The vibrant color schemes of my childhood attire could rival a rainbow. For that, I owe my parents a mix of gratitude and mild exasperation, as they had the final say on my outfits until I was 7.
Recently, I stumbled upon an old photograph from when I was just 4 years old. In it, I’m sporting wide-wale navy corduroys, a bright banana-yellow shirt adorned with brown cowboy motifs, and a dark blue cardigan featuring eye-catching red and orange vertical stripes. It’s clear my parents were reliving their fashion dreams through my wardrobe choices. At least, that’s how it appeared to me at the time.
Now, as a father of two, with my eldest daughter being 5 and a newborn baby somewhere in the mix, I’ve come to understand what my parents knew: it’s my prerogative as a parent to dress my child however I see fit. While my wife usually takes the lead in selecting our daughter’s outfits, there are times when Daddy gets to step in.
I’m not exactly a style guru; I’m more of a “JCPenney’s irregular collection” enthusiast. But where I lack in fashion expertise, I compensate with creativity.
Throughout my daughter’s school year, I’ve put together some truly imaginative outfits that have left her preschool friends saying “wow girl.” One standout ensemble featured leopard-print tights, a tiger graphic tee, a fluffy white vest, chunky bracelets, and a pair of funky round purple sunglasses. To complete the look, I added a necklace with a large key—what’s that for, you ask? It symbolizes unlocking the potential to embrace boldness and individuality. It’s all about instilling a sense of confidence in her choices, even if they are primarily my choices.
So why does a dad who often wears T-shirts until they fade dress his daughter like she’s ready for a fashion runway? Well, because I can, but there’s a deeper reason too. I’ve realized that my parents weren’t merely dressing me up in bizarre outfits for their amusement.
Putting these outfits together with my daughter is a joyful experience. She admires herself in the mirror and walks with her head held high, beaming all the way to school. It’s a lesson in courage for both of us. I know it’s just clothing, but I also recognize that there will come a day when my daughter may not seek my fashion advice—or any advice, for that matter. For now, she’s my little model, and I’m her version of a stylish designer.
In the future, she’ll look back at these memories and might feel a mixture of appreciation and embarrassment for the colorful outfits I curated. Just wait until she sees the kindergarten collection I have planned for her!
This article was originally published on Dec. 19, 2016.
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Summary:
In this lighthearted reflection, Jamie Lawson shares his experiences dressing his daughter in creative and bold outfits, highlighting how this activity fosters her confidence and strengthens their bond. As they enjoy styling together, he acknowledges that these playful moments will create lasting memories for both of them.