How to Make the Most of a Back to School Clothing Budget

by Lyn Lomasi, Staff Writer

Back to school time is generally a time of year when some parents choose to do the most stocking up on clothing. Whether your kids are educated in traditional or home school, back to school clothing is likely a necessity. Not only will the kids probably concerned about a certain look, but the season is changing and last fall's clothes may no longer fit, even if they're in good condition. Most people don't have unlimited cash, so here are some tips on how to make the most of a back to school clothing budget.

Do a Full Inventory of Clothing Already Owned
Take the back to school event as the perfect opportunity to go through each child's entire wardrobe. Set aside clothing that is worn out or no longer fits. The worn out and improperly sized clothing can be used for other purposes (more on that later). The clothing that still fits and is in good condition can be used as part of the back to school wardrobe, providing it is weather appropriate for your area. Shop with those pieces in mind.

Shop at Discount Retail Outlets
Some retail outlets have a clearance version of their store. There also are outlet stores that offer department store clothing at a fraction of the cost. Some of my personal favorites for kids clothing areRoss andT.J. Maxx. In addition to their already low prices, these stores often have back to school clothing sales. I've gone to these stores and got name brand clothing items for less than twenty dollars - and even less than ten dollars.

Repurpose Unused Clothing as Hair Accessories, Belts, and More
Remember that worn out and improperly sized clothing? There are several ways to actually use it in the back to school clothing wardrobe. For girls, use the worn out clothing to sew ponytail holders, headbands, scarves, belts, and other accessories. Cut pants to make them into shorts or capri pants and let out the waist if necessary. The unused clothing can also be used to create fun patches and designs on new back to school clothing. When you're done creating, please donate the usable clothing to a local church or homeless shelter for disadvantaged kids.

Shop All Year and Stock Up During Sales
Throughout the year, as you see sales, stock upon items you know will be used later. Items such as t-shirts, that will be used often can especially be bought in bulk. See a cute dress at a steal-deal price? Grab it one size larger than your child's current size. When back-to-school time comes back around, chances are it will then fit perfectly.

Swap with Friends
If you have a friend that has a kid in the same size as yours, get together and swap clothes your kid no longer likes. Perhaps there will be some items your kid likes that the other doesn't and vice versa. It can turn out to be a win-win situation for extra back-to-school clothing items. Plus, what neither likes can be passed on to other kids or donated to a homeless or needy center for kids.

Mix and Match
Instead of purchasing 5 pairs of jeans and 5 shirts, you could buy 3 pairs of jeans and 7 or more shirts. This gives a child more back to school outfit options. I especially like to have plenty of shirts that will match with various pants, skirts, and shorts. If your child likes to wear jean material (or another material that several colors can match with) quite often, this idea works even better. Tops don't have to be limited to the bottom that they came with and vice versa.

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Back to School: Must-Have Accessories for Tweens
Back to School: Must-Have Accessories for Teens
Save Time and Frustration When Getting Kids Ready for School

*I originally published this via Yahoo Contributor Network

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