HINGHAM, Mass – July 11, 2006 – The look for back to school 2006 is all about layering, with lots of texture on texture and patterns mixed with surface texture, according to Talbots Fashion PR Director Betsy Thompson. "Kids head back to school mid summer through early September so they need clothes with a wear now/wear later sensibility. Cotton and performance-minded blends like bi-stretch clearly make the grade this fall. For girls, we're showing classic shapes updated with ruffle trims, appliqués, embroidery and other unique touches for a one-of-a-kind look, while our boys' line mixes impactful graphic with plaids, stripes and rugged details for a more outdoorsy feel."

Talbots Kids has identified the following must-haves for back to school 2006:

GIRLS

• Five-pocket cords in pink cheetah print
• High-low corduroy blazer
• Layered look sweater, tee or rugby
• Patched rugby shirt
• Tiered prairie skirt or colorful skort (a playground favorite)
• Denim gaucho
• Leggings
• Key fabrics: corduroy, embroidered denim, vintage stretch denim, bi-stretch
• Must-have shades: pink and purple with accents of lime and light aqua

• Football Varsity jacket
• Utility or cargo pants
• Classic rugby or polo shirt (layered over tee)
• Plaid sportshirt (layered over a tee or polo)
• Layered-look tee featuring engineered screenprints or lifelike graphics
• Key fabrics: corduroy, canvas, stain resistant twill, wrinkle resistant cotton, sandblasted denim
• Must-have colors: navy, red and vintage grey with pops of gold, yellow and green.

TALBOTS KIDS DRESS CODE OPTIONS
GIRLS

• Pleated skirts and skorts in solid colors or jewel-tone plaids
• Tees and blouses with traditional Peter Pan collars
• Cotton cardigans
• Schoolgirl jumpers in plush cord or woven plaid
• Quilted jacket with plaid lining
• Stretch twill pants
• Cable knee socks and flat knit tights

• Cotton turtlenecks and polo shirts
• Wrinkle- and stain-resistant cotton pants
• Pleated uniform shorts
• Varsity and argyle sweater vests
• Wrinkle-resistant dress shirts
• Zipper and traditional silk ties
• All season navy blazer

Specialty retailer Talbots Kids offers a distinctive collection of clothes for play, school and dress-up occasions. Girls' fashions are available in sizes 2-8 and 7-20, including a selection of styles in slim sizes 7-14. Boys' apparel is available in sizes 2-7X and 8-20, as well as 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 available through Talbots Kids stores nationwide, catalog (1-800-543-7123) and online at talbots.com.