Fashion is a very lucrative business and led by the strangest of things. All it takes is one celebrity to go out in something ludicrous and the next thing you know it's on the catwalks and we're all expected to buy it at extortionate rates. Copies will appearing high street stores and market stalls that are meant to imitate the real thing but do a pretty poor job so not only do dedicated followers of fashion end up all looking the same but they all look the same in cheap nylon imitations.

This by no means applies simply to adult clothes. There is a whole industry built up around the fashion in children's clothing and as fashions go, these trends will change virtually before your child grows out of the current creation.

For many years, children's clothing consisted of simple, comfortable items that were pretty non-descript in the fashion world but children are increasingly being seen as an accessory these days, which is why many parents feel the need to impress others with their choice of children's clothing. What is the point I ask? All it has achieved is the stirring up of competition among young people that have enough to deal with simply growing up, without the feeling that they need to look a certain way.

Of course, go upmarket and children's clothing reverts back to the old fashioned way of good quality, lasting clothes that have traditional appeal. Visit a family that were born into money and there won't be a fashion tracksuit in sight - not even a designer one. Not unless they are expecting a visit from their personal trainer. These people know the benefits of a simple white babygro, even if it does say Gucci in a minute label and cost the earth!

Go down Basildon market and it's a whole new board game! Children's clothing is simply tacky adult clothing but in smaller sizes! Tracksuits with mis-spelt designer labels emblazoned across them grace the stalls in materials that are a very real fire hazard. Get that child running and you're sure to need a fire extinguisher to hand!

That said, image is everything and if you mix in the circles that see fourteen year old chavs playing at being parents then you will need to know the ins and outs of the necessary fashion trends to ensure admittance to the nearest mother and toddler group.

First, you need to know that fashion for young people doesn't need to cost the earth. There are outlets that can provide a gorgeous pink nylon Gucii tracky for 11.99 pounds or even K Swish trainers (nobody will notice) for a bargain 14.99 pounds.

Grab yourself a cheap glossy magazine and see what the C list celebrities are dressing their children in and this will give you a good idea of what to look for. Denim jackets for newborns, gangster caps for toddlers and imitation gold initial chains are all essential children's clothing, not to be overlooked if you want your little one to fit in on non-uniform day at primary school.

Of course, you can strike a balance. There are high street shops that cater for children's clothing and give it that feel of being modern without being ultra trendy to the point of being a parents accessory and to the child being uncomfortable. Strike that balance and you, your purse and your child will be happy.