Parents and young people usually have a hard time buying new children's clothes, between fashion trends, growth spurts and staying within budget.

They can take comfort in the fact a lot of summer items -- like long "convertible" pants with zippers above and below the knees to turn them into shorts or three-quarter-length pants, or shirts with three-quarter-length sleeves -- will carry kids right into winter.

Or try adding a key piece -- like a polar fleece vest -- to update and add warmth to a summer look that may include a long-sleeved crewneck T-shirt over cotton twill pants.

"In the industry we recognize summer can carry on into October, so we look at items that serve a (multi-season) purpose," says Carla Goerner, director of buying for Northern Getaway, which has 115 stores across Canada carrying boys' and girls' clothes in sizes five to 14.

"There are some pretty practical things happening in fashion, which is a change." Along with vests, also ideal for both cool summer nights and chilly fall days are mid-weight jackets or fleece hooded zip-front "kangaroo" jackets.

Denim is the one solid piece that remains a must for 2000. At the 19 La Senza Girl stores across Canada, denim is highlighted because of a survey of young shoppers under age 14 indicating it's the must-have piece for a school debut.

For girls, a key look from last year that still remains popular is bohemian-style (hippie-look) dark denim flared-leg pants that are either plain or embellished with embroidery, patchwork or hand-panting. That means kids who outgrew a denim pant from last year can hand it down to a younger sister, thus saving money while staying in step with fashion.

Because tweens (kids between 8 and 14) aim for individuality, denim comes in a variety of makes -- including bohemian, the traditional five-pocket style updated with trims in both velvet and crochet, a bootleg cut or with a drawstring waist, says Mirella Di Blasio, La Senza Girl's fashion director.

"Girls tell us that even though they like to fit in and have a similar style as their friends, it's important for them to have some sense of individuality," says Di Blasio. More and more, girls are also into unisex dressing, notes Goerner. Because the zipped-leg pants are only available for boys at Northern Getaway, girls pick them up too, she adds.

Following are some other popular winter looks:

Girls

• Tops with distressed collegiate prints for a preppy look, or with cartoon characters or wild stripes.
• The trendy layering piece is the poncho, in wild colours like turquoise, red and shocking pink.
• Head scarves in felt or crochet with flower appliques.
• Plastic leather (pleather) jackets and pants.
• Accessories such as feathered necklaces and beaded or fringed belts.

Boys

• Cotton tops screened with athletic-inspired images.
• Nylon windsuits that are colour-blocked.
• Orange is the top accent colour this season, with red also in for boys.