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Choose similar colors
Coordinating colors is an easy way to tie your outfits together. Pick similar shades but make sure your outfits are very different so you don't look matchy-matchy. For example, pastels are always big for spring and if your child is having a ballet-pink moment you can easily replicate the look with a more adult vibe. Mimic your daughter's soft-pink tutu dress with a sweet sleeveless lace blouse and dark skinny jeans, but add edgy black sandals to spice things up.
Yumi Pastel Top (HouseofFraser.com, $59); Mila High Skinny Jeans (Only.com, $48); Loeffler Randall Dixie Sandal (Revolveclothing.com, $358); Us Angels Tulle Ballerina Dress (Nordstrom.com, $146)
Match patterns
Patterns are another way to create matching outfits. Choose similar patterns in different colors to avoid going overboard. Your son's blue-and-green-striped polo is a perfect complement to your sporty blue-and-white-striped dress. Pair his with khakis and color-coordinated sneakers while you can rock glamorous oversized black sunglasses. You'll be a well-matched pair for Sunday brunch or a casual walk in the park on a warm day.
Sateen Fit & Flare Dress (Gap, $52); Women's Large Oversized Fashion Wayfarer Sunglasses (Amazon.com, $9.99); Striped Pocket Henley Tee (Gymboree.com, $19)
Adult/kid romper
You'd be surprised how many clothing items translate well throughout the decades. For example, if your daughter is rocking a little floral romper, you can sport a black one that's reminiscent of an LBD (but comfortable enough for play time) with a universally flattering wrap-top effect. Strappy sandals are also age-appropriate for the both of you.
Black Wrap Jersey Playsuit (Topshop.com, $48); Sunset Sky Sandal, (ModCloth.com, $30); Floral Dotted Romper (Children's Place, $16); Bouquet Sandal (Children's Place, $20); Faux-Rhinestone Sunglasses (Children's Place, $6)
His and hers plaid shirts
If you have a son, coordinate your outfits by choosing androgynous styles. Your son looks great in a summery plaid button-down and you can pair it with a sleeveless version of your own. Differentiate the outfits with chino shorts for him, denim cutoffs for you.
Plaid Shirt (Children's Place, $12); Chino Shorts (Children's Place, $12); Plaid Button Shirt (Garage Clothing, $28)
Complementary elements
When matching outfits with your child, it's important to keep things tongue-in-cheek. You don't actually want to dress like a little kid, so keep key differences between adult and children's fashion in mind. As the grown-up, feel free to go bold with your own choices. Quirky prints are a fun tie-in between outfits. Steer clear of the exact same print, but complementary elements are OK, like the skulls on this little girl's T-shirt paired with mommy's little skull earrings.
Mango Pleated Flowy Dress (JohnLewis.com, $68); Vampire Skull Stud Earrings (WolfandBadger.com, $175); Jennifer Ouellette Daisy Sun Hat (Barneys.com $275); Rosette Straw Fedora (Children's Place, $13); Floral Skull Graphic Tee (Children's Place, $6); Faux-Snake Ballet Flat (Children's Place, $15)
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