Combining style and personality for a perfect children’s wardrobe

If it hasn't already arrived, the day will likely come when your daughter will decide that she wants to wear her tutu outside of ballet class. And your son might try to insist on wearing a T-shirt emblazoned with a dinosaur to a wedding. As a parent, you certainly know the benefits of occasionally being flexible when it comes to children's sartorial whims. But you also know the benefit of building guidelines that set them up for success. The same thinking can apply to your children's wardrobes.

If your little ones are generally more interested in playtime than fashion, it's up to you to help create a closet full of options that are suitable for any situation. However, because growing minds also like to assert opinions, involving children in the selection process is important. To ensure that your kids' clothes are always appropriate, help them make the right choices by giving them a range of options to choose from, rather than letting them pick any item that catches their eye.

As the school year approaches, your children are likely to start paying more attention to what they're wearing than they did on summer beach holidays. As you shop for the season, look for these essentials that will transition from bus stop to holiday celebrations, and be sure to let your child choose some clothing items that reflect his or her personality.

* The basics. The tops and bottoms that get everyday wear need to be reliable, so choosing classic yet comfortable items should be top priority. A stock of jeans and chinos will be something your child can reach for without agonizing over what to wear. Add to that simple tops like Oxford shirts and polo tees and you'll have the perfect foundation to build on.

* Sweaters. A snuggly, soft pullover is an essential wardrobe item, but other versions of the sweater are also valuable additions. Cardigans are a reliable layering staple, perfect for crisp evenings or cool indoor environments. Cable knits suit both girls and boys, but consider livening up this classic by choosing bold colors, or even personalized embroidery.

* Shoes. Bid farewell to the sandals of summer and look forward to the heritage styling that is dominating fall shoe trends. Chukka boots are fresh all over again, and look great with sporty boys' outfits or girls' ensembles with a tomboy edge. The timeless look of riding boots also promises to be a must-have for fall, and these knee-high boots are ideal even for active playtime.

* Outerwear. Temperatures are gradually dropping, and soon enough there will be enough chill in the air to necessitate some more serious layering. Blazers are available for both boys and girls, and can be styled in a multitude of ways. Boys can add a tie for a formal event, but girls can also pair a blazer with jeans for a casually pulled-together look. A quilted jacket also makes a good autumn addition for keeping out the cool temperatures in classic style.

Every child's unique personality manages to shine through, no matter what they're wearing. But giving them a wardrobe filled with stylish, easy-to-wear pieces will make the everyday task of getting dressed simpler for everyone.