MANILA, Philippines ? Who doesn?t remember the ritual of mother and child preparing for the first day of school?

Notebooks, pencil boxes, school bags, uniforms, weekend outfits including new underwear, socks and shoes-when it comes to buying them today, the rules are more relaxed. Kids are now often asked their opinion on matters of style, comfort and wearability within the realistic restrictions of price tags.

In this PDI exclusive, we asked Rustan's to arrange for three of their favorite clients who have children in various stages of dressing up for school to show how the process of browsing, deciding and wearing come to fruition.

Margs Lopez with son Mio and daughter Taty

What percentage would you say your kids have in terms of deciding their own look?

For Mio, I would say 50 percent. For Taty, I say 80 percent. Most of the time she knows what she wants and cannot be convinced to wear something else once she's decided.

What style factors do you consider when choosing clothes for them?

Design is No. 1, but I don't believe in too-trendy pieces. I prefer them classic, timeless, so they can be worn again and again. Next is comfort and wearability, last is durability.

Do you follow a budget when shopping for your kids' clothes?

There always is. I have a certain range in mind for certain categories of their wardrobe. It's not a big budget to begin with.

What items do your kids wear for relaxed weekends and the rainy season?

For Mio, linen shorts paired with a sleeveless tee with sandals. For Taty, dainty sundresses with sandals. For the rainy season, not very different from what they usually wear since it gets very humid. But they do like to match their outfits with boots when it rains.

What are their usual complaints or concerns when it comes to buying clothes?

Fortunately, I have not heard any complaints from Mio. With Taty, she dislikes the colors brown and black. Mio already communicates so well so he is able to say what he prefers and likes to wear. With Taty, I can tell it's her favorite when she says "it's the same as mama's."

How do you teach your kids good grooming, discipline and a sense of style?

I believe that sense of style is inherent-it cannot be taught or imposed. We don't impose but rather encourage them to dress up according to what makes them feel comfortable and good about themselves.

Ruby Gan with son Ralphel

Raphael is an incoming Creative Writing freshman at the University of the Philippines-Diliman. The 18-year-old is also a member of the UP Judo Varsity Team.

Who chooses your son's outfits-you or him?

Basically, I let my son choose his own clothes. When he has more than one choice, I help him narrow them down. Like, for instance, he was eyeing three pairs of pants: one loose linen, one skinny black and another skinny cobalt. I naturally chose the cobalt because it is the color of the moment. The loose linen pants and the black ones are staples, so they will always be there.

What style factors do you consider when choosing clothes for him?

Comfort and wearability are tops. Design and durability come in close second. If it is comfortable with my son, then that's a go.

Do you follow a budget when shopping for your son's clothes?

We do not buy a lot of items because my aunts buy him (and his brother) a lot of shirts and shoes whenever they shop here and abroad. But if we do, we buy things that are reasonably priced.

What does he wear for relaxed weekends and the rainy season?

For relaxed weekends, he'd go for ordinary shirt, shorts or pants, shoes or flip-flops. For rainy season, waterproof jacket, shoes, ordinary shirt, pants.

What are his usual complaints or concerns when it comes to buying clothes?

He often asks if he can pair something with other clothes, or what other colors can it go with.

How do you teach your kid good grooming, discipline and a sense of style?

I tell him that cleanliness is tops! Shave, wear cologne and deodorize. Nails should also be trimmed.

Maritel Nievera with son Dion and daughter Frances

Frances, 16, is a sophomore at ISM. Dion, 5, is in Prep School at the Ateneo.

Who decides on the clothes of your son and daughter?

For Dion, I decide since he is only 5 years old, while Frances, being a teenager, is allowed to choose her own style.

What style factors do you consider when choosing clothes for them?

Comfort, wearability, durability and design.

Do you follow a budget when shopping for their clothes?

Yes, and it gets smaller this year due to recession.

What items do your kids wear for relaxed weekends and the rainy season?

Comfortable and light-colored clothes.

What are their usual complaints or concerns when it comes to buying clothes?

For Frances, she always reminds me that her style is different from my own style. For Dion, since he is only 5 years old, he prefers clothes with printed superheroes.

How do you teach your kids good grooming, discipline and a sense of style?

I instill in them the value of cleanliness all over, being well-mannered in front of people, how to dress up properly and how to carry themselves.