Going shopping for the smaller people in your life is an absolute dream. They can get away with any trend they fancy, you don’t need to consider flattering fits or muffin tops and everything is generally a whole lot cheaper, giving you free rein to splurge and emerge with freshly spruced wardrobe, without breaking the bank.

With the warmer weather finally here and last year’s clothing likely to be a tad on the small side, put a spring in their step with these hot new buys...

FABULOUSLY FLORAL

Flowers are always in fashion once the sun comes out, and this year is no different.

“Florals are already a big trend this season, and one set to last the length of spring/summer 14,” says Charlotte Baynton, childrenswear buyer at Fat Face. “We’ve predominantly seen them on woven and jersey materials, with soft detailed prints and delicate hand drawn flowers and butterflies. As a natural fit for the season, we’ve adopted a fresh take on a classic design, to really deliver that fun and playful approach to the trend.”

Beautiful blooms work from top to toe, mixed and matched with contrasting floral prints, or just on their own - you can’t really go wrong. It’s not just for girls, either - boys can don a flowery shirt and say aloha to the sunshine.

TRY OUT: Contrast Mock Dress, £13 (reduced from £26), available in sizes 3-4 years to 4-5 years, Mamas & Papas; Palm Print Shirt, from £12, available in sizes 5-14 years from end of March, Marks & Spencer)

OFF DUTY DENIM

The hard-wearing nature of denim makes it perfect for kids all year round.

“Printed denim is a massive trend across high street brands, and that applies to kidswear too,” Baynton continues. “As an everyday wardrobe staple, the soft ditsy prints help the product come to life with delicate but fun additions of pop coloured poppers and embellished trims.”

Denim is big news this season and can be found across the entire range of childrenswear. So as well as jeans, keep a lookout for dresses, shorts, dungarees, playsuits, skirts, jackets and footwear – and double up the denim to your heart’s content!

TRY OUT: Untreated Jeans With Turn-ups, currently on offer at £14.25 (normally £19), available in sizes 2 years to 8 years, Vertbaudet

BRIGHT AND BEAUTIFUL

Colour and kidswear has always gone hand in hand, but this year, little ones can really stand out from the crowd wearing any rainbow shade they fancy.

“Citrus brights are a big trend for both boys and girls this season, and there’s no better way to channel summer than with a bit of yellow,” advises Elena Sirghi, director of Mayoral’s UK franchise. “Yellow works well with florals, and one of my favourite looks is a pair of floral cotton trousers paired with a yellow t-shirt and an open denim shirt on top – adorable!

“After our long, grey winter, there’s nothing more fun than seeing kids dressed up in bright and bold colours, even the boys! The addition of a bold piece, such as a mint green shirt or turquoise trousers will transform any outfit, however simple.”

TRY OUT: Jersey Striped Polo in Carmine Stripe, from £17.95, available in sizes 3 years to 11-12 years, Joules; Samson Double Velcro Trainer in Green Leather, £59.50, available in sizes 20-28, Step2wo; Bluezoo Make Some Noise! T-shirt, from £6, available in sizes 12-18 months to 5-6 years, Debenhams.

SHORE THING

Thoughts of the seaside always conjure up images of red, white and blue, and the nautical trend is a real timeless classic, whatever your age.

“Spring/summer 14 takes a classic nautical story and gives it a contemporary twist,” says Laura Davis, head of childrenswear at Joules.

“Oversized indigo spots on crisp cream grounds, paired with cleaner dress silhouettes, work in contrast to classic nautical stripes and chambray hotchpotch sweats, to give a more relaxed, truly coastal aesthetic.”

Whether it’s spots or stripes, team nautical numbers with fresh cotton, relaxed denim or comfy footwear for the ultimate in classic cool.

TRY OUT: J by Jasper Conran Designer Babies Navy Multi Striped Dress, from £20, available in sizes 0-3 months to 18-24 months, Debenhams; Jacket in Indigo, £69.90, available in sizes 3 years to 14 years, Geox.