Talbots Kids
Trend Preview and Must-have Picks

School just got out or so it feels but those yellow buses will be back in action soon.  For parents and kids, back-to-school shopping presents that moment in time to ask what's needed, what fits and what's on everyone's must-have lists.  Talbots Kids is addressing these questions with a collection of clothes reflecting a combination of influences
part preppy, part sporty and with a few re-mixes from the 80s and 70s.  Layered and faux layered looks are tops on kids
shopping lists and earn high grades from parents for their wear now, wear later value. 

The theme this year has an all-american vibe that's grounded by great basics that are functional and mix with ease,
says Betsy Thompson, Talbots Kids fashion spokesperson.  But basic is far from ordinary thanks to special touches, great colors and clean shapes.  For girls watch for the unexpected and well-placed accent to keep things fresh and on trend.  Boys will be boys in clothes that convey lived-in ease without being messy or stuffy.

According to Talbots Kids, the key trends for back-to-school include:

URBAN PREP

For girls:  corduroy city shorts in bright pink, navy, green or caramel embroidered with horses; argyle and cable cardigans, crisp white shirts and quilted jackets

For boys:  classic polos worn alone, layered together or over a tee; return of the navy crewneck; argyle sweater vests worn over tattersal plaid shirts or crisp oxfords, corduroy pants, timeless khakis and twill shorts. 

JOCK

For girls:  faux layered hoodies, tees and henleys; velour or French-terry jackets with matching pants.

For boys:  layered look polos and tees: rugby stripe sweaters, and varsity themed tees and sweatshirts. 

80s YOUTHQUAKE (inspired by St. Elmo's Fire, Flashdance, Fame)

For girls:  menswear vests, leggings, dancer skirts, shrunken hoodies and rock n
roll boots (worn with fun tights).

70s REVIVAL (reminiscent of Ali McGraw in Love Story)

For girls:  patchwork corduroy skirts; long belted sweaters; ribbed turtlenecks; graphic florals; lots of corduroy and other East Coast college classics. 

MUST-hAVE UPDATES FOR GIRLS

• Shrunken sweater or denim jacket
• City shorts
• Menswear vest
• Stretch leggings (to wear with a skirt)
• Layered or layered-look tops
• Classic jeans
  straight but not skinny
• Equestrian motifs, animal prints, 70s florals
• Bright pink, grass green, hot chocolate and navy plus accents in violet, tangerine, aqua and caramel

MUST-hAVES FOR BOYS

• Layered-look polo or tee
• Denim jacket with corduroy collar
• Crewneck sweater, solid or striped
• Plaid shirt
• Varsity team motifs, stripes, easy care fabrics
• Navy, hunter green, deep olive, burgundy with accents in orange, red and sky blue

About Talbots Kids

Talbots Kids offers classic, well-made clothing for boys, girls, infants and toddlers.  Marked by child-friendly colors, feel good-easy care fabrics and distinctive styling details, the private-label assortment includes clothes for class, play and dressier occasions.  Girls
fashions are available in sizes 2-8 (little) and 7-20, including a selection of styles in slim sizes 2-14. Boys' apparel is available in sizes 2-7X (little) and 8-20, also with a selection of styles in slim sizes 2-14.  In addition, Talbots Kids offers soft, high quality clothing for babies in sizes ranging from newborn to 24 months. Talbots Kids merchandise is sold in 66 Talbots Kids stores nationwide and nationally through catalog (1-800-543-7123) and online at www.talbots.com