The first day of school is always bittersweet, especially if you have a little girl. As much of a cliche as it is true: They really do grow up fast.

Before all of that, choosing a back-to-school outfit can be fun.

Mon Petit Chou owner Anne Marie Bergen says pink is the No. 1 colour. "Scientists believe (the preference for pink) to be based on evolution, in which females developed a preference for reddish colours associated with riper fruit and healthier faces," she says.

"We are also seeing this colour in bold, exaggerated stripes."

For back-to-school clothes, the hue ranges from rose to fuchsia, which Bergen says gives a blast of contrast when worn with dark basics.

Skirts are ultra feminine with knife pleats, tiered ruffles and wearable lengths. "For a funkier look in skirts, we are seeing dark washes and a hemline that ends just above the knee."

Lisa Hannam reports on fashion for The Hamilton Spectator. gostyle@thespec.com

Clothing from Mon Petit Chou, 300 King St. W., 905-521-9577 Brooke is from Vogue Models & Talent (Hamilton Burlington Toronto), 36 Hess St. S., 905-523-5077, and 433 Brant St., Burlington, 905-633-8182 Hair by Cameron Elder of McKinnon Hair Design, 111 Balsam Ave. S. Makeup by Cassandra Jack of Vivienne's Medi Spa, 574 Upper James St., 905-574-5568