GOING BACK-TO-SCHOOL WITH FLAIR

When Tammy Lynn takes her son and daughter shopping, the excursion is marked with fun and diversity, just like back-to-school fashions.

Like the Lynns of Cape Girardeau, families everywhere are gearing up for the new school year, and so are clothing stores. With the back-to-school countdown on, moms and dads are finding that junior's wardrobe needs a little boost to get the year started on a positive note.

Dan and Tammy Lynn's children, Whitney, 10, and Lorrin, 6, have differing opinions when it comes to shopping for apparel. By and large, parents can rest easy about their children's tastes, because designers and fashion experts agree that individuality is a key influence behind this season's fashion choices.

There are lots of fashion do's and few or no fashion don'ts; options abound.

When it comes to children's likes and dislikes regarding clothes, just as with other subjects, every child is different, said Carol Brazel, a department manager with Children's Bazaar, Crossroads Shopping Center.

"One child may want jeans, the next one, she wants walking shorts. The kids, lots of times, have their minds made up when they walk in the store; they know what they're looking for," Brazel said. For children, the No. 1 priority is that the clothing has to feel good. "They want comfort."

Fortunately for parents and youngsters, comfort comes in many looks and with lots of style.

Comfort scores high on Whitney Lynn's list of clothing priorities. Whitney, who has been playing soccer since kindergarten, likes to transfer that look into the classroom. Soccer shorts and T-shirts matched with black, low-top tennis shoes or sandals are the major components of his favorite apparel as summer slowly cools into autumn, his mom said.

While Whitney's focus may not be on the fashion of the outfit, fashion is still involved. Athletic, casual type wear is ever growing in popularity and increased numbers of younger boys and girls are opting for the look, according to Terry Slattery, manager of Howard's in downtown Cape Girardeau.

For girls, walking shorts are one option that scores high for moms and daughters in both categories of comfort and style, several local children's store spokesmen agree. Coordinated with sweaters, blouses, vests or cardigans, the walking short offers that pulled-together look that works for many occasions, explained Mary Lou Hinton, retail manager of All American Kids, Plaza Galleria.

Walking shorts can be found in fabrics from twill to wool to suede. Plaid shorts with coordinating tops are a favorite among shoppers at Children's Bazaar, Brazel said.

Plaids are popular this year in all varieties of clothing, said Mary Kirn of Kidstop, Town Plaza Shopping Center. Other eye-catching and easy-to-wear styles incorporate fleece on an even greater level than last year, she indicated.

While some styles may be featuring a return to the classics, there are options for kids who favor a more eclectic look. For instance, Kirn said, "The wide-leg pant is still around, especially in the dressier end."

Sunflowers were big for spring but fall is not to be outdone. Apples are cropping up everywhere at Hansel and Gretel, Town Plaza Shopping Center. Variations of red apples are likely to be found on everything from hand-painted backpacks to jumpers and jeans.

"It's a crisp, clean look, I love it," said Diane Newell, owner of the Hansel and Gretel shop. Dresses in large, floral prints with full, flowing skirts that reach to three inches above the ankle are also an important item this year, she said.

Dresses echoing the baby-doll look -- high-waisted and often with long skirts -- are also making an impact in some stores. Longer skirts, some pleated, are seen more and more.

For boys, Hinton said, sweaters over shirts and matched with corduroy or cotton slacks makes for a neat look that just can't be beat.

"We're also seeing that layering is good," Kirn said. Vests, also strong this year, offer a pleasing alternative in the layered look.

Plus, Kirn added, "Some of the outerwear has a more rugged look to it."

That same rugged theme has a firm grip in the world of footwear too. When it comes to boots, "each year they just keep getting hotter and hotter," said Susan Leimbach, manager of Children's Bazaar Shoes. Granny boots are among the hot items. A newer style favored by boys and girls in a wide age range is the outdoorsy, bulky shoe or boot, she said.

When is it fine to pull on the bulky boot? "They're wearing them with everything," Leimbach said.

For times when boots may not be preferred, there are lots of other options like loafers, some with buckles and tassels, and lace-up suede shoes. When it comes to the unbeatable tennis shoe, characters like Bugs Bunny or Tweety Bird inject a lighter note from backgrounds of canvas and suede.

That popular outdoorsy look is also reflected in fall colors throughout many stores.

"Woodsy looks, earthy colors," are at the fashion forefront this year, Brazel said. Hunter green and burgundy spiced with colors called cinnamon, tobacco and paprika blend gracefully on clothing racks.

Hinton agrees that "the more classic colors," such as the earth tones and navy are good looks for this fall.

But, again, there's room for every personality. "Brighter colors are always popular in children's clothes," noted Kirn. "This past year, natural was a big color, and it's still good," she said, noting that teal, burgundy, turquoise and even hot pink are sure to brighten many closets this fall.

Results from a recent survey by T.J. Maxx, a Massachusetts-based off-price retailer indicate that kids are breaking fashion molds, mixing and matching basics to create ~looks that express who they are and how they want to be perceived.

The company assures wary parents that there are no fashion rules -- the more layers, textures, patterns and colors, the better.

Though only 6 years old, Lorrin Lynn likes to follow her fashion instincts.

"Lorrin is a fashion plate," her mother quips, adding, "she likes to go shopping, she has definite opinions on what she likes and doesn't like.

"She'll go from the ultra-athletic look to the feminine look, depending on whatever mood she's in that day."

Lorrin seems to already know what more and more parents will learn as they take to the stores this back-to-school season _ when it comes to fashion, fit and personality, just about anything goes.