Autumn/Winter 2016 children's fashion: New in the shops
It's easy to 'fall' for the latest looks in childrenswear, from powerful prints and sportswear, to sumptuous velvet and a laid-back Scandi vibe. Don't know where to start? Mix it up and style them together!
"There's the quirky-cool side that can bring character and life into an outfit, and your more classic, well-tailored looks that are softer and more refined. So this year's trend is all about mixing it up," says Grazyna Wynne-Griffiths, founder and buyer for Little Giant.
"Wear a Liberty print dress but throw on some wellies. Find the biggest tutu you can, but wear it with a superhero top. It's time to experiment and have fun with fashion."
Let little ones style themselves with our gorgeous new-season snugs...
CUTE ANIMAL ALERT
Always a favourite with kids and parents alike, 'animals' could appear as a kidswear trend every season, says editor and co-founder of parenting website Tantrum.xyz, Lisa Williams. "But this season, animals are minimalist rather than detailed; think old-fashioned storybook rather than Disney Pixar animation. Easy-to-wear and easy-to-pair, they just need a pair of cords or jeans and your kid can go wild."
Rachel Riley, owner and founder of her own award-winning brand (www.rachelriley.co.uk) agrees: "Animal prints work perfectly for childrenswear, the motifs are so whimsical and childlike. I love archive prints depicting squirrels, bunnies and other woodland animals - it's lovely to see this trend making a comeback."
HAPPY & HYGGE
Our obsession with all things Scandi lingers on, but it's a no-brainer when it comes to comfy kit for kids. Liza Humphrey, buying director at Rockin' Baby, can't get enough of the "Scandinavian minimalism, with soft and simple colours".
The palettes also lend themselves to non-gender specific prints and styles, which is big in kidswear right now.
PRINTS WITH PUNCH
Prints are all over the high street for adults as well as children. But when you're young, you can get away with really fun designs.
"Prints for kids this season aren't just bold, they're downright wacky; with fruits, comics and toys being the kicker for many collections," says Tantrum.xyz's Lisa Williams.
"Brilliant fun and likely to appeal - but just go easy with this trend. Opt for one at a time please, or you'll give the rest of the playgroup a headache!"
LET'S GET PHYSICAL
With such importance placed on being healthy and the sports luxe trend having a moment this summer, it's no surprise to see 'athleisure' collections making an appearance.
"The trend for fitness wear has crept into kidswear fashion," says Tara Ryan, head of design for childrenswear at Marks & Spencer.
"Monochrome shades look modern when worn with highlights of citrus. Super slim joggers, paired with a simple slogan or graphic tee, and a hoodie or windrunner, makes for an easy outfit that looks as stylish as it is practical."
OUT OF THIS WORLD
"Now we've bid farewell to the sun for six months, we can say hello to the moon, which appears all over T-shirts and jumpers this season," notes Lisa Williams.
"It's a solid unisex trend, which should get your little one excited about astronomy and begging for a telescope."
And what with it being a pretty big year for Tim Peake, wanting to be an astronaut has never been cooler.
