Why Are Pink for Girls and Blue for Boys? The History and Trend of Neutral Colors in Children’s Fashion
Where Do Gender-Specific Colors in Children’s Clothing Come From?
A pink dress for girls, a blue jumpsuit for boys... Although very young children differ little from each other, society demands from the very beginning of their lives that gender be visibly defined in their wardrobes. However, an increasing number of parents are resisting these requirements and choosing clothes in neutral colors.
Why such gender-specific color assignments? Are clothes and dresses for girls in neutral shades really a good idea?
Why Are Pink and Blue Assigned to Girls and Boys?
Why is pink assigned to girls and blue to boys? Contrary to popular belief, pink wasn’t always for girls, nor was blue for boys. This color trend only emerged in the 20th century! How did these colors come to be associated with gender?
In the past, blue was assigned to girls because this color was associated with Mary. Little girls were expected to identify with her divinity, purity, and submissiveness. Red, or rather its diluted version in the form of pink, was associated with power, strength, and the blood of Christ, hence boys were more often dressed in pink.
So why were these colors swapped? The first mentions of this come from Versailles. Louis IX chose a blue background for the royal emblem. Over time, this color moved from the divine to the aristocracy, and eventually to military uniforms. After World War II, blue began to be increasingly associated with boys.
Similarly, pink for girls began to gain popularity thanks to the Marquise de Pompadour, who declared it a color of "exquisite delicacy" and introduced it to the salons of Versailles. From then on, court ladies, not wanting to be outdone by their mistress, began to dress their daughters in pink. Over time, pink became a popular choice among women's fashion designers and movie stars of the 20th century.
For more on the history of children's clothing colors and the evolution of dresses for girls over the years, you can read more in this article – CLICK HERE.
The Latest Trend in Children’s Fashion: Earth Tones and Minimalism
The latest trend in children's clothing? Earth tones and minimalist style. Is there a universal rule dictating gender-based clothing for children? Certainly not! In fact, there is a growing trend where parents are resisting such social pressures. Minimalist children's clothing in earth tones is becoming increasingly popular.
Why Are Parents Choosing Neutral Colors for Children’s Clothes?
Why are parents increasingly dressing their little ones in this way? There are several reasons:
Neutral colors are suitable for almost any occasion. It's easy to create an elegant composition that looks neat and aesthetically pleasing. These are usually very simple styles of dresses for girls and children's clothing. The absence of additional ribbons, beads, and elements means greater safety for the child. On dresses for girls and children's clothing in such colors, stains and dirt are much less visible. Beige, nude pink, or cream are colors that have a calming effect, especially on newborns and infants. This is because these colors remind them of their mother's skin tone, which translates to a sense of safety. It's an ecological choice. Neutral-colored clothes in good condition can be passed on to another mom, regardless of her child's gender. This way, you not only give a beautiful gift but also reduce environmental pollution.
Is There Too Much “Sad Beige” in Children’s Fashion?
Generation Sad Beige Children? Some believe that dresses for girls and children's clothing in earth tones are too somber. There's even a humorous Instagram profile—OfficialSadBeige—that satirically highlights the current fashion trend of neutral clothes for children.
No extremes are good, so moderation is also necessary when assembling a minimalist children's wardrobe in neutral colors. It's good to break up the style with a stronger color, which will add some dynamism and character to the overall look. This ensures that no one will think your child belongs to the "sad beige children" generation.
Natural-Colored Dresses for Girls – What’s Available at Zoya Fashion?
Natural-colored dresses for girls. What can you find at Zoya Fashion? In the Zoya Fashion collection, we also have elegant dresses for girls in a minimalist and neutral style. Among the products, we have everyday creations (such as the knitted Nel or the unique Emilie) and models for special occasions (like the romantic Dolores and the tulle Violette).
Check out the other styles now—go to the GIRLS tab and choose the perfect dress for your daughter.
Also, take a look at our other articles on similar topics:
Girls’ Dress Colour Guide – How to Choose the Perfect Shade?
Versatile Girls’ Dress Guide – Styles for Every Occasion
Linen Dresses for Girls – Comfort, Style and Nature