In the past, formal wear was typically confined to specific occasions like weddings, stage performances, and festivals. However, in recent years, a trend toward "everyday ceremonial wear" has become popular. Many children's clothing brands are experimenting with incorporating formal elements into everyday wear, such as layering tulle skirts, embroidered fabrics, tulle capes, and sequin embellishments, making the "downscale" look of formal wear possible for everyday wear. This approach, while retaining a sense of formality, combines practicality and represents a new development in formal design.

Specific manifestations of the mix-and-match trend include:

• Tulle skirt + denim jacket/leather jacket: Pairing the skirt of a girl's dress with a streetwear jacket creates a sense of contrast.

• Sequined/lace top: Breaking down formal elements into tops, vests, or layering styles to be worn with everyday pants/skirts.

• Using the hem of a dress as a decorative element: For example, layering tulle/lace on the edges of dresses, shirts, and jackets creates an ethereal effect.

• Mixing and matching a dress with sporty/casual pieces: For example, pairing a dress with sneakers, a sweatshirt, or a baseball cap, transcends traditional boundaries. This trend is fueled by young parents' growing demand for both practicality and style. In the European and American markets, styling ideas beyond "holiday dresses" are becoming more accepted. Consumers are willing to pay a premium for designs that can also create a formal look for everyday wear.

Design and production requirements:

• Designers must consider the disassembly of dress elements: Whether a dress can be disassembled and combined into multiple styles is fundamental to its feasibility.

• Fabrics must balance the dress's texture and durability: Fabrics like gauze and lace must be washable and durable.

• Functional design is more important: features such as detachable sleeves, removable layers, and layering are essential.

• Version control and inventory management are more challenging: Mixing and matching means a significant increase in SKUs, posing challenges for inventory and cost management.

Industry Impact and Market Outlook:

The trend toward lower-end dresses and mix-and-match dresses means the boundaries of the dress market are expanding. Brands that can break free from the limitations of specific occasions can reach a wider range of consumer needs. If children's clothing companies can develop a series of "dress-inspired mix-and-match pieces," they could potentially see sales growth across multiple scenarios, including parent-child, daily wear, and holiday occasions.

For Ge Jia's company, its existing strengths in dress design, fabric craftsmanship, and brand identity provide technical and design resources for this "dress mix-and-match" approach. If future collections can simultaneously introduce "dress variations, disassembled versions, and mix-and-match styles," it will be easier to cater to the aesthetic preferences and purchasing habits of young parents.