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This year mothers can breathe a sigh of relief that the low rise jeans and midriff tops are
no longer the trendiest fashions for 2008. The new look for girls is much more modest, but still very feminine and sassy.

Hannah Montana, High School Musical, and other pop stars continue to influence fashions.
From t-shirts and bags sporting images of teen rock stars, film stars, and TV personalities to accessories and clothing sported by those fashion icons, kids in 2008 will have a large selection of fashion choices that are parent friendly as well as fun for kids.

COLORS:
Look for bright colors, vivid retro prints, and multi-colored plaids to be very popular.
Also, look for color combos such as pink and black and even camouflage prints in pink, gray, and black.

TOPS:
Baby doll, layered-look polo, hoodies, tops with puff sleeves, longer tops gathered and banded at the bottom, and t-shirts embellished with bling are big on the fashion scene this summer.

JEANS:
No more low riser jeans! Look for cargo pants, jeans made from camouflage prints, jeans in bright colors or white with gold trim, jeans with embroidery and detail along the legs and pockets, and Bermuda shorts and Capri style jeans. The traditional slightly faded jeans are still popular, too.

SHORTS:
The Bermuda short is making a big comeback along with Capri's and skimmer shorts. Look for these in a variety of fabric choices such as denim, bright colored fabrics, white, and plaids.

DRESSES:
Dresses are gaining popularity, too. Longer baby doll and T-shirt style dresses are being paired with leggings. Sun dress styles popular this summer are halter-style, dropped waist, and empire-style. Gathered skirts that are multi-colored and three-tiered are also in vogue.
Look to see dresses made in bright colors, retro and vintage fabrics, and soft feminine shades.

SKIRTS:
Pleated skirts in denims, gathered skirts that have three tiers of ruffles, and skorts
are several great options.

SHOES:
Dr. Martin vinyl boots in bright colors, leather Mary Janes with two straps, ballet slippers,crocs, fun flip flops and sandals, and customized sneakers are very popular. Jibbitz is one company that makes ornaments that kids can attach to their shoes to customize them.

JACKETS:
Look for hoodies and jeans jackets with pockets and ornamentation.

BACKPACKS:
Every type imaginable is available now. Girls will love the bright colors available. But there are still the traditional backpacks boys will love. Some companies tout the ergonomic advantages to their designs which will make carrying them more comfortable. Many now come with a pull-out handle and wheels for rolling instead of carrying. In addition to the traditional style, there are sling back and teardrop shaped. The options are many.

ACCESSORIES:
Hats are very in this season especially such styles as newsboy, cloche, and floppy.
Headbands wrapped in scarves with dangling tails are a must have. Narrow sparkly and metallic belts are again popular to wear with jeans. And wider belts worn on the hip over longer shirts are another choice. For jewelry, look for necklace and bracelets with charms, something the girls can customize and make a collectible.

Boys' styles seem to be a little more conservative, too. Look for less baggy pants with lots of pockets. Camouflage prints are available. The shirts are influenced by their sports' idols and surfing. Look for brighter colors in shirts for them, as well. The layered-look polo shirts are also popular.

Apparently the fashion industry has listened when parents spoke and asked for more conservative and less radical fashions for children. The selections this year should receive a much higher approval rating from parents as well as be fun and fashionable for kids.

Learn more about this author, Elizabeth Wordsmith.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

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