School is around the corner, and for fashion-forward moms, one of the best things about August is hitting the shops for fall clothes and backpacks.
   
This year, stores will be teeming with bright colors and big prints, denim and soft fabrics that don’t require kids to sacrifice comfort for style. Have fun picking out your favorite back-to-school look!

Flower girl
Your daughter can start the school year off right in a cotton dress that is as cute as it is comfortable. Layer it with tights on cooler autumn days, and pair it with cute clogs and a matching backpack, all by Hanna Andersson.

> “Seeing Flowers” dress by Hanna Andersson, $43.50, sizes 80-160
> “Be Right Backpack” by Hanna Andersson, $29.50
> “Flower Path” clogs by Hanna Andersson, $54.50, sizes 25-37
> Classic loose tights, $18 ($14 until Aug. 17), sizes 60-160

Stripes and dinos
Boys will be comfortable and stylish with a striped tee and cords from retailer Hanna Andersson, which also designs backpacks and lunch bags to match its clothes.

> “Be Right Backpack” by Hanna Andersson, $29.50
> “Beefy Big-Stripe Tee,” $27.50 ($22 until Aug. 17), sizes 80-160
> Cords by Hanna Andersson, $37.50 ($30 until
Aug. 17), sizes 80-160
> Waterproof Z-Raps by Merrell, $48.50, sizes 10-5

Hanna Andersson is available online or in Orange County at Fashion Island in Newport Beach. hannaandersson.com

Hello, snails!
A snail has never looked cuter than on this pair of embellished jeans and adorable long-sleeve T-shirt from designer Erin Murphy’s line, Baby Lulu.

> “Holli Tee” by Baby Lulu, $36.50 for sizes 2-4T, 4-6X and 7-10
> “Snail Jean” by Baby Lulu, $68.50 for sizes12-24 months, 2T-4T and 4-6x.
> “Hello Kitty” lunch box by FAB/Starpoint, $9.99

Baby Lulu is carried in select Orange County and Inland Empire retailers, including Bergstroms, Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus. This outfit is available for purchase at Red Balloon, 1829 Westcliff Drive in Newport Beach. babylulu.com, fabny.com

Rebel rouser
Your preschooler’s sense of humor can shine in fun shirts by Haute Boyz, founded by two Orange County moms who were tired of striking out when looking for hip clothes for little boys. Pair them with basic denim by the Gap for a comfy look.

> “No to Naps” long-sleeve thermal camo by Haute Boyz, $32,
sizes 12 months-6T
> “Too Cool for Preschool” T-shirt by Haute Boyz, $28, sizes 12 months-6T
> Toddler “Carpenter Jeans” by Gap, $24.50, sizes 12-18 months to 5 years
> “Hulk” lunch box by FAB/Starpoint, $9.99

Haute Boyz is available at select Orange County retailers. hauteboyz.com, gap.com, fabny.com

Take a heart break
The company best known for underwear and cotton T-shirts also offers a clothing line with reasonable prices for parents on a budget.

> Long-sleeve butterfly tee by Hanes, $10, sizes XS (4/5)–(XL) 14/16
> Heart print hoodie by Hanes, $10, sizes XS (4/5)–(XL) 14/16
> Denim mini-skirt by GapKids, $24.50, sizes 4-18
> Kid’s Scute in fuchsia/cotton candy by Crocs, $24.99
> Superbreak backpack in “world of hearts” print by JanSport, $45

Hanes Kids is available online and at Wal-Mart, JC Penney, Kohl’s, Sears, Target and Mervyns. hanes.com, gap.com, crocs.com, Jansport.com

Kelly St. John Regier is a contributing writer.