Exactly when this delicate art started, is not certain.  But smocking, which is to embroider pleats that have been pleated before smocking, dates back in history to at least the 12th century, as evidenced in paintings and sculptures.  It may even be earlier, as samples turn up around the world, from various cultures.

Smocked dresses have always been valued for the intricacy of the handiwork that goes into making them.  Even Queen Elizabeth I, lists a smocked dress amongst her clothing in an inventory of the late 1500s.

Modern day smocking only caught on in the late 19th century when Butterick & Co. featured many smocking designs in its patterns.  The art was highly popular from the 1930s to 60s, then waned, making it a very unique and individual look, today.

Your little girls will look their most delightful in smocked dresses, starting with something for baby from Sarah Louise.  The detailing on these dresses, which come in pink or white, is exquisite!  The entire garment is hand smocked, with a fully smocked bodice and delicate embroidery.  Embroidered flowers and bows decorate the hem.  The long sleeves are fully lined, and the back has a button closure.

Anavini will have the little charmers in your family looking their best in a red corduroy bishop dress, with Dalmations smocked around the neck.  Beautiful detailing and tucks at the hem.  For the cat lover, there is enchantment in Anavini’s pink and white striped seersucker dress, with three kittens in a basket smocked across the inset on the bodice.  It has a delicate white collar with scalloped edging, short gathered sleeves and back sash tie.

Sophie Dess presents your young ladies in short-sleeved blue pincord smocked dresses, exquisitely smocked with blue and pink embroidery, topped with a piped collar, and tied in back with a sash.  Or choose a sleeveless green pincord dress with an embroidered, hand smocked bodice.

Perfectly precious smocked dresses. Just what your princess needs for a dress-up occasion, or just a visit to grandma’s.

And with designers such as Susanne Lively, Collins and Hall, Funtasia, Us Angels, Katie & Co., and Frances Johnston, the selections are endless, and will suit almost any theme, color, or just a little girl’s dreams.

Special occasion dresses often have to be special ordered, so it’s a wise Mom who starts shopping early, to avoid disappointment.  Consider whether you need a special color.  Are you going to match your daughter’s dress to a theme, or to your own outfit?  Is there a material that you favor over another?  What styles appeal to you, and the little angel who’s going to wear it?  Are you going to outfit more than one young lady? Many designers provide the full range of sizes from toddler to 16, and some will even offer plus sizes.

Collins and Hall have created a delightful array of baby girl dresses that will make your little girl look like the sweetheart she is.  Choose from such charming ensembles as a pink knit dress and cardigan with a cotton diaper cover, the delicately embroidered ivory knit dress and cotton diaper cover, or an exquisite velvet, pleated dress, which is embroidered at the hem, and is fully lined.

Little girls will love special occasion dresses like Susanne Lively’s sleeveless, black and white silk dress, with black embroidery, and a black velvet tie sash.  Lively also outfits bright little toddlers and babies in a stunning red and white dress combining a lace bodice, and red silk skirt with layers of tulle and netting to give it fullness.  And she’s designed a boys red silk shortall and ivory shirt, to go with his sister’s dress!

Young ladies will be delighted with the sophistication of a champagne dupioni silk dress, with lace overlay on the bodice, and a matching champagne tie for the waist.  Or they may like the simply feminine, hand beaded satin A-line dress with matching bolero jacket.

Choosing special occasion dresses, is something you can do together. Make the day more special, by including your daughter in the shopping!

Their racks are just bursting with vibrant new colors and patterns that will delight both you, and the little girl in your life.  Your baby or toddler will look fresh from the garden in a Sophie Dess cherry print float dress that has an embroidered, double layer collar.  With sizes ranging from 6 months to 4T, you can match her with an older or younger sister!

Minibasix Easter dresses for babies make the most of your little charmer, in pink cotton, with pink chiffon overlayed, and appliquéd with roses. A matching shorts-style diaper cover and headband, complete the ensemble.  Bailey Boys also makes her pretty in a pink seersucker float dress, complete with a square white collar, which has three shadow-embroidered bunnies with fluffy tails.

The very young lady may appreciate something with an “older” look, such as Funtasia’s pink linen blend A-line dress. The elegantly simple cotton/linen blend is easy to wash, and looks wonderful paired with a contrasting jacket.  Lavender Blue will also delight her with a white cotton pincord dress with blue pincord around the hem, and blue piping around the triangular collar, which is richly decorated with floral embroidery.

If you’ve chosen this time for a first communion, Easter dresses will offer something both feminine and flattering.  What more delightful picture is there, than your little girl in a Frances Johnson sleeveless silk dress, layered with tulle and netting for fullness, and decorated with a silk bow at the waist?  For the very young lady, Chabre presents a simple but sweet, empire waist dress in poly/cotton, with a beautiful hand embroidered collar, and grosgrain ribbon sash.

The exciting new looks in Easter dresses will have your little one asking if it’s Spring yet. So shop early for that special holiday outfit, and when the flowers bloom, so will your little one, in a special occasion dress, just for her.