When I was a kid, I was obsessed with a book of Prince Charles and Princess Diana paper dolls I had, despite not being of the generation to see them wed. So when the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge started their own family, I was hooked to the royals all over again, especially Prince George. It's hard to believe that he will be 3 years old on July 22, because the times Prince George was a style icon are already in the double digits and climbing.
I'm just going to say it — Prince George is the best dressed toddler boy in the world. (Obviously I can't stop with toddler because, hello, have you seen Princess Charlotte?) Like his mother, Prince George has blurred timelines on fashion and routinely looks charming in classic, vintage styles. I mean, honestly, pick up any picture of the royal family, turn it black and white, and no one would be entirely certain what era the family was from.
But Prince George is definitely a style icon in his own family, even if he doesn't choose his own clothes yet. These 15 times he totally rocked knee-high socks, buckled shoes, and starched collars will make you want to reinvent your toddler's wardrobe. (And maybe also pick up a tub of Oxyclean because I'm not sure how crisp and clean those white button downs will last.)
1Attending His Sister's Christening
Everything about this outfit is precious, especially the way he totally upstaged his little sister and her lacy gown. The red shorts, the embroidered shirt, the little shoes — it all screams classic, but playful.
2Taking Christmas Photos
He looks like the perfect symbol of Christmas here in his sweater vest and it totally beats the sweatshirt with a snowman I wore when I was a kid.
3Being Christened
Who else could get away with wearing that vintage, lace, incredibly heavy gown? No one but Prince George, that's who.
4Cheering His Polo Team
I've never attended a polo match, but I assumed everyone was dressed like Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman. Instead, George proves you can look dapper and like you're ready to jump in on the action in a sweet cardigan, striped belt, and toy in hand.
5Meeting His Baby Sister
More cardigans! More knee-high socks! More perfect parts in his hair! Prince George was off to see his new baby sister in this outfit, and I bet Princess Charlotte saw him and was all, "Ugh. Challenge accepted, brother. I'll beat you in cuteness one day."
6Attending The Queen's Birthday Parade
Do you see those powder blue shoes? Powder blue shoes used to make me think of used car salesmen and uncles that still wear clothes from the '70s. But not when Prince George can pull them off. Now they look cute and perfect for a little boy.
7Skiing With His Family
His parents are also wearing hats with pom poms, but nobody is rocking it like Prince George. Also, serious #ParentGoals because I can't believe a toddler is actually wearing a hat in the snow.
8Meeting President Obama
It's serious business meeting the President of the United States of America, but not enough to get out of your pajamas. Of course, Prince George doesn't just wear mismatched Spider-Man pajamas with breakfast stains down the front, now does he?
9Visiting Butterflies
All babies look cute in overalls, but Prince George is killing it with those shoes and shades of blue. He took a normal baby look and made it sophisticated.
10Traveling Through New Zealand
If only the entire world could wear overalls with embroidered sailboats. Think of how much better everyone would feel?
11Saying Goodbye To Australia's Prime Minister
Red just looks great on little boys. It's so classic and sweet, but Prince George can't just settle for a red polo. Instead, he has to don perfect striped shorts and, naturally, a red cardigan. He totally just changed the cardigan game, Mr. Rogers.
12Preparing For Nursery School
His coat has patches on the elbow. I repeat — his coat has patches on the elbow and he's off to nursery school. Also, can you take a look at that bag? Classic, understated, and not a cartoon character in sight.
13Posing For Family Photos
Not only does he look darling in his sweater and shorts, but I love that he brought a toy into the shot. I mean, look at this family photo! All the heart eyes.
14Spending Time With His Little Sister
How can he take something as simple as a white button down shirt with blue piping and turn it into the cutest thing in the world? No big brother button needed for this little guy, he's rocking it in this ensemble.
15Visiting Royal International Air Tattoo
Even for a day out around airplanes, he still looks classic and put-together. It's simple, it's functional, but not sloppy. And those headphones? Excellent choice, Prince George.