My Favorite Traditional Kids’ Clothing Lines (and How to Get Them 50% Off)

If you love outfitting your kids in traditional clothing, then you probably have more than a few smocked dresses and John Johns in your child’s closet. They’re easy for kids to wear and come in an endless number of style options for both boys and girls.

But high-end smocked dresses and John Johns rarely come cheap. Fortunately, there is a simple way to score these timeless styles from the following kids’ clothing lines without paying an arm and a leg for them:

Cecil & Lou

Founded in 2011 by two life-long friends (and now sisters-in-law), Cecil & Lou offers traditional—and affordable—smocked bishop dresses and John Johns that are both timeless and modern. In addition to their smocked details, you’ll find intricate embroidery, fun ruffles and playful appliques incorporated into their children’s clothes.

Cecil & Lou’s smocked heirloom clothing is perfect for picture day at school, cozy fall photoshoots, upcoming holidays and much more. Whether it’s a special occasion or a regular day, this clothing line will keep your kids outfitted in the most adorable looks of the season.

Smockingbird

Smockingbird’s hand-smocked pieces are a must-have for fans of classic Southern style. Another clothing line founded by a sister-in-law duo, designers Anna Shuford and Parmelee Miller are the masterminds behind Smockingbird’s affordable, high-quality pieces.

If you want your little one to look stylish on their first day back to school, Smockingbird has you covered. From debonair-looking shortalls for boys to apple applique smocked dresses for girls, this clothing line has some of the best styles at reasonable prices.

Shrimp & Grits

Dress your little one in a smocked dress or John Johns from Shrimp & Grits and you’re sure to have the cutest kid on the block. Their smocking, appliques and abundance of ruffles make for adorable outfits that are suitable for every season and occasion.

Launched in 2007, the Charleston-based children’s clothing line demonstrates founder Megan Hewitt’s keen eye for detail. Her traditional, yet whimsical designs are eye-catching and playful.

In other words, don’t be surprised when other parents stop to ask you where you purchase your children’s clothes. Shrimp & Grits combines quality with modern, yet classic designs that will look stunning in any photoshoot or casual day at school.

Vive La Fete

This children’s apparel line features classical hand-smocking and fun, whimsical appliques that can fit any occasion. From John Johns featuring a cross applique (perfect for church) to a nautical-inspired, anchor-smocked shortall, Vive La Fete brings together quality fabrics with intricate designs.

Vive La Fete has plenty of traditional smocked dresses and John Johns, but they aren’t afraid to stray away from traditional colors such as white, blue and pink. If you want something slightly more unique, Vive La Fete also has smocked dresses in royal blue plaid, red gingham and more fun patterns.

If you love what you see at Vive La Fete, be sure to check out Silly Goose, their sister company. Silly Goose also features classic children’s styles that have playful colors and patterns.

Little English

From smocked bishop dresses and bubbles to John Johns, Little English has a traditional outfit for every season and occasion. Every garment is hand-sewn with love and uses luxurious fabrics such as Pima cotton or soft-washed corduroys so that your little one can wear their Sunday best in comfort and style.

Little English effortlessly takes traditional-style clothing and uses fresh fabrics to give their clothes a modern feel. Along with their fun appliques, the sweet collection features plenty of solid basics with cute buttons as well.

Eyelet & Ivy

Eyelet & Ivy’s smocked dresses and John Johns are not only cute, but functional as well. Easy to wear and wash, their clothing line is made to endure while celebrating life’s sweet moments with your little ones.

Founded by two Southern moms, Eyelet & Ivy brings a classic style with modern touches. The two founders were raised by mothers who hand-sewed and smocked their clothing, and the attention to detail was clearly passed down to their daughters.

From playtime to special occasions, Eyelet & Ivy has something for everyone. From sweet smocked apple applique sets to gorgeous red gingham dresses with white smocking, the high-quality and eye for details at Eyelet & Ivy can’t be beat.

How I Get Them 50% Off

Many of these brands hand-sew and smock their pieces and their prices reflect that. While this is understandable, it’s difficult to rationalize spending $50 per outfit that your child will outgrow quickly!

This is where online consignment shops such as Bagsy come in handy. Bagsy makes it easy to shop by brand and find high-quality pieces that are either gently used or new with tags—for a fraction of the original price!

Shopping at Bagsy can shave off 50-60 percent of the original price, allowing you to stretch your child’s clothing budget farther. That means more adorable outfits for your little ones without stressing over how much you just spent!

Final Thoughts

Smocked dresses and John Johns offer a sweet and traditional look for your little ones that is perfect for photoshoots, holidays, weddings or simple backyard get-togethers. Timeless and modern, these two children’s pieces add charm and style to any child’s wardrobe.

By shopping at a consignment store such as Bagsy, you can score these timeless classics for an unbeatable price. Getting 50 percent off your favorite Southern-inspired brands means that you can spend more on the things you love—whether that’s more lovely designs for your little ones or something else. That’s up to you.