Longevity is key

Think beyond the standard skeleton and ghost and choose a costume that’ll work for other events, playdates and school plays. A lab coat can become a mad scientist, a pirate a spooky Jack Sparrow, a magician a crazed sorcerer. A purple tutu is the perfect base for a winter fairy and a princess outfit can turn into a damsel in distress.

Insect inspiration

Making a costume doesn’t need to be an ordeal. For an easy spider costume, dress your little one head to toe in black and stuff three pairs of black woollen tights, cutting each leg and sealing them to a black waistband for legs.

Action heroes

Hiking, biking, climbing, trailblazing; when out and about kids need a coat that’ll keep up. Look out for waterproof fabrics, intelligent constructions and reflective strips. And for the most serious of weather-bound pursuits, pair with waterproof trousers and hiking boots. Outerwear just got technical.

“Fleece-lined jackets mean you can do away with heavy jumpers underneath”

The party mood

Parties in winter demand that extra bit of consideration, for starters, what should you layer over shirts and dresses? Fortunately we’ve got a host of gorgeous coats, slick blazers and uber-cool jackets to make their party entrance spectacular. Plus, they can easily be dressed down for weekends or school nights. Dual-purpose? We think so.

“Choose a rich jewel tone or a nightly hue”

School stars

You buy the uniform and think you’re sorted, but then remember that thin blazer isn’t going to cut it come wintertime. So, we’ve done the hard work for you and picked four coats that’ll match a uniform and keep little ones cosy in the playground.

“They are sure to have the best-dressed school peg”

Out of the park

Weekends and holidays require practical coats you won’t mind if they get dirty. Trips to the park, meeting their friends, weekend activities… think versatile, casual outerwear. Gilets are ideal transitioning pieces, and perfect layered over knitwear, while a quilted jacket gives a classic look. Let the weekend begin.

“For older kids, leather jackets or bombers will look super cool”