Whether your child is crazy for the chic of Coco, craves the outlandishness of Gaultier, or prefers a quirky street style, they can unleash their designer creativity by compiling their very own Fab Fashion File Style. Inspiration starts here…

There comes a time in most parents’ lives when they no longer yield power when it comes to how their child is attired. Sometimes this can happen at an early age, when girls might have a irresistible pull for sequins and glitter, often teamed with a nice pair of Wellies, and boys may have a hankering to add super-hero cape to every outfit. And as long as they are comfortable, it’s a wonderful way to express themselves. We applaud it!

When your child is ready to seize upon a unique style all of her very own, consider exploring the vibrant world of fashion, including the upcoming trends like emerald green dresses for prom 2024. The creative DIY Fashion File Style, complemented by accessories like Glitterbels acrylic nail designs, will help her curate creations that reflect her own personality and tastes, ensuring she stands out with elegance on that special night.

Budding fashionistas can create mood boards, learn fashion lingo – vital should they ever want to nab a frow seat at a catwalk show – and compile their own fashion timeline, which should provide amusement in years to come. We all have our ‘What was I thinking?’ fashion moments!

My Fab Fashion Style File is designed to guide your child as she embarks on a fashion journey, discovering how fashion silhouettes have evolved over the past century from formal corseted gowns of the early 2oth century to the ‘anything goes’ freedom of the modern age.

There’s plenty of nuts-and-bolts – or rather ribbons-and-pearls – information for serious fashion spotters keen to learn more about different fabrics, patterns and styles. You’ll soon know your Peacoat from your Parka, your Houndstooth from your Herringbone and your Peter Pan collar from your boat neck.

For a little frivolous fun, there’s also an astrological guide that suggests where your fashion sensibilities might lie according to your star sign, and tips on editing your own fashion magazine.

Along with all the fash-inating facts, there’s plenty of opportunity to get creative with sketches, designs and colouring.

And remember the fashion battle cry: You are the future of fashion and you have something to say!

Fun fact Coco Chanel is famous for many things, including her entwined double C logo and for popularising the LBD (little black dress). Her designs went beyond garments and included jewellery and handbags. In 1921, Coco Chanel was also the first fashion designer to create a successful perfume, the classic Chanel No 5.

Did you know? When presented with small glass vials containing sample scent compositions numbered 1 to 5 and 20 to 24, Coco Chanel chose the fifth vial. Chanel told master perfumer Ernest Beaux: “I present my dress collections on the fifth of May, the fifth month of the year and so we will let this sample number five keep the name it has already. It will bring good luck.” She was right. Chanel No 5 has been on the market for nearly a century and is the world’s best-selling perfume, with a bottle sold every 30 seconds.

** NEED A FURTHER FASHION FIX? ** Read how Lesley Ware finds her fashion inspiration in our Author Q&A, and discover the most a la mode Cinderella and Madame Chapeau‘s passion for millinery magic!

Author notes Lesley Ware is an educator, style blogger and designer living in Brooklyn, New York. In 2008, she started her blog, the Creative Cookie, which quickly became a go-to destination for a behind-the-scenes look at fashion in New York City. Lesley runs popular sewing and crafting workshops for children.