Spring has officially sprung, and that means it’s time to start shopping for those mini pastel outfits. From Easter to communions to lovely spring weddings, there are plenty of reasons to celebrate this season. As the events roll in, be sure that your little one is equipped with the finest formal wear in town at these local NJ spots.
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Angel’s Gowns
Location: 71 Monmouth Street, Red Bank
Details: While this shop offers a small variety of formal wear for boys, including christening outfits and communion suits, its true strength is in its offerings for girls. Angel’s sells formal wear for every occasion throughout a woman’s life. Christening, communion, bat mitzvah, quinceanera, sweet 16 and wedding, you name it, they’ve got it. They even sell mother-of-the-bride gowns. This is good news for moms, who want one-stop shopping for all their spring formal wear needs. If you’ve also got a flower girl dress on your buying list, Angel’s Gowns has your back, too.
More info: www.angelsgowns.com or call 732-747-5697
Over the Moon
Location: 619 Valley Road, Upper Montclair
Details: The owner of Over the Moon, Susan De Ghett, says she believes the selection at this spot distinguishes it most. The store’s inventory is for girls from baby to size 16, and for boys up to size 10. At this spot, boys can find clothes that allow them to dress up or down, depending on the formality of the occasion. In addition to the boys, girls can find special occasion, communion and flower girl dresses. Shoes, toys, books and cards round out the items for sale.
More info: www.overthemoonnj.com or call 973-746-1728
Sara’s Children’s Boutique
Location: 88 Park Avenue, Rutherford
Details: A boutique serving a diverse clientele, this store offers to conduct sales in English, Italian, Spanish and Portuguese. While there is an emphasis on communion dresses this time of year, the store has a large inventory for both boys and girls. The white dresses don’t have to be limited to communion and could easily work for weddings (especially for the flower girl), graduation parties or other formal gatherings. Boys’ suits are varied and include name brands, such as Michael Kors, Joseph Abboud and DKNY.
More info: www.saraschildrensbtq.com or call 201-933-7143
Ragamuffins
Location: 2110 Route 70 East, Cherry Hill
Details: With a more than 25-year history in southern New Jersey, this store’s original purpose was to bring designer names to kids fashion at a time when they were scarce in the region. Today, shoppers will find designer, brand name formal wear for both boys and girls in need of the perfect outfit for their next event. As a result, special occasions, christenings and communions are all well covered here.
More info: ragamuffinskids.com or call 856-751-9333
Peachy Keen Kids
Location: 136 East Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood
Details: Stressing the importance of superb customer service, Peachy Keen Kids’ owner Susan Keane says the store “specializes in beautiful special occasion attire for babies and children, which includes a wide assortment of christening, flower girl, communion, birthday and holiday outfits.” The store also has a reputation for its sophisticated yet appropriate inventory. Be sure to stop here for a warm welcome as well as some of NJ’s finest formal wear.
More info: Call 201-444-0800
Classy Kids
Location: 6 North Dean Street, Englewood
Details: For more than 30 years, this store has been dressing kids in their finest duds. The window dressing features a revolving variety of outfits that run the gamut from high-end casual to black tie for little ones and tweens. White communion and flower girl dresses, dark boys’ suits and dresses covered in spring floral designs are among the likely inventory during this time of year.
More info: Call 201-568-2549
Fairytales Boutique
Location: 1966 Washington Valley Road, Martinsville
Details: Just to wander the website of this boutique is like stepping into a fairytale. Your little girl is going to want to play dress up at this spot! Each dress is in an inviting fabric with lovely details, such as bright flowers and glitzy sequins. And there’s no need to leave your son at home; there are boys suits sold here, too.
More info: www.fairytalesboutiquenj.com or call 732-893-8080
Kid to Kid
Location: 299 US Hwy 22 East, Colonial Square Plaza, Green Brook
Details: This store has a unique business model due to one policy; it buys gently used children’s apparel, toys and baby gear. Shoppers can either pay with money or by trading in their own gently used items. The store makes a point to include seasonal clothing, which means spring inventory is likely to include formal wear for the many holidays and events that spring up this time of year.
More info: kidtokid.com or call 732-529-5502
Little Charmers
Location: 602 Union Avenue, Brielle
Details: At this shop, you’ll find frilly flower girl and special occasion dresses for events as well as handsome outfits for boys. However, the options don’t stop there. In addition to droves of gorgeous formal wear, you’ll find kids clothing of all kinds (including adorable pajama and storybook combos). Buyer beware, you might find yourself splurging on something besides the fancy outfit you were aiming to buy.
More info: Call 732-528-6966
Pitti Bimi
Location: 264 Norwood Avenue, Deal
Details: You are a great fit to shop at this store if your kid is more punk rock or bohemian artist than fancy pants. Certainly, there are lovely dresses and dress pants available, but everything has a bit of an edge. An outfit from here might be a great compromise between parents and kids who aren’t as keen on getting dressed up.
More info: www.pittibimi.com or call 732-531-3676
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