Children's fashion for spring/summer 2016

by My Kent Family reporter

mykentfamily@thekmgroup.co.uk

Spring has sprung and it's finally time to freshen up fashion and embrace the new season trends.

For the small people in our world, exactly the same applies. Kids love nothing more than running around outdoors wearing fewer layers - and there's something so appealing about brighter springy togs.

This season, there's an eclectic mix of trends for toddlers, teens and everything in between

Here comes the sun - patchwork butterfly dress from £15, gypsy top from £12 plus denim shorts from £12. All from M&Co

GET THE BLUES

'China blues' is a key trend for girls this season, inspired by the intricate prints and patterns found on bone china, says Maria Kumar, House of Fraser childrenswear designer.

"We've seen this look on the womenswear catwalk shows from brands like Valentino, and this has now filtered down to childrenswear. In terms of colour, there will be lots of tones and shades of blue, mostly onto porcelain whites and soft cream backdrops."

All-over prints will follow a theme of spring for inspiration - think florals, butterflies, fruits and birds.

The new children's collection at River Island is bang on trend for this summer

GO WILD

Jungle imagery, bright colours and tonal greens are big for boys this season.

"This trend has filtered down from the menswear collections which focus on foliage prints, but brighter tones and animal graphics keep the trend young and fun," says Maria.

"Green and yellow are key colours for this season," agrees Taffeta Gray, director of Five Boys Clothing, "but in softer, subtle tones, moving away from the dreaded soft play primary colours which can give you a headache."

Left, Howick Junior Boys hooded showerproof jacket, from £40, House of Fraser. Centre, Joules shark print shirt, from £27.95 also at House of Fraser. Right, multicoloured tropical print shirt, from £7, Tu at Sainsbury's.

FABULOUS FLORALS

Pretty prints are always a safe bet when it comes to spring and summer clothing, and this year is no different. Florals are as big as ever, varying between big, bold and tropical to dainty and ditsy - and suitable for both boys and girls.

Left, T-shirt, from £9; crop jeans, from £14, and high tops, from £14, all M&S and available from June. Centre, patchwork Maxi dress, from £16, Tu at Sainsbury's. Right, Little Dickins & Jones daisy print dress, from £34, House of Fraser.

COOL COLOURS

Boyswear is characterised by a bold use of colour this season, as well as abstract shapes and graphics, as seen on the menswear catwalks, adds Maria.

"There's a fun, vibrant, sportswear look, with the colour focus on brights and darker tones of navy and indigo. Large scale graphics and all over prints are also key."

Blue is the colour - River Island has a fab sping/summer 16 rang

BY THE SEA

"Another key trend for girls this season is the exotic riviera look - inspired by warm summers by the sea," continues Maria.

"The trend is characterised by luxury, elegance and a rich colour palette. We'll see 3D floral embellishments and sequins, as well as exotic themed graphics."