Our kids’ clothes drawers are full of variety, from the play clothes we let them wear in the sandbox to the outfits that make us cross our fingers and pray oh-please-don’t-spill-spaghetti-on-that.

No matter which clothes we throw on our kids before we head out the door, trends can easily be integrated throughout their wardrobes. I was curious to know, now that we’re just weeks away from summer, what are the biggest trends in kids’ clothes this season? So I turned to Abbey Francis of 3 Monkeys Children’s Boutique in Town and Country to get her take on what’s in fashion.

• The top colors for summer? According to Francis, they’re bold and bright. “Purple is hot!” she said via e-mail. Fresh colors, like mint green, soft pink and brown, as well as bold animal prints are musts.
• Layers are big once again this season. “The girls love to wear their dresses over jeans or leggings. And hey, moms, what a great way to stretch your dollar because you get two ‘looks’ with one purchase!”
• Another great look for the summer has a theatrical twist. “The little fashionistas love, love, love the tutus,” said Francis. “Look around at the mall or on the school playground, and you will see these fun, festive must-have tutus!”
• Even though trends come and go, it’s important to always remember kids crave comfort so they move around without confinement. “ALL boys love loose and comfy. Don’t forget about those favorite brands of jeans.”

No matter which of these fun trends you choose for your little ones this summer, they can look fashionable and feel comfortable right into autumn.

By Nicole Plegge, Lifestyle Blogger for SmartParenting