Kid style: the basics

There'll come a time when your young kids get to choose their own clothes. When they do, they'll go out of their way to wear stuff that you either don't like or frankly can't understand, since "Yeah, my dad say's they're really cool" will never be an acceptable response to the comment "Like your jeans mate".

Until then, you play a part in developing what, if any, sense of style they grow up with. Yes, this is when you realise your partner was right all along; a t-shirt isn't just a t-shirt, it's a statement....

Setting an example

Like it or not, your own sense of style sets an example for your kids. Even if you just shook your head, looked down at your shapeless apparel and wondered "What sense of style?".

Whether you're a fashion conscious label junkie or someone who has to be prised from those really comfy jeans every two months or so you're giving, firstly, a lead to follow and, in later years, an example to rebel against.

If you insist on the Nike expenso-Plus Mega Trainer then good luck explaining that these mid-price plimsolls are perfectly adequate. Likewise, as a proponent of un-made bed chic, you've ceded the sartorial high ground and can't really dish out the lectures. You don't necessarily have to change the way you dress, just be aware of its' effect.

• How dads affect kids

Basic tips

Bargains 

If, on a day-to-day basis, your budget doesn't stretch to the designer outlets, look for similar clothes on sale in the supermarkets, all of which now have their own good value kids clothes ranges.

They may not be quite as well made but remember, young kids grow out of 99 per cent of their clothes long before they wear them out.

Sales

Having said that, the more expensive shops, mindful of changing fashions, have fairly regular sales, often featuring a rail which permanently boasts end-of-line garnments at knock down prices.

Online 

For more individual outfits, perhaps for special occasions, try shopping at one of the many online kids clothes shops. Just make sure you've got all your kids' measurements and check the returns policy. This is also the one form of kids clothes shopping that is generally acceptable to do with a glass of wine in one hand.

Basics

It's best to build a wardrobe around a selection of basic items - jeans, t-shirts, tops, jumpers, skirts - in strong, simple colours and avoiding garish, overbearing patterns. That way, all of the separate items can me mixed and matched together allowing for a wide range of looks from within a limited number of items.

To brighten up individual outfits, invest in a few quirky little touches - hats, bandanas, socks and so on - older kids will have fun picking out these little bits for themselves.

Secondhand

Don't be afraid of buying second-hand for your kids. As previously stated, most kids clothes don't get worn for long enough to wear out, so used items are generally in very good condition. It's also possible to find quirky, individual items second-hand, without paying the designer clothing premium.

Take your kids along to a car boot sale and let them see the kind of bargains you can find (a couple of pounds for them to spend will keep them happy), so they don't think there's any taboo around second-hand clothes.

The NCT (National Childbirth Trust) holds regular good-as-new sales around the country, and online auction sites are another good source of bargains, as are high street charity shops.

Shoes

Shoes are the one thing you shouldn't buy second-hand and should invest the maximum possible in. A bad pair of jeans may be a bit of an embarrassment down at the playgroup - the wrong shoes might have a permanent detrimental effect.

• Kids

Author

Steve Cochrane is a freelance journalist and scriptwriter who is married with three children, varying in age from 17 to eight. As well as writing he has worked as a full time househusband, unofficial family childminder and has spent many years trying to come up with a better word for househusband.

Any good tips?

Got any good tips for getting your kids looking sharp and not breaking the bank? Use the comments system below to bash some ideas around...