Mickey Mouse tops are hip. So are patriotic prints. Hawaiian styles are the rage for summer.

But you won't see Heide Clume strutting those styles on walkways in Milan or New York.

When it comes to nursing attire, plain white scrubs just won't do for the fashion-conscious nurse. And Debbie Schosser says the name of her store -- Professional Whites Uniforms -- in Sharon is a misnomer.

"Everyone wants bright and colorful,'' she said. "You name it, you can get it nowadays,'' she said.

As she readied for Nursing Week, which begins today, Mrs. Schosser found that medical professionals are demanding chic fashions.

To be sure, traditional clothing such as scrubs, caps, shoes and socks are the heart of her business. But today's styles are keeping pace with vogue and pop culture.

That's in far contrast to the bland, heavily starched, all-white uniforms of the mid-20th century. A dark all-wool nurses' cape at the store, dating to 1950, was typical of the day.

Now, a scrub decked out with sophisticated navy blue can be seen hanging next to a Sesame Street version at the store.

Tastes vary among shoppers, which may be based partly on their employers. Hospitals may have dress codes for the entire building or require professionals in certain departments, such as the emergency room, to wear a particular color so they can be easily identified, Mrs. Schosser said.

Overall, Mrs. Schosser, finds men tend to gravitate to the basics -- solid whites or dark colors.

"Women color coordinate,'' Mrs. Schosser said.

Scrubs, which include a top and pants, generally are produced in unisex sizes.

"But they cater to women if you ask me,'' she said of scrub makers. "You see more styles and prints.''

Scrubs are treated with special chemicals which help to thwart stains such as blood. Most are in cotton-polyester blends so they don't have to be ironed.

Accessories are gaining in popularity such as penlights, watches and tote bags.

Disposable stethoscopes, geared for medical people who may have a patient with an infectious disease, is the latest hot seller. Other stethoscopes create their own fashion statements.

Stethoscope bells, the end of the device, now come decorated in motifs ranging from golf courses to paw prints. For those wanting a little pizzazz, glow-in-the-dark stethoscopes are available.

"It makes you want to go the hospital,'' Mrs. Schosser said.