I can just show them my outfit and they’ll know.’
In addition to pleasing Elizabeth, wearing matching outfits has Melissa a fresh outlook on life, allowing her to connect with her inner child.
All the duo’s outfits are ethically made and organic and Melissa is glad she and her daughter can wear clothes they can feel good about.
Melissa hopes other parents will try matching with their children.
She said: ‘Your children are part of your identity, and I wouldn’t dress Elizabeth up in something that I didn’t like.
‘The clothes are ethical and organic, which is good for us and good for the planet.
‘I can not only express my personality but I feel good knowing I’m supporting a positive working environment and sustainability for farmers and factory workers.
‘It helps me feel connected to her, and when we’re out in public it’s like everyone knows we are together.
‘She always stands out in a crowd full of children as well, which is great for me to spot her.
‘It’s always so dreary here in winter, so I feel like we bring our own sunshine.
‘When I’m wearing the same outfit as my child, and she is beaming with brightness and personality, I feel like I’m exuding that as well.
‘We both really love it. It makes us feel special together.
‘We always attract a lot of stares when we’re out and about.. People always say nice things when we’re out in public and that they love what we’re wearing.
‘A lot of parents come up to me and say that they wish they’d have done something the same when their kids were young.
‘I’d recommend for any parents to give it a try, even just it a go with pyjamas or something and see your child’s reaction.
‘It’s all a bit of good fun and we really enjoy it.’
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