How To

How to Outfit a Child for Back to School

By eHow Fashion, Style & Personal Care Editor
Rate: (12 Ratings)

Children want to fit in with their peers, be comfortable and keep up with the latest fashions. Keep these things in mind when going back-to-school shopping.

Difficulty: Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Athletic Shoes
  • Boy's Dress Shoes
  • Child's Backpack
  • Children's Clothes
  • Girl's Dress Shoes
  • Hair Accessories
  • Kids/children Raincoat
  • Warm Jackets
  • School Supplies
  • Athletic Gear
  • Backpacks
  1. Step 1

    Discuss clothes, taste and style before you hit the stores or catalogs.

  2. Step 2

    Create a budget and let your child know approximately what you're looking for and how much you can spend.

  3. Step 3

    Make a list.

  4. Step 4

    Decide on three pairs of pants you can wash easily: jeans, khakis and leggings for girls are great choices. Overalls are especially durable and popular with kids.

  5. Step 5

    Select three to five shirts that go with the pants and can be layered. Rugby shirts, button-downs and knit shirts will be versatile.

  6. Step 6

    Pick up a few basic T-shirts for everyday wear, to be worn alone or as undershirts.

  7. Step 7

    Select two skirts or dresses for her and something a bit dressier than jeans and a T-shirt for him. Picture day or field trips sometimes require it.

  8. Step 8

    Choose two mid-weight sweaters or sweatshirts.

  9. Step 9

    Buy two pairs of shoes: the requisite sneakers and a pair of loafers or other dressier shoes.

  10. Step 10

    Purchase a heavy coat and snow or rain gear as needed.

Tips & Warnings
  • Encourage the kids to pick out a few things that are frivolous and trendy. Accessories or the latest fad in pants or tops won't break the budget and will go a long way toward making your child happy.
  • Don't forget other essentials such as lunch boxes or lunch bags, pencils, pens, paper or notebooks. If you're not sure what your child will need, ask for a list from the teacher on the first day of school.
  • Be conservative in spending money on kids' clothes. Kids grow fast, styles change and sweatshirts get lost.

Comments  

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 If your child is going to a new school, make sure you know what type of clothing is allowed or not.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 I have a 17-year-old daughter with champagne tastes and a beer budget. She goes to upscale neighborhood thrift and resale shops and finds all of her name-brand clothes for half the price. I'm proud of her can-do attitude.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 8/6/2007 Set up a revolving account with a children's Consignment store; those items which your children have outgrown (and are still in good condition), may be re-sold. When you collect your money, put it towards other near-new pieces you may find in the store.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 Stock up now for next year (or midyear) on the basics - pens, pencils, folders, notebooks, binders; midyear some of these items are hard to find, plus more expensive!

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 As your kids get older, if you find yourself arguing about appropriate prices, try giving them a budget or allowance. Say they can buy whatever they want within that budget - then they can make their own choices about quantity versus quality.

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