During this summer, your kids have probably shot up another two inches and their clothes from last year got most likely all ruined from the playground and all the running and playing they have done. Do you know what this means? It means that they now need to buy new items and it is time for back to school shopping! Here are all the tips you need to know for getting the best back to school outfits that will save you money and make them happy.
Young Girls Trying On Clothes via shutterstock.com
1. Do a wardrobe inventory
Take one afternoon to check your children’s wardrobes to see what clothes are ruined and which ones do not fit them anymore and spot the gaps that you will need to fill with your back to school shopping. If something is just a little bit ruined, it is not necessary that you through it away but you can just repair it or have it repaired. If it does not fit but it’s in great conditions you can either sell it or do a clothing swap.
2. Plan in advance
Browse websites and catalogs to see what this year’s back to school fashion is and what your children like. In choosing the clothes that you are going to buy, keep in mind also any dress code that you children might have. Then you can write down a list of everything that you need and plan a budget based on that.
3. Strategically time your shopping trip
Buy only the bare minimum your children really need before the school starts, when the prices are much higher, but wait for the sales that will be after the school has started to buy the rest. In this way you will save a lot of money!
4. Don’t forget the underwear
If they have grown a few inches they have probably outgrown also their underwear or it might have gotten ruined in the past year. Buy new sets of underwear for each child so it will all last for another year.
Basic Back to School Clothes via examiner.com
5. Focus on the basics
Try to avoid going for trendy and expensive items that your children will probably wear only a few times and then never look at them again, but focus instead on buying them basic separates that you can mix and match and wear with anything. Look for practical back to school outfits that can be worn at all seasons. Allow them only a couple of trendy items to make them happy and excited about going back to school. The best place to shop for back to school clothes is probably Target, because it has lots of basics, uniforms and also some trendy items. Plus, you can save money using the Target Coupon.
6. Try out second hand clothing stores
Thrift stores, charity shops or garage sales are the best places to go and look for back to school clothes. You can make some real deals in these places. Just make sure that the clothes you are buying don’t have stains and are not ripped. Another great place to find amazing deals is of course also eBay!
7. Use back to school coupons
You can find all sorts of coupons on the internet, from the 6PM coupon to the Famous Footwear coupon. You can save a lot of money by using them and especially if you combine coupons with sales. Find out some other ways to save money on back to school costs here.
So, now that you know how to plan your shopping trip and what to buy, here are some practical back to school outfits that you can use as inspiration for dressing your children.
From 4 to 6 years old
Girl: a cute floral dress can be super versatile because your little girl will be able to wear it from fall to spring with ease, simply by adding a pair of thick black pantyhose, some rain boots and a colorful waterproof anorak on top. She will stay dry during the rainy period and, if it is really cold, you can also add a long sleeve top underneath.
Cherokee Dress ($14.39) at Target, Appaman Anorak ($39.99) at 6PM, Western Chief Boots ($19.99) at 6PM, Pantyhose ($2.78) at BuyInCoins
Boy: also for the boy a dry back to school outfit, with a pair of loose fitting and comfortable jeans, some rain boots, a waterproof jacket and a cool short-sleeve shirt. Prefect for fall and spring, but also for winter with a warm sweater on top.
Shaun Shirt ($12.99) at Target, Wrangler Jeans ($10.99) at Target, Western Chief Boots ($22.99) at 6PM, Patagonia Jacket ($55.99) at 6PM
From 7 to 10 years old
Girl: a preppy school uniform outfit is what your girl needs, so go for a classic dress over a button up white shirt and a pair of boots. Cover it all with a super cute trench coat.
Cherokee Dress ($16.99) at Target, Cherokee Shirt ($12.99) at Target, Kids Go Next Boots ($30) at Famous Footwear, Biscotti Trench Coat ($69.99) at 6PM
Boy: a school uniform outfit also for your boy, with a classic light blue shirt, a pair of dark pants, a sweater vest and a pair of practical shoes.
Cherokee Shirt ($14.99) at Target, Cherokee Pants ($16.99) at Target, K-Swiss Shoes ($42.99) at Famous Footwear, French Toast Sweater Vest ($10.99) at Target
From 11 to 12 years old
Girl: at this age your girl will probably want to feel more grown up and the uniform clothes are not so good anymore. A pair of skinny jeans, a casual t-shirt with some sparkle and a pair of comfy and trandy boots are all she needs. She can also stat carrying around a nice bag to hold everything she needs for school.
EMU Boots ($63.20) at 6pm, D-Signed Top ($14.99) at Target, Cherokee Jeans ($14.99) at Target, Mossimo Supply Co. Bag ($29.99) at Target
Boy: same goes for your boy, who will wont something a bit more casual and sporty. A pair of Converse in this case are perfect, worn with some jeans and a polo t-shirt.
U.S. Polo Assn Polo Shirt ($14.40) at 6PM, Cherokee Jeans ($16.99) at Target, Converse Shoes ($21.99) at Famous Footwear
Do you have kids? What are you going to get them for when they will be going back to school? Tell me your comments and share this article also with your friends!
