As if school supplies weren't expensive enough, there's the cost of school clothes on top of it. New fashions can mean spending big bucks if you're not careful. Even if you don't have a lot of money to spend, it doesn't mean your child has to go without stylish clothes. There are several ways to stock your child's closet while still keeping money in your wallet.
Host a clothing swap
Get a bunch of your child's friends together to have a clothing swap. It's a great way to get rid of clothes your kids don't want while getting new clothes for free. Make it fun for everyone by turning it into a party with the kids and their parents.
Re-design their current wardrobe
There are so many ways to revamp a current wardrobe instead of shelling out a ton of money for a whole new one. Turn plain shoes into glittered shoes, turn a turtleneck into a cardigan, a skirt into a top and two shirts into a skirt. All of the easy projects are a great way for the two of you to bond and will keep the kids from getting bored during the summer. You'll have to pay for the materials, but it's much cheaper than buying new clothes.
Shop thrift stores
A lot of people insult thrift stores and say you can't find good clothing there, but it's all about the places you choose. Search online for thrift stores in your area and check out reviews before you go. While you're shopping, don't be afraid to dig through the shelves to find hidden items, including those that people hid to come back for later on.
Split the cost over months
Many parents will buy their kids a new school wardrobe right before school starts, but that's not necessarily what you have to do. Consider splitting up your clothing budget between the first few months of school so you don't have to shell out the cash right away. For example, if you have a budget of $300, spend $100 in August, $100 in September and another $100 in October. If your kids aren't happy about it, explain it as a shopping spree each month rather than only one.
Buy basic pieces
It's incredible how far basic pieces can take a wardrobe. A great pair of jeans, a little black dress, black pants, a white button down and a black cardigan are just some of the basics your child can use to build up a closet. Purchase these items at discount and the amount of outfit options can increase by huge numbers.
The most important part of saving money on back to school clothes is to stick to your budget. It's tempting to give in to "Just one more shirt" or "These shoes are on sale and I need them," but those unnecessary extras are how your bank account is going to dwindle. Some planning, willpower, research and crafting can do wonders for saving money on back to school clothes.
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