Kids are born with a certain innate ability to pull off looks that would land grown-ups right in the Fashion Don'ts Hall of Fame. Missing front teeth on an adult? Creepy. On a kid? Adorable. They can get away with mixing patterns, wearing things that fit strangely, and sporting thoroughly inappropriate footwear -- while still being totally cute.

Eventually, though, that inner sense of what looks good changes, and too often becomes a wish to be just like everybody else.

How can we, as parents, help our kids hold on to that delightful sense of individuality, while nudging their choices more into the realm of what most people would consider appropriate?

It's time to break out the debit card and hit the stores, because back to school shopping time is upon us. And that means investing in good-quality, basic clothes that will stand up to your kids' active lives.

Some people suggest not buying a lot until after the first day of class, especially if your child will be at a new school and gets the chance to take in the prevailing fashion trends. While that's good advice, certain back to school basics will always be in fashion. Here's our guide to the must-haves:

Since the earliest days, Hollywood has set the trends for America. We want Jennifer Aniston's hair, Lindsay Lohan's dress, and whatever else we see our favorite stars shining in on any given day. In recent years, however, it's Hollywood's kids and their fashion choices that have been in the spotlight.

Now, more than ever before, the toddlers and tweens of Tinseltown are hip, happenin', and making best dressed lists right beside their parents. Here are five of the hottest kids in Hollywood that your kids (or you) may be looking to for fashion inspiration.

Should you let your kids dress themselves -- for school or otherwise? To me, the answer to this one is, "Why wouldn't you?" If they're old enough to have an opinion, they're old enough to choose their look.

Of course, letting my kids pick their outfits is pretty easy for me -- one child chooses clothes based on how they feel and what picture is on the front while the other wears a uniform to school nine months out of the year, so her choices are limited. When she can choose her own, she's old enough to ask if it's short or long sleeve weather and choose (mostly) accordingly.

The toddler years are a fabulous time for fashion conscious moms. Why? Well, before long, your kid will be insisting on picking out her own clothes -- and there's no telling what will end up on her back. (Chances are, you won't like it.)

That's why it's so important to instill a basic fashion sense now, while you still can. With any luck, once she gets that green mohawk phase out of her system, she'll go back to the classics she was raised wearing.

Here are the essential pieces every stylish toddler needs in her closet ...

There's nothing cuter than a sharp-dressed kid waiting for the school bus. Maybe you're attached to last year's threads, but it's time to take a look at what's coming down the fashion pike for kids this fall. Hanging around Los Angeles just in time for the back-to-school looks to show themselves, I've discovered some super fun and stylish looks to inspire your back-to-school shopping.

Here are five looks that I've seen around town that will be sweeping the nation as soon as that first bell rings.

All the time I've spent lying awake at night, agonizing over which Kardashian is my favorite ... at last, my choice is clear! Mason Dash Disick is my absolute fave Kardashian, hands-down.

Just look at the kid! Out shopping with mom Kourtney Kardashian in Calabasas, little Mason has already mastered the art of effortless cool.

Exhibit A: That flipped-up collar on his crisp white polo!

Not every man can pull that one off without looking like he's trying too hard, but Mason wears it so well, you'd think he started the trend himself.

(I think that tousled blond 'do has something to do with it.)

And that's not even the most impressive style feat Mason is accomplishing here ...

As a mother of four, Brooke Burke has learned a thing or two about kid-friendly fun in the summertime. Take a look at this pic of Burke and her 5-year-old daughter Heaven Rain getting ready to hit the beach near their home in Malibu: These bathing beauties are well-prepared!

Preparation is the key to having a fab family day at the beach. I know, you used to be good to go with a pair of sunglasses and a bikini top, but you'll need to tack a few more essential items onto your packing list now that you've got tots. Still, as Burke proves, you can be fully stocked without going overboard.

First thing to jump out at me in this shot ... tissues! Now, as you most likely already know, tissues come in handy no matter where you're going with your kids, but this is especially true of the beach. There are countless beach-related crises that a tissue can fix: Salt water up somebody's nose, sunscreen in somebody's eye, hands that are too sandy to eat a sandwich. Don't leave home without 'em!