In the middle of a sweltering summer, there’s only one thing a Southern California kid wants to wear: shorts! Pair them with tank tops for girls, or muscle T-shirts for boys. Either way, retailers are offering up plenty of options to stay cool this July.

Anita G
A stylish, fitted tank top and cotton shorts from Anita G’s Girlfriends collection are a cute and casual choice for sizzling summer afternoons.

> Embellished rib tank top, $22
Available in sizes 2T-14
> Boxer short in “Cool Swirl” print, $16
Available in sizes 2T-14

Available online and through select retailers. See anitag.com for more information.

Old Navy Girls
A loose cami with Mexican-inspired embroidery is a comfy choice for hot
summer months. Match it with a pair of cute denim shorts and metallic sandals, a must-have for this season!

> Embroidered cami, $16.50
Available in sizes 5-16
> Girls front-seam denim shorts, $16.50
Available in sizes 5-16
> Criss-cross strap sandals in silver, $12.50
Available in sizes 1/2  to 12/13

See oldnavy.com for store locations.

Mulberribush
Bright stripes and a sweet flower embellishment make this halter top and matching shorts by boutique clothier Mulberribush a fashion standout for little girls and toddlers.

> Pink- and yellow-stripe halter top with flower embellishment, $24-$25
Available in sizes 2T-4T and 4-6X
> Dark-pink twill pocket short, $25-$26
Available in sizes 2T-4T and 4-6X

Available at select retailers: Hush Baby in Ladera Ranch, Little Boy Chic in Aliso Viejo, Rascals to Rebels in Huntington Beach, Raspberry & Sage in Huntington Beach, Lucy Max in Laguna Beach, Magnolia Charlie on Balboa Island, Small Talk in Laguna Niguel, Molly’s Garden in Fountain Valley and Frogs, Snails, Puppy Tails in Laguna Hills.

See mulberribush.com for more information.

Old Navy Boys
Who says that looking good should cost a fortune? A little guy can flex his fashion
muscles in fun cargo print shorts and an affordable muscle tee from Old Navy,
without breaking the bank.

> Boys graphic muscle tees in Dark Chocolate and Heather Oatmeal, $5
Available in sizes XS-XXL
> “Brown Wave” boys envelope-pocket cargo shorts, $16.50
Available in sizes 5-18

Available at Old Navy. See oldnavy.com for store locations.

etnies
A boy who wants to beat the summer heat while staying skater-cool can pair  dune shorts with a light-colored T-shirt, both by etnies. Pair them with a cap to shade the sun and sandals to kick off when he wants to feel the grass between his toes.

> etnies Kids Japan Tee, $15.99
Available in sizes S, M, L and XL
> etnies Kids dune shorts, $47.99
Available in sizes 8-18
> etnies Kids Facile sandals, $21.99
Available in child sizes 10-6
> Kids Underscore hat, $23.99

Available at select retailers. See shop locator at etnies.com for more information.

Kelly St. John Regier is a contributing writer to OC Family magazine.