Selieve it or not, Suri Cruise has been named one of the world’s best-dressed women – at just five years old.

In her jelly shoes and party dresses, the daughter of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes has been deemed stylish enough to land 21st position in Glamour magazine’s annual poll in which readers are invited to vote for their favourite style icons.

But if custom-made Louboutin shoes and tots couture all seems a little highbrow for your tearaway, the seasonal fashion forecast for childrenswear should be right up their street.

“High summer for childrenswear focuses on relaxed beach holidays,” says Mags Milliken, Matalan’s senior infantswear designer.

“Colourful vests, fun stripes, surf and palm tree graphics are essential summer looks for the boys. Neon brights are a huge look for girls along with big, bold, floral prints – fabulous for brightening up a summer wardrobe.”

Embrace the fun factor on sun-soaked days, but remember holiday-style dressing may not always be appropriate for your little darlings with the changeable British weather.

Here’s how you can maximise your children’s wardrobe this summer with some natty styling tricks that should keep them smiling through those forecast highs and lows.

BRIGHT AND BREEZY

Grown-ups have enough problems finding clothes to fit, but children have an ability to shoot up faster than a beanstalk, so buying a hard-working wardrobe for your kids can be problematic.

Half-Pint Chic founder Nicole Frost (halfpintchic.com) knows only too well how contending with the unpredictable weather and growing children can mean clothes need to be adaptable.

“As we don’t generally have clear and defined seasons in the UK, it’s helpful to make sure that your children’s wardrobes are interchangeable so that you don’t end up spending a fortune on items that will only ever be worn a handful of times,” she advises.

“By making clever purchases, your children can still be stylish without the huge expense.”

Working in the childrenswear industry and a mum of twin girls, Nicole offers her expert advice on how to achieve a child-friendly but fashionable summer wardrobe.

FOCUS ON KEY LINES

Fun summer novelty accessories will add some seasonal flair to your little one’s look, but don’t forget the staples when you’re on a childrenswear summer spree.

“Buy clothes in key categories such as jeans, skirts, T-shirts and shoes along with the odd weather-appropriate piece such as sandals and hats, then you’ll never be caught out,” Nicole recommends.

“Make sure that each pair of bottoms can be matched to a number of tops and vice-versa, so that the number of overall pieces is reduced, but the amount of new looks is endless.”

DUAL-USE CLOTHING

Love buy one-get-one-free offers? Keep your eyes peeled for clever clothing that doubles up as two garments in one – less space in your little one’s wardrobe for twice the wear.

“Buying items that can be swiftly adapted for the weather can save a lot of time and money,” says Nicole.

“Trousers that have inside hooks and buttons to make them into shorts are a great idea, and jackets that have a removable lining can also help to keep a child warm or cool as well as stylish.”

PREPARE AHEAD

Gone are the days when big sales were limited to Boxing Day and post-summer. Think ahead when you’re scouring the sale rails and don’t be afraid to jump ahead on the calendar to secure a bargain.

It’s a buy-now, wear-later mentality that will work out for your wallet, leaving more spare cash for ice creams and summer activities.

Nicole suggests: “Many shops and online retailers like Half-Pint Chic have regular sales so you can buy items that will be suitable for the next age group or season, and just store them away.”

LAYERS, LAYERS, LAYERS

Don’t be fooled by blue skies and sunshine. A sharp breeze or surprise rain shower could be around the corner, so ensure your child is prepared for all seasons by carrying light layers you can add or remove in an instant.

“Cardigans, lightweight jackets and sweaters are the perfect combination over a T-shirt or top to add some warmth without compromising on style,” says Nicole.

“If you buy these pieces in neutral and block colours, then they can be used regularly to co-ordinate with the majority of your child’s summer outfits.”