How to develop your child’s personal style, according to children’s fashion stylist María Montané
Meet María Montané, the children’s fashion stylist who finds her best ideas not on mood boards or runways, but watching kids in the park. Based between New York and Brooklyn, María has a gift for creating looks that feel genuinely alive — playful, a little unexpected, and completely true to the child wearing them. Her philosophy is refreshingly simple: comfort first, personality always. We sat down with her to talk creative blocks, chaotic shoots, and why the best-dressed kids in the room are usually the ones who dressed themselves.
Where do you go when you feel creatively stuck?
Honestly, I step away from fashion for a minute. I go outside, walk around, people watch (especially when I’m in Brooklyn, everyone has a very unique style that inspires me a lot).
Kids especially are the best inspiration because they don’t overthink things, they’ll mix colors and textures in ways adults would never dare. Sometimes just seeing real life again resets everything. The mismatched combination, the super hero cape with rain boots, tiaras and sweatshirts… they’re always my fave and make me smile.
What does “good style” really mean to you?
Good style feels effortless. Especially with kids, if they’re uncomfortable or can’t move, it shows immediately. I love when an outfit feels playful and a little unexpected but still natural for the child wearing it. It’s not about perfection, it’s about personality.
What’s the most fun you’ve ever had on set?
Kids’ shoots can be chaos in the best way. One time we had a group of kids who decided the set was basically a playground and started dancing, running, making up games. Instead of fighting it we just leaned into it and the photos ended up being amazing because they were real moments. Those are always my favorite days, when everyone forgets it’s a “shoot” and the whole crew starts dancing and singing. I have really good BTS moments folders with those videos and photos.
How has living in different places shaped your aesthetic?
A lot. Every place has its own rhythm, color, and attitude toward clothes. Living in different places teaches you that style isn’t one thing, it’s culture, weather, lifestyle, even how people move through a city. I think it made me more open and less rigid about what “should” go together.
What advice would you give someone trying to find their personal style?
Pay attention to what you actually reach for, not what you think you should wear. Personal style isn’t built in one shopping trip, it happens slowly. Try things, mix things, keep what feels like you and forget the rest. And honestly, comfort is underrated. When you feel good, you look good.
María’s approach is a good reminder that children’s style works best when it’s led by the child — not the other way around. Whether you’re navigating school run dressing or a special occasion, the brief is the same: let their personality do the talking. For more from our fashion interviews and kids’ style guides, explore the City Kids fashion page.
