Hellobee

Dressing J for fall and winter was easy-peasy and crazy fun. I have a small collection of cardigans from H&M, sweaters from Gap, jeans from The Childrens Place and more. I have had so much fun playing with layers and accessories, adorable peacoats and moccasins. In fact I told Mr. Pen the other day I will be sad packing away his sweaters this spring – they are SO CUTE!

I have found I was starting to dread easing him into spring and summer clothes… why? Summer boy clothes are boring. There! I said it! Unless I kept him unbearably hot in layers and cute sneaks, it’s pretty much just shorts and tees from May-September. But as J is one stylish stud, I had to find ways to incorporate fun into his summer wardrobe.

Some of these items I’ve already purchased in anticipation for summer (green colored shorts – can’t get much cuter than that!), some I either will or want to when we’re a little closer to the season and some I found helpful for last summer.

1. Vest – A vest is an adorable way to add a little pizzazz to an outfit while still being cool enough to layer in the summer. How adorable would this vest be over a graphic tee, shorts and leather sandals!

2. Baby legs – Okay this seems a little contrary to hot summer weather, but hear me out. Last year J was 4-6 months through the summer months. When we were outside we often just had him in a onesie and sun hat so that he didn’t get overheated, but whenever we’d go inside – say the grocery store – it was extremely cool due to AC! Keeping the baby legs in our diaper bag made really easy wardrobe transitions while going from blistering heat outside to AC indoors, or even just the air-conditioned car.

3. Suspender Shorts – Um. I think these are too cute for words. ’nuff said. No, actually, what I love about the idea of suspenders with shorts if that even though boys will spend most of the summer in shorts and tees, these suspenders add that special touch to make the outfit really stylin’. Word to the wise: I might avoid these if you’re planning to potty train this summer…

4 & 6. Graphic Tee – when I saw this at Target, I knew I had to get it. It’s hilarious. I love it especially since I enjoy photography as a hobby. I also love fun little graphic tees on boys – they have to be done right and this one is super cute. And it’s only $5 – win! I’m also in love with the collection of graphic tees at Zara right now.

5. Hat – This is a really fun accessory! Last summer J was in sun hats but this summer with him being more of a toddler, he can wear fedora-style caps that are cute and protect his little bald head from the sun! I love the price tag on this hat as well! Unfortunately I know J doesn’t tolerate hats very well. But with his pretty little bald head he will have to deal! Ha!

7. Sunglasses – the perfect accessory! Actually they are functional too, J wore them whenever he was in the car or at the beach. These ones have adjustable straps and they also come with an additional toddler sized strap and hard carrying case. My mom bought these for J this summer!

8. Green Shorts – Originally I was debating between the yellow or green. However I bought him yellow pants for his birthday and as some others said, green will be easier to keep stain free and match with more. I love this adorable pop of color! The other thing I find valuable about these shorts (and most from Gap) is that they have a knit-lined waist. I had a pair for J last summer and they were easily his most worn item. The jean fabric never touched his sensitive baby belly, and they were comfortable and cute!

9. Sandals – I love See Kai Run. J has one pair of sneakers from SKR and they fit amazing, they are soft, made of quality leather and actually stay on his feet. I know it was hard for me and probably others to see the initial price tag and balk at spending $40+ on a pair of baby’s shoes. I subscribed to their mailing list and found they often have decent sales that would make them sometimes less than $30. Also check sample sale websites like My Habit and Zulily for SKR. I hit the jackpot when I found a local children’s store that had baby shoes on clearance. After J tried so many brands of baby shoes that didn’t fit right or stay on, I’ve learned that you get what you pay for and quality shoes for my now-walking-toddler are essential (I am holding out on these until I find a good sale).

What would you add to the list for boys’ summer wear?