To get more mileage from your kids’ basics, try adding some funky accessories to liven things up a little. Scarves, bags, hats and jewellery are all quick-and-easy makes that can turn a plain outfit into high fashion in seconds. Take your inspiration from the catwalk and make some lookalike pieces at a fraction of the cost.

Knitted scarves might seem like a strange choice for spring, but Missoni create cool cotton versions in fine knit to accessorize their spring/summer collections – an easy-to-mimic look for anyone who’s nifty with a pair of knitting needles.

A hat or a headscarf is a trendy way to keep the sun off your little ones’ heads. Miss Blumarine showed ultra-cute headscarves to match their fun, print-filled collection and Woolrich added fabric flowers to floppy-brimmed hats for a pretty and practical summer solution.

At Monalissa flowers were blooming all over cute straw bags, while at Lilica Rplica the bags were trimmed with ultra-long, funky fringing.

For craft beginners, there are lots of no-sew ways to create fashionable children’s accessories. Thread ribbon through belt loops, as at the Miss Grant show, or make some chunky bead jewellery like the versions Nolita Pocket showed n the catwalk. Get the kids involved in threading beads to make necklaces and bracelets. It’s great fun – and they’re much more likely to wear things that they helped create!