The true follower of fashion treads that notorious fine line – or teeters along the catwalk – between going along with the herd and being an individual. On-trend can mean a multiplicity of different things. Knowing just when and whether to wear skimpy jeans-shorts with black fish-nets, white pumps, a deep pink lace bustier and casual dove grey waterfall cardigan takes a calculated risk, as it involves being a tad retro, a little bit of an individual while fitting in with a non-mainstream take on the ‘going-out’ look.

What draws viewers to the addictive show ‘Project Runway’ is that heady balance between creativity (as in real originality, which takes a bit of lunacy) and wearability. When it comes down to it, unless you are in that tiny minority who are the perfect size and shape, the main thing you look for in clothes is that they flatter you. That is what keeps many consumers trapped in a corridor marked ‘safe’, wearing only the tried and trusted shapes, styles, colours and fabrics that have served them for half of a lifetime.

People who might dare to wear an item that has graced the catwalk on ‘Project Runway’ need to possess a degree of exhibitionism in their make-up. Who else could submit to just modelling but actually being seen out in a dress made literally from maize husks? That was what won on the very first episode of Season One when the competitors drew on grocery store merchandise for their inspiration.

Designers may rise to the challenge of creating a practical and original garment from the wackiest materials, and the models may be sporting enough to wear just about anything, with a few spectacular exceptions, but many of us would blanch at the idea of a wardrobe full of clothes made from bed sheets, wicker baskets and sofa leather (to mention the contents of another gripping episode).

Kids, fortunately, are less hidebound or self-conscious. Nevertheless, when it comes to choosing kids’ clothes, we adults need to exercise some restraint. There are a couple of issues: firstly, there is a chance that you will transfer your own suppresses exhibitionism to your daughter or son, and have them sporting the look that you wouldn’t dare wear. Secondly, there is the concern that if you give a daughter too much freedom to choose for herself, the result will be an inappropriately tarty effect, with high heels, tight hot pants and an attempt at a cleavage. Choosing kids clothes together with your kid has never been easier, with trendy online stores abounding. Whether very safe, or a bit ‘Project Runway’ your tastes, get involved in your kids’ clothing decisions and avert possible sartorial smash on the real-life runway.