This is a re-post from a previous year.
Shopping for school clothes doesn’t have to break the budget. In order to buy fewer back-to-school clothes and save money, I did this little project with my daughter. Before heading out to take advantage of the “Back to School” sales, try this and you might find you don’t need as much as you think.
Inventory the closet. Find out what still fits and is in good condition.
Fix anything that needs a repair, missing button, etc.
Create outfits out of what is left. Match tops and bottoms together. I lay everything out on the floor then write down what needs a top or a sweater, etc. I do the same when I go through an adult’s closet.
Make a list of what you need. I found that after we put some outfits together, my list shrunk. Yeah! We really only needed one pair of pants, some new tees, and a cardigan. She can wear sandals until the end of September, then we’ll buy some closed toe shoes and new boots. Remember we have our best weather in the Northwest in September. They can even wear their shorts into October.
Going through these steps made me realize that Taylor didn’t need as much as I thought she did. Instead we filled the holes in her closet. When all was said and done, I only purchased a $15 pair of bright blue jeans and a leopard-print cardigan from Children’s Place.
To make mornings easier, take pictures of different outfits options. We are going to make a collage to hang in the closet so my daughter knows what goes together. Some of you might think this is borderline crazy, but I think it will make mornings run smoother and outfits come together faster!
Tara Poulsen, from Savvy Style NW, is a personal stylist and wardrobe consultant. Her goal is to educate woman on how to dress for their body type and lifestyle while being mindful of their budget.
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Just did this with my boys. They each still have six pairs of jeans and six t-shirts and one good church outfit each. Done. Heh, heh, heh…
The collage idea fantastic! Pinned.
The photo idea is clever!
We need to simplify what we buy. But, to ease the morning routine, I bought the hanging sweater/outfit organizers with 7 sections. On Sundays, we pick out all of the outfits, plus any sports/extracurricular outfits they may need afterschool (shoes, hair accessories and all). Then, in the morning, they simply go to the section for that day and pull everything out that they need.
Here are a few of the things that have worked for my family:
1) Wait to the last minute (labor day weekend sales!)
2) Use your reward coupons (American Eagle gave us 30%). In the past, we have bought nearly everything my daughter needed for back to school with the extra 30% off of the sales and deals like buy one get one 50% off. This has saved us a ton of dough (American Eagle are the only jeans that fit her!) This year, we just let ours expire as my daughter went back to college and needed dorm items more than tops & jeans.
3) Get the free panty from Victoria’s Secret (coupon comes in the mail) and buy the “pink” panties (5 for $25). But buy the bras at the Maidenform outlet in Troutdale or Lincoln City. My daughter is 19 and has taught this trick to her girlfriends who can’t believe all of the fancy/colorful bras she has as they have only a couple because they paid $45-$50 a piece at VS! Maidenform outlets also have a reward/punch card that gives you an extra 15% off your purchase one it’s filled. Several months ago, she bought 4 bras for $28 with the filled punch card!
4) Use your connections…if a friend’s mom works at a clothing/sportswear mfg. company. Ask them to pick up specific items on the employee discount. Just make sure that you pay up front or immediately after they pick up the item. Years ago, we had access to Avia and bought plenty of shoes and clothing for friends and colleagues.
Kay Lyn
I do a couple things. I started buying Gift Cards at the places I like to shop.. $20 each pay check, so when it’s time to go school shopping I don’t have to come up with ALL the money at once. Then I shop all throughout the summer and ONLY go to the Clearance racks. a couple weeks ago I went to H&M and for my 10 year old son got 4 pairs of pants 4 shirts, and a hoodie, all for only $37!! (Pants & Hoodie were $5 each, and all the shirts including a white button up dress shirt were $3!)
To save time in the morning, I got a hanging shoe rack from IKEA, and when I fold the clothes I put a pair of pants and a shirt together, and then put one outfit in each pocket. Then all he has to do is pick one square, and then add the socks and underwear. He loves it as much as I do! He still get’s to Pick, and I still get to make sure it matches!
I have been wanting to do the picture idea for my own closet!
To save some money, I buy the summer clearance for the next year so I don’t have to pay the regular or the “sale” price.
I love the picture idea! My daughter is 6 and her outfits are out there – horizontal striped shirt with vertical striped pants and hoodie that completely clashes.