Dress The Rainbow 🌈
How getting my toddler dressed became my favorite creative ritual
If you know me, then you know how deeply I care about dressing my son. I find so much joy in mixing colors and patterns, and in choosing pieces that feel aligned with his personality. If you’ve been following along with Thoughtfully Yours for a while, you also probably know that I’ve never been one to shy away from color.
I always try to remind myself that he’s just a child — and he won’t always be. So when it comes to getting him dressed each morning, I hope his days feel as bold and bright as his outfits. And if you’ve been wondering where I shop for Meki these days, you’ve come to the right place.
I guess you could say my love of dressing boldly started when I was a child. My family still talks about my yellow lycra shorts — paired with my favorite tucked-in t-shirt, my flashiest accessories, and shoes that rarely matched anything else I was wearing. I was drawn to bold colors and expressive textures. Feathers, tulle, sequins — if it sparkled or made a statement, I loved it.
There’s something about those early memories that still feels close to me. I can picture us dipping our lollipops into the pool without a second thought, the weight of our boots as we ran across the Colombian countryside, the endless adventures with backpacks full of snacks slung over our shoulders.
I never believed in rules when it came to getting dressed. I wore what made me feel happiest. That little girl still exists in me. In many ways, she’s simply picking up where she left off — only now, she’s styling Meki.
Motherhood can often feel like a vortex. The days are filled with planning balanced meals, tracking sleep schedules, keeping up with diapers, folding tiny laundry — the list goes on. Somewhere in the midst of it all, it can feel hard to find your way back to yourself.
One thing I can say with certainty is that dressing Meki has given me a creative outlet I didn’t realize I needed so deeply. His clothes tell a story — one of joyful childhood, play, imagination, and laughter. He’s often described as fun, playful, and full of spunk. His outfits simply reflect that energy.
Here’s my philosophy on childhood: it should be joyful. It should inspire play. It should feel expressive and alive.
I truly believe color has the power to shape how we experience our days. Color theory suggests that yellow can lift mood, while blue evokes calmness and rest. Neutrals can be beautiful and grounding, but childhood itself is rarely neutral. It is bright, experimental, messy, emotional, and full of discovery.
In some small way, I hope that dressing Meki in color helps shape his own sense of expression later in life. I know the day will come when he’ll want to choose his own outfits — and likely reject many of mine. Just the other day, I pulled out a pair of pants and was met with immediate rejection. A tiny hand shot up, pointer finger raised, and a firm “no” came out of Meki’s mouth. He simply wasn’t in the mood. Instead of turning it into a battle, I gave him a few options, and together we chose a new pair. It was a small moment, but a reminder that his voice — and his taste — are already beginning to take shape. For now, I’m soaking in the ritual of picking out his clothes each morning. When the time comes, I’ll happily pass the torch so he can express himself in his own way.
I don’t think my approach to dressing Meki fits neatly into one category. Some days he looks like he belongs in art school; other days he has a sporty edge. I’m never striving to create the “perfect” outfit — I’m more interested in creating a feeling.
I’m drawn to pieces that feel playful, expressive, and slightly unexpected. I love pairing graphic prints with sporty silhouettes, mixing bold colors with varied textures. I don’t believe children should dress like miniature adults — they should look like children.
Getting him dressed each morning feels like a quiet act of imagination. It sets the tone for his day and, in some ways, allows me to hold onto the magic of childhood just a little longer.
I also tend to gravitate toward oversized, relaxed fits. I’d rather roll pants and start wearing pieces early than save them for when they feel “just right.” If you’re a parent, you know clothes often fit perfectly for about a week before they suddenly feel too short, too tight, or completely outgrown.
Over time, I’ve developed a little roster of brands I consistently return to when dressing Meki. I gravitate toward pieces that feel expressive, comfortable, and slightly unexpected — clothes that allow him to move, play, and fully inhabit childhood. I also mix investment pieces with more accessible finds, and I’m always happy to size up or wait for sales so we can get the most wear out of each item.
Here are some of my current favorites, in alphabetical order:
Bobo Choses — Truly love everything. Their color stories, prints, and relaxed fits consistently feel joyful and thoughtful.
Halcyon Nights — I reach for their knitwear and zip-up pajamas often. They strike a beautiful balance between comfort and fun.
Kith — Mostly for outerwear and sporty pieces. Their jackets add structure and a slightly urban edge to more playful outfits.
Koko Momo — I adore their entire catalogue.
Little Lawless — A longtime favorite. Whenever Meki wears their shorts or pants, someone inevitably asks where they’re from.
Milk Teeth — I especially love their pants and socks.
Mini Rodini — Another brand where I love nearly everything. Their wide sizing range and relaxed fits make them especially practical for growing toddlers.
Mmoody — I haven’t ordered yet, but they’re very much on my radar.
Molo — Great for stretchy denim and tie-dye sweatsuits. Their pieces feel playful but durable.
Patagonia — Our go-to for coats and winter jackets. Practical, warm, and built to last.
Petite Plume — Now that Meki is older, I love their pajamas. They feel classic and beautifully made.
Roux — When Meki was younger, I relied heavily on their onesies. Now I gravitate toward their oversized tees and sweatshirts.
Studio Blinky — My go-to for custom pieces. We have something fun in the works… stay tuned.
The Animals Observatory — I especially love their t-shirts and hoodies. Their graphics feel artistic and playful. While I admire their pants and sweats, I often find the cut runs a bit slim, and I personally prefer a baggier silhouette on toddlers.
TINY — Another brand I consistently love across the board. Their designs feel playful but elevated.
Vintage Levi’s — A bit trickier to source, but worth it. I often find mine through @thislittlepiggywearsvintage.
Vintage Tees — Many of Meki’s come from @retrorollinkids. They add personality and a sense of nostalgia to his wardrobe.
Ziggy Zaza — Truly one of my favorites. Their silhouettes and prints are exceptional, though tariffs sometimes make purchases harder to justify.
It’s not lost on me that many of these pieces are expensive. I often wait for sales and try to maximize wear from each item by sizing up, cuffing pants, and embracing an oversized look.
I also swear by Miss Mouth’s stain remover — truly a magic potion every parent should have on hand. I wash Meki’s clothes on delicate, use a gentle detergent, and hang dry. I’ve found this helps his clothes last longer and allows me to save my favorite pieces for the next little one.
And of course, if dressing your child in bold color isn’t your style, there are still so many ways to create expressive outfits. Mixing neutral tones with interesting textures or subtle patterns can feel just as thoughtful and playful.
At the end of the day, getting dressed should feel like joy — for both of you.
Until next time,
Thoughtfully Yours ✨
We LOVE our fashionable bff, MEKI!!!!!! Also I love how our boys have so many of the same wardrobe! 🥲🥹❤️