Every year when the flowers start blooming and our cold Utah Winters transform into balmy (or sometimes scorching) desert Summers, I take Jasper’s warm weather clothing out of storage…and none of it fits anymore. Such is life with a growing boy. If you’re in a similar situation, this roundup of fun, playful summer kids clothes is for you!
Buying new summer kids clothes every year would be a serious drag if there weren’t so many fun options to choose from!
Kids Clothes Guidelines
I have a few guidelines that I refer back to when I am buying kids clothes. The first question I ask myself is, of course, “do I like this?” No one wants to dress their children in an eyesore. The second question is “would Jasper actually wear this?” Even if I think something is super cute, anything my energetic, opinionated boy is going to wriggle out of in a matter of minutes won’t make the cut. Fortunately for me, Felix is still small enough that I have control of his wardrobe. I’ll enjoy this while I can. Ha! The third question I ask myself is “will this last?” I want to buy things for my boys that will stand the test of time and that can come back years later in the form of hand-me-downs.
Little Lars Boy
Shirts
I wanted to find a nice mix of casual t-shirts and slightly nicer button-ups. This classic striped pocket tee and this cream and black contrast binding tee can both become wardrobe staples and are easy to style, even for youngsters who insist on dressing themselves.
This knitted polo is absolutely darling (even without the sprig of baby’s breath tucked into the buttonhole, but it sure doesn’t hurt). I love the colors pictured here, but it also comes in other lovely colorways and is a nice unisex top. I also love the color of this woven henley pocket tee.
This piqué polo shirt upgrades a classic look with fun, colorful details. Finally, if you have a little who loves trucks and cars as much as Jasper does, this embroidered button up is sure to be a favorite.
Shorts
These patterned shorts will make any outfit fun and summery. The red, white, and blue checked ones are a great start to a patriotic ensemble, and the striped drawstring shorts (which also come in lots of other colors) absolutely scream adventure.
Solid-color shorts are probably the easiest-to-wear summer kids clothes. These brightly-colored sweat-shorts boast supreme comfiness, while these cargo shorts are perfect for picking up treasures at the beach or on hikes.
Beach and Pool
Speaking of the beach, I think these mustard-colored swim trunks are so classic. And you can never go wrong with stripes! These green and white trunks invoke circus tents and old-timey beach umbrellas, and these light blue unisex striped shorts would be cute on the whole family!
If you’re looking for something a little bit more graphic, I love these balancing shapes swim bermuda shorts.
Don’t forget sun protection! This octopus rashguard is super fun, and you can get matching shorts to go with it!
This peppermint-green swim tee, which comes in lots of patterns and colors for boys and girls alike, will keep your kiddo both stylish and sun-safe at the beach or pool. Don’t forget a towel, like this rabbit poncho-style one!
Little Lars Girl
Even though I have only boys, I can’t help but ooh and ah over adorable girls clothes when I’m shopping. Here are some of my favorite finds.
Shirts
I love the ruffle sleeved blouses that are in right now, like this sprinkle-pattern one. And can you even believe how cute the rick rack trim is on this watercolor blouse?
This multicolored gingham tank top would be so cute for a summer picnic. I also think that the colors on this colorblocked swirly tank top are absolute perfection.
This jacquard tank is also so fun. Can you believe that teapot print? 
Shorts
The detail on these scalloped chambray shorts would upgrade any summer outfit. In other adorable shorts news, I love the color of these yellow frill shorts.
Dresses and Skirts
I love my boys so much, and still when I see adorable dresses I can’t help but feel like I’m missing out in the summer kids clothes department. Let me live vicariously through you with these skirts and dresses!
Bring on the embroidery! I love how European the embroidery on this pinafore feels–I get serious Midsummer vibes from it! And I can never resist a strawberry, so when I found this tiered, embroidered strawberry dress I just about lost it.
I know I’ve already talked about how much I love ruffles, but can you blame me for revisiting the theme? The ruffly sleeves on this tiered dress (and yes, those are little flowerpots you see in the print!) are so playful. I also love the cherry print on this ruffle neck dress.
The ruffles in this sherbet-colored dress pair so nicely with the smocked bodice. Can I have one in my size?
Beach and Pool
I can’t get enough of the colors from the previous dress, and I loved seeing them pop up again in this striped swimsuit! Keep your girl protected from the UV rays with the long sleeves on this suit. This yellow ruffled (yes, ruffles again!) swimsuit also will protect from sunburns while being extra cute. And before I bid adieu to ruffles, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention this ruffle-necked longsleeve suit with a buttercup print.
Sun protection is so important, especially for babies, and this zip-up swimsuit will protect your baby girl from burns without sacrificing on style.
And I’m not done showing you floral beachwear! Look how sweet and playful this daisy-print tankini is! I also found this hooded dress, which would make a great swimsuit coverup (or just a fun outfit in its own right).
These outfits would be perfect for a pool-less pool party, or cool off your kiddo with this fabulous sponge crown.
I would love to see the outfits you put together out of our summer kids clothes favorites! Tag us online with #LittleLars, and let me know if you want to see a baby version of this post.