Absolutely Mama Editor Carly Glendinning picks her favourite Mama and mini outfits for summer holidays

I have always loved the idea of outfit matching. If you’re a child of the noughties I understand why it might bring back slightly cringey memories of Britany and Justin or Posh n’ Becks. But for me it’s all about making your little one feel secure, like they are part of a tribe. My daughter is really close in age to her cousins and my sister and I have been buying identical dresses for them since they were babies. But when it comes to mama and mini dressing, I like to co-ordinate with my daughter, rather than wear exactly the same outfit. Here’s seven matchy, but not matching outfits we packed on our Crete holiday this summer.

1. Sundresses in a Cretan colour-palette

“Dresses in a blue colour-palette were a must-pack for our holiday to Crete. These are both so pretty and I love how my daughter’s has the ties and mine is one shoulder. My daughter is also obsessed with this cute play jewellery from Drip Drips London and the blue sunglasses from Soren’s House.”

Nobody’s Child Georgia Dress | Nobody’s Child Gingham Tote | Pepa London Adelaide Dress | Drip Drops London Bow Necklace | Soren’s House Sunglasses

2. Sundresses with pretty details

“We’re toning with the pinks and bow detailing here. My daughter was so excited to wear these dresses together.”

River Island Shirred Dress | River Island Tie Die Dress

3. Monochrome and puff sleeves

Nobody’s Child Puff Sleeve Mini Dress | Happyology Anaya Embroidered dress | Zig + Star Cosmic Sandals

4. Matching mama and mini holiday pyjamas

“We love getting new PJs for our holidays! Chelsea Peers actually does lots of mama and mini exact matching pieces, but I love how these two sets go together, but aren’t actually the same.”

Chelsea Peers Sun Print Cami Set | Chelsea Peers Bohemian Paradise Kids PJs

5. White sundresses

“I always pack a white dress for holiday – such an easy capsule piece that you can wear to the beach or to dinner. This crochet tencel dress from sustainable brand Baukjen was perfect for throwing on over my bikini, and my daughter’s dress from Cute Couture is so pretty that she’ll be wearing it all summer long.”

Baujken Zarah Dress | Monsoon Studded Sandals | Nobody’s Child Gingham Tote | Cute Couture Florence Dress | Zig + Star Cosmic Sandals

6. Sun-safe swimwear

“I worry about the sun, so a onesie with SPF 50 protection was an absolute must for my daughter. The little matching bucket hat was so useful too. She wore it in the pool, and also with sundresses.”

Töastie Kids UV Protector Swim Onesie | Töastie Kids UV Protector Swim Hat

7. Smocked dresses

“These dresses aren’t the same colour, but the smocked detailing ties them beautifully together. Perfect for dressing up for dinner on holiday.”

Monsoon Tabitha Dress | Monsoon Studded Sandals | Monsoon Children Smocked Puff Sleeve Dress | Zig + Star Cosmic Sandals

See more shopping inspiration here.