How to Save Money on Back to School Clothes

Sending kids back to school means having to buy back to school clothes. Without a doubt, this is one of the biggest expenses parents face throughout the school year. It’s not uncommon to spend $500 or more on back to school clothes--for one child. If you have more than one child, the expense of buying back to school clothes can seem outrageous. Luckily, there are steps you can follow to save money.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Start shopping early. Many stores start having back to school sales in late July. This means you can break down the expense and buy a few pieces each week. Sales also allow you to save money on basic pieces that every child needs, such as socks and underwear.

2. Take advantage of the no-tax holiday. If your state offers a no-tax holiday, do all your back to school shopping during the holiday. You will be able to save money not only on back to school clothes, but supplies as well. Many stores will even offer sales during the holiday so that you can save even more money.

3. Shop in department stores. Department stores now offer fashionable styles. This means that you will be happy because you’re saving money and your children will be happy with their cool clothes. Department stores really do offer a win/win situation for all parties involved.

4. Choose pieces that can make multiple outfits. Even if you choose to shop in clothing stores, there is a way to save money on back to school clothes. All you need to do is make sure your children choose pieces that can be used to make more than one outfit. For example, shirts can be matched with skirts and jeans to create two different looks.

5. Avoid overly trendy clothing. No matter how many times your children swear they’ll wear trendy pieces, don’t give in. Buying overly trendy clothing can result in going back to the store after school has started. All it takes is a giggle from another student and a trendy piece is pushed to the back of the closet.

6. Head to high quality thrift or consignment stores and get some basic items, such as jeans, sweaters, cardigans, denim skirts and other basic pieces. Then spend money on more unique signature pieces elsewhere.

7. Have fun with last year’s clothing. One of the easiest ways to save money on back to school clothes is to recycle last year’s clothing. You can make designs on the clothing using bleach. You can even tie dye old T-shirts. Allow your children to have fun and they’ll be less concerned about buying new back to school clothes.

Tips & Warnings

• Basic pieces, such as T-shirts and jeans, can be mixed and matched to create multiple outfits.
• Don’t allow young children to bleach or tie-dye clothes on their own.

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