On the school run, fellow mothers frequently admire my stylish trainers. These white lace-ups, featuring nude leopard-print accents, are not only comfortable but also versatile and fashionable.

This past week, I wore a vibrant summer dress adorned with pink and orange stripes, a tiered skirt, and frilled straps to a friend’s gathering in her garden. “Where did you get that?” she asked, clearly impressed.

From my raffia beach bag to my carrot-leg jeans and the soft suede bomber jacket I throw on during chilly evenings, I receive compliments regularly. However, few are aware of the origin of my chic summer wardrobe. It’s not a secret boutique I’ve discovered; instead, my stylish outfits are entirely from the childrenswear section.

Let me elaborate. As a mother of two young boys, finding time to shop for myself is challenging. Living in the countryside makes spontaneous trips to retail outlets a rarity. When I do manage to get into town, I often find myself navigating the children’s sections at my favorite high street stores, sifting through Spider-Man swimwear and dinosaur onesies, often with a reluctant child beside me. Yet, this location has become an unexpected source of fashion inspiration for me.

Not long ago, while convincing my three-year-old to try on Crocs, I noticed a pair of stunning tan sandals in H&M. They were classy and reminiscent of a much pricier pair of Birkenstocks I had been coveting, but they came at a reasonable price of £14.99.

It was only after I fell in love with them that I noticed they were located in the girls’ shoe section—intended for toddlers and preteens, not adults like myself. However, a glance at the size chart revealed that they indeed came in adult sizes up to a size 6. I purchased them immediately and have never looked back since.

These sandals sparked a fashion revolution for me. Soon after, I discovered my trendy trainers (only £20 from M&S Kids) and began exploring the rest of the childrenswear offerings. If children’s shoes could fit my adult feet, what other gems awaited my discovery?

Much to my delight, a plethora of stylish garments awaited me. From soft cashmere cardigans to stylish nautical-themed T-shirts, linen shorts, summer dresses, and an array of eye-catching accessories, the evolution of children’s fashion since my youth is remarkable. Gone are the neon aprons and basic sweatshirts; today’s offerings are composed of sophisticated muted tones, stylish silhouettes, and eco-friendly materials.

Don’t picture me squishing into a toddler-sized romper or floral dungarees; I’m referring to larger sizes. Many retailers carry pieces up to age 15-16, which correspond closely with adult sizes 10-14. Shoe sizes commonly go up to a size 6, suitable for the average woman, and accessories like hats, belts, and sunglasses often cater well to adult sizes. When unsure, selecting the largest size is a safe bet.

This may sound unconventional, but I assure you, I’m far from alone. There’s a growing online community celebrating childrenswear, with many extolling the virtues of these garments over their adult counterparts.

Brands such as Hello Dodo, Blackbird, and Lottie & Lysh have even recognized the trend by offering adult versions of popular children’s items, allowing for matching outfits or simply borrowing the best designs for oneself.

Fashion influencer and mother, Laura Bradshaw (@iamlaurabradshaw), incorporates several children’s styles into her fashionable wardrobe, including a leopard-print cap from H&M that cost just £7.99, and she knows many others who do the same.

“Shopping in the children’s section is fantastic,” Bradshaw remarks, “It’s gained popularity recently due to the dopamine dressing trend—enjoying your style without fixating on what’s deemed ‘on trend’ or conforming to a specific color palette.”

She points out that while adult clothing may eventually catch up, finding vibrant prints and lively colors in children’s collections is significantly easier.

Like me, she appreciates the comfort that these clothes provide. Children’s garments typically lack irritating fabrics and restrictive waistbands, since they are designed to cater to movement and play.

“Kids’ clothes often feature elastic waistbands, adjustable buttons inside trousers, hems that can be altered, and shirts with wider necklines,” explains Bradshaw.

Moreover, many pieces are higher quality. Due to rigorous safety regulations applicable to children’s clothing (zippers and buttons undergo strict safety assessments), most items are well-constructed, free from hazardous chemicals and plastics, and often made of resilient, organic fabrics that endure frequent washing.

The cost advantage is another major plus. Children’s clothing is exempt from VAT, meaning manufacturers don’t pass this cost onto consumers. Hence, it’s not uncommon for similar items—shoes, coats, or cardigans—to be priced significantly lower in the children’s sections compared to adult equivalents.

So, are you convinced? In recent months, I’ve explored various retail outlets for the best adult-friendly childrenswear and uncovered some favorites.

M&S, known for its generous sizing, is my go-to store for shoes and basic tees, with age 15-16 fitting my size 10 figure perfectly. Zara tends to run smaller, yet their trousers are longer; even at 5ft 8in, I can comfortably fit age 13-14 culottes, tailored trousers, and relaxed jeans.

H&M and Mango excel in jacket options—my bomber jacket (age 14) was £19.99 from H&M, whereas I snagged a denim jacket (age 12) for £27.99 from Mango. Next is great for belts (£8), bags (£15), and monogrammed bracelets (£6). I’ve also sourced lightweight summer dresses (age 14, £34) and an embroidered waistcoat (age 16, £24) from John Lewis.

However, a word of caution: some retailers, like Monsoon and The White Company, don’t offer large enough children’s sizes. Additionally, many supermarket brands rely on low-quality, throwaway materials, while Mini Boden should be avoided unless you’re aiming for a CBeebies presenter look. The quality disparity between girls’ and boys’ clothing is significant—although as my sons grow, I hope there will be plenty for me to ‘borrow’ from their closets.

They say one is as young as they feel. As I approach my 40s, I prefer to believe that how I dress reflects my youthful spirit. At my core, I am still that teenager—albeit one with a few wrinkles, the occasional gray hair, and a wardrobe that is forever stylish.