How to Outfit a Child for Back to School

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

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

3. Make a list.

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

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. Choose two mid-weight sweaters or sweatshirts.

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

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.

Who Can Help:

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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.

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.

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.

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!

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.