A first Nutcracker is a big night for a small child, and most parents want to dress them up for it. The outfit has one real job, though: keep a child warm, comfortable and happy in a seat through two acts. Below is what we would pick from the shop for toddlers, girls and boys, with the prices and the sizes we have right now, plus what to bring for a long evening.
For toddlers and little ones
Some theaters set a minimum age for The Nutcracker, and some want a ticket for every child, even one who sits on your lap. Check the rules for your performance before you plan the outfit.
For a toddler, pick something soft that goes on quickly. Our pick from the party shelf is the Aimama striped peachy ruffle dress. It has a black and white striped top with long sleeves, a peachy pink neckline, a small fuzzy cloud on the chest and a full peachy pink skirt that looks a little like a tutu, which suits a night at the ballet. $34, in sizes 1Y, 18 months, 18 to 24 months and 2Y.
For a two year old who wants a classic party dress, the Petit Confection floral bowtie party dress is a sleeveless cotton print with pearl buttons and a white bow sash, fully lined in cotton batiste. $28, size 24 months. In winter it needs a layer on top.
That layer is the Aimama cotton knit cardigan in cream. It is 100 percent cotton and buttons all the way down, so it comes off in a warm lobby without pulling anything over a head. Cream sits well with peach, pink, red and navy. $34, cream in 12 to 18 months, 18 to 24 months, 2Y, 3Y, 4Y and 6 to 7Y.
For girls
The Aimama "Let's Snow" dress is built for a cold evening out. It is light pink with long sleeves, lined with fleece and frilled at the hem, with Let's Snow embroidered on the front. The fleece warms without the bulk of a sweater, and two buttons at the shoulder make it easy to get on. The cream cardigan goes over it too. $34, in 12 to 18 months, 18 to 24 months, 3Y, 4Y, 5Y and 6Y. Aimama sizes come out larger than European labels, so go by height: the 4Y tag says 110 cm and the 6Y says 130 cm.
Put warm tights under it and finish with velvet. The black, burgundy and beige velvet Mary Janes from Cienta, a family shoemaker in Spain, each have one hook and loop strap, light padding inside and a non-slip sole. $39 a pair. We have black in EU 24 and 25, burgundy in EU 25 and 26, and beige in EU 26. On the Cienta size chart that is about US toddler 7.5 to 9.
For boys
A collar is enough to make it feel like an occasion. The Aimama red check shirt is 100 percent cotton, red with white lines and brown buttons, which keeps it a shirt and not a costume. $29, in 12 to 18 months, 18 to 24 months, 3Y, 4Y, 5Y and 6Y.
With it, the Aimama green corduroy pants: a relaxed cut, real front pockets and an elastic waist, so nothing digs in by the second act. $29, in the same six sizes, 12 to 18 months up to 6Y.
On top, the Aimama grey V-neck cardigan. Thick 100 percent cotton, four brown buttons and two pockets for a ticket stub. $34, in 12 to 18 months, 18 to 24 months, 3Y, 4Y, 5Y and 6Y.
What to bring for a long performance
A warm layer. A theater can feel warm when you walk in with your coats on and cool an hour later when everyone sits still. A cardigan that buttons down the front handles both. It goes on for the second act and comes off at intermission, and nobody has to pull anything over a freshly brushed head.
Comfortable shoes. Shoes that pinch get kicked off under the seat, and then you are looking for one small shoe in the dark. Let your child wear the new pair around the house for an afternoon first. A hook and loop strap, like the one on the Cienta Mary Janes, can be loosened in the seat without a buckle.
A spare top for the youngest. Intermission snacks and a pale dress do not always get along. A plain tee rolled up in the bag takes no room.
Something to hold. A small soft toy helps a toddler through the quiet parts. Leave anything that rattles or lights up at home.
The pieces in this guide
- Aimama striped peachy ruffle dress, $34. Sizes 1Y to 2Y.
- Petit Confection floral bowtie party dress, $28. Size 24 months.
- Aimama cotton knit cardigan, cream, $34. Sizes 12 months to 6 to 7Y.
- Aimama "Let's Snow" dress, $34. Sizes 12 months to 6Y.
- Cienta velvet Mary Janes, $39. Black EU 24 and 25, burgundy EU 25 and 26, beige EU 26.
- Aimama red check shirt, $29. Sizes 12 months to 6Y.
- Aimama green corduroy pants, $29. Sizes 12 months to 6Y.
- Aimama grey V-neck cardigan, $34. Sizes 12 months to 6Y.
Not every size comes in every color. More dresses for the evening are on our party shelf. Not sure about a size? Write to us with your child's height and we will measure the piece itself before you order. Orders ship from Brooklyn.