Babies dress like royal babies in the South.

Southern Living blogger Travis M. Andrews sums up the Southern dress code in his brilliant post, “The royal baby proves all Southerners are basically royalty.”

And he’s 100% accurate.

You’ll be like a Golden Retriever on a court with a hundred tennis balls on the Shrimp and Grits Kids website. You’ll want to click on everything on this South Carolina based, mom-owned brand.

Field Test: Does your baby’s attire adhere to the Southern Dress Code?

Here’s a simple field test to see if your baby’s attire meets the Southern dress code: snap a photo of your baby, use your favorite black & white filter, and assess: does the photo look like it could have been taken in 1960?

If you answered yes: You pass.

If you answered no: Read on.

Field Notes: what babies wear in the South

Smocked Clothing

Smocked clothing is like formal attire for babies and should be worn at all major social occasions. Smocking is a type of embroidery. Example: Pink and navy whale pattern on the girl. (Isn’t she precious?)

Bubbles and Rompers

Bubbles and rompers are the alternative to dresses for litttle girls, and every bit as dressy. No diaper cover required. Also appropriate for boys!

Jon Jons

AKA shortalls. Jon Jons are like classy short overalls for Southern baby boys. Worn with or without a shirt underneath, they are a one-piece outfit with buttons on the shoulder.

Appliqué

Appliqué is what Southern mamas can get away with when their boys outgrow Jon Jons, which happens around age 3, according to my observations. It’s the fabric sewn on another fabric in a shape like an animal. Example: the whale shirt on the boy. (Isn’t he precious?)

Tasteful Monograms

Tasteful monograms add a Southern accent to any item of clothing in your child’s wardrobe. A casual t-shirt, pair of seersucker shorts, plain Jon Jon, or simple dress are the perfect candidates to be kissed with a monogram. Cece Dupraz, a luxe monogram company (founded by THE most stylish friend I’ve ever met!) has an excellent monogram ettiquette guide to determine the order and design of a monogram.

Extra Credit: Southern Baby Girls

• A bow, if she’ll allow it
• Frilly socks: the frillier the better
• Pretty Diaper Cover: a monogrammed bottom will get you an A+. An uncovered diaper will get you an F on the social report card.
• Bonnet: practical for keeping the sun from her face and adds at least 50% more “she’s so PRECIOUS” comments from an adoring audience

Shop Shrimp & Grits Kids

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You can’t go wrong with Shrimp & Grits Kids for the most adorable children’s attire for your precious Southern babies. Shipping is fast, quality is exceptional, and styles are the best of the best.

Featured in the photos: whale girl romper and boys whale short set

Shrimp and Grits Kids was kind to send us the outfits featured in this post, but all opinions are our own.