Spring is right around the corner and, if you’re a mom, the hunt is already on for cute spring clothes for your family. It’s not always easy. Everyone has their own style and “cute” might not even be part of their vocabulary. At the end of the day, you’re just looking for outfits that are practical, comfortable, and, most importantly, affordable. 

Over the years, I’ve learned that the trick to spring shopping is balancing the cute with the comfy, and making sure I can mix and match without too much stress. If you’re in the same boat, here are some of the places I’ve found great pieces for my family this season.

Beautiful but still budget friendly

When you have a family to shop for, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the choices, not to mention, the prices. I love shopping at places where I can grab cute spring clothes for everyone in one trip—maybe some casual dresses for me, linen shorts for my husband and fun graphic tees for the kids. Stores like TJ Maxx are great for picking up those budget-friendly finds. They always have a great mix of brands. The biggest drawback is usually the super-long line at the cash registers. Luckily, they now offer a big selection of clothes and home goods on their website so I can shop online and save a ton of time.

Children cute spring clothes
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Cute spring clothes that withstand the outdoors

Now that the weather’s warming up, we’re spending more time outside, and I need clothing that can handle everything from a picnic in the park to a quick trip to the farmers’ market. That means practical, comfortable clothes that still have a bit of style. I love soft fabrics like cotton or linen, which breathe well in the warmer months. For my kids, I’m always on the lookout for dresses that are comfy enough to run around in or shorts that are stretchy and durable. My husband loves simple, classic pieces—polos or button-downs that are light enough for the heat but still look put together. I’ve had great luck with brands like Perry Ellis (for the polos) and Lands’ End, where I can find comfortable and durable clothes that still look great.

The right look for family gatherings

Spring also brings some special occasions—Easter, birthdays, family barbecues, and the occasional wedding. I always want my family to look nice but still feel relaxed, so I aim for cute spring clothes that are both cute and practical. I tend to go for dresses in light fabrics or a smart blazer that can add a little polish to a simple outfit. For my husband, I look for shirts that are comfortable enough to wear for hours but still have that “dressy casual” vibe. I’ve found great pieces at J.Crew. I love their classic casual style.

cute spring clothes for men
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Keeping it comfy for the kids

As much as I loved dressing my kids in cute outfits when they were little, I learned over the years that comfort is key. They were constantly on the move and I needed clothing that let them run, jump and play all day long. Soft cotton tees, stretchy leggings, and comfy shorts were always the go-to — nothing with complicated buttons or tight waistbands. If your kids are the same, spring clothes made from breathable fabrics like organic cotton are perfect. I suggest checking out a brand like Hanna Andersson. Their clothes are soft and durable, which is perfect for busy little ones.

When the shopping is done — or even before it starts — remember that looking perfect isn’t the goal. Make your spring about family time, fresh air and fun. If you can do that decked out in cute clothes, awesome. If not, the flowers will still be blooming all around you.