Style Edit: The Mini-Me Trend

Jun 24, 2015

As the trend for matching catches on, Summer Litchfield reveals her pick of the very cutest co-ordinating pieces

Even the least precious of us find it hard to resist being subtley matchy-matchy with our small ones from time to time, and designers have long realised the charm of producing miniature versions of some of their key pieces. Think Petit Bateau’s yellow raincoat and Ralph Lauren’s stripes, polo shirts and cable knits.

Not so long ago shoe designer Charlotte Olympia upped the mini-me ante with her kitty and spider web slippers in ‘Incy’ sizes, which are still on most must-have lists, and an increasing number of other shoemakers are following suit. Ferragamo now make their iconic Varina pumps for little ladies (sizes starting at 28) and for the more tomboyish amongst us ASH have downsized some of their styles such as the gold baseball sneaker.

Last winter luxury label Bamford launched matching mother and baby cashmere, heart motif sweaters, proving that it’s never too soon to start dressing alike, and if you’re after 50s style dresses for you and your little jitterbug look no further than Poppy London. For diminuitive hipsters, Mini Preen has been a hands-down favourite since the line was launched in 2013.

And, just in time for those first rays of sun, Heidi Klein are launching their first own-label collection of swimsuits for ages two to 10 years. Go for a nautical navy and white stripe and you’ll both be the last word in beach chic.

Emma Smith, creator of the blog Little Style Fix, enjoys playing with matching outfits. “I often find that my daughter and I are dressed in the same kind of thing without even thinking about it,” she says, “but there’s a fine line between being just matchy enough and going over-the-top. There are also some things that just aren’t age appropriate. I would never dress my daughter in leather or pleather, for instance; it just doesn’t seem right. But skinny jeans, matching sneakers and similar sweatshirts always work.”

So, whether you’re into dressing up or dressing down, whatever your style there’s a mini-me look out there for you. But remember, less is more.