Retro Prints and Happy Colours for Children at H&M

Spring / summer 2008 is fresh and fun for children at H&M.

The mood is carefree and natural - with a nod to the 70s.

Collections in soft cotton, poplin, jersey and denim, are made for summer days where picnic never ends.

"This season's children's collection is all about colours and comfort.

Great denim pieces with patterned or printed shirts and T-shirts are just what kids like to wear when it's all about being outdoors," says H&M's head of design Margareta van den Bosch.

Denim takes centre stage this season - from jeans (tight fit and hung with chains for boys; high-waisted and flared for girls), to softly structured shirt-dresses, button through A-line skirts, waistcoats and high-waisted shorts with cute patch pockets.

Fresh meadow flowers and outdoor neutrals form the basis of this season's happy colour palette, and offset all those denim blues in a breezy patchwork of hues.

A plain or striped tank top team with a cute drop-waist jersey dress in raspberry red, white and grey; or a soft check shirt dress in grass green and sunshine yellow.

Pastels are added to soften the palette - powder pink, turquoise and buttercup, from soft fine knits for boys, to a perfect a-line woven blouse and cute dresses for babies.