Designer Genes

Stella McCartney’s kids' collection is imbued with the same playful chic seen in her women’s line. Colorful gems adorn the body of this midnight navy dress, which is finished off with a tulle skirt (aka a tutu) and puffed shoulders. The environmentally conscious McCartney has created a dress from luxe organic cotton that your girl will want to wear all the time. Add tomboy edge by pairing with high top sneakers or desert boots, or go for full-tilt glam with a pair of sparkly ballet flats.

To buy: Alex and Alexa, $99

One of fashion’s free spirits, French designer Jean Paul Gaultier is famous for a diverse portfolio that includes chic twists on the traditional French stripe sailor street as well as the costumes for Madonna’s Blond Ambition tour. His equally whimsical line for kids injects fun into any girl’s wardrobe. This super-soft cotton tee features a fashion model sketch straight from the designer’s drawing board, and is the perfect topper for jeans, leggings and skirts.

To buy: Saks Fifth Avenue, $47

Marc Jacobs has rightfully staked his claim as one of the fashion world’s most influential designers. Luckily for little ones, he brings the same whimsy and creativity to his line for girls. This red dress features a contrast polka dot glitter trimmed collar and patch pockets, giving it a girlie feel while still maintaining a casual vibe. Let your daughter pair this with her favorite sneakers for weekends and school, then dress it up with a shining patent leather Mary Jane for special occasions.

To buy: Nordstrom, $99

This esteemed New York designer who got the world into everything Americana—from preppy chic to the Wild West—injects his kids’ collection with the same eclectic mix of polish and cool. This faux leather motorcycle jacket takes the sleek and classic biker style and shrinks it down to the pint size, so it’s kid-friendly. It's sure to become a favorite for school and weekend, worn over dresses or jeans.

To buy: Saks Fifth Avenue, $110

Her effortlessly cool and covetable designs have garnered Isabel Marant a cult following of celebrities and street chic moms alike. Now, mini Marants can get in on the je ne sais quoi spirit with a bauble from her kids' jewelry line. Featuring the same silk pom-pom that’s a signature detail on many of her adult pieces, this glass bead bracelet is delicate but unfussy—the perfect combination for girls who aren’t too precious.

To buy: Smallable, $53

One of fashion’s most beloved designers, Oscar de la Renta has been dressing the famous, fabulous and fashionable for decades. And now, he’s bringing his sartorial genius to the school age set. While staying true to his polished and classic sensibility, the kids' clothing line offers some very wearable choices. Case in point: these pink velvet shorts. The perfect winter alternative to pants when worn over leggings or tights, they're certain to become a favorite of any girl who likes dressing with a little edge.

To buy: Oscar de la Renta, $125

The master at mixing bold prints, Italian designer Roberto Cavalli incorporates signature leopard and floral prints into his women’s line season after season. With these floral and leopard print leggings, your mini-me can now also partake in the fun. The bold pants can go casual with an oversize sweatshirt or tee, or dressed up with a velvet blazer layered over a tank top.

To buy: Alex and Alexa, $102

In 2001, the British luxury fashion house (best known for its distinctive tartan pattern) launched an innovative line that's been on the hot list ever since: Burberry Prorsum. The kids' collection includes both classic and fashion-forward pieces, and this graphic T-shirt is thoroughly modern Burberry. The puffed, ruffled sleeves give just the right amount of girlie while the fun graphic—a nod to BurberryBrit—lends a cool vibe. It’s the perfect topper to jeans and ballet flats or a tulle skirt and high tops.

To buy: Nordstrom, $51

Known for a chic and mostly minimalist aesthetic, the house of Armani isn’t afraid to imbue a little bit of whimsy into its designs. This classic, inspired by boys' high tops, gets a feminine touch with the addition of glitter stripes and silky pink ribbon laces. While they’re sturdy enough to take on a day on the black top, they're also sweet enough to wear with the frilliest of frocks.

To buy: Nordstrom, $125

French designer Sonia Rykiel has brought brightly colored knitwear to stylish women worldwide for over four decades, and is now offering the same quirky and colorful designs to fashionistas in training. This skirt, with Rykiel's signature boldly hued stripe, is the perfect piece for any girl’s wardrobe. The elasticized waistband and stretchy fabric ensure a comfy and perfect fit that'll withstand hours of cartwheels—when worn with tights or leggings, of course.

To buy: Alex and Alexa, $91