Back to School Fashions

Getting ready for a new school year means checking out all the latest back to school fashions for your kids.

Back to School Fashions on a Budget

Do you know what the latest back to school fashions are for your kids? While your preschooler may only worry about wearing his favorite shirt, the preteen and teen set will most certainly be all about fashions. From backpacks to purses, shoes to shirts, shopping for back to school items typically includes revamping that wardrobe. For some it's a necessity, as kids often grow several inches from one school year to the next. For others, it's finding the latest styles. Do you really have to break the bank, however, to be in style?

Revamping Your Wardrobe

If you are like most families, getting your kids ready for a new school year can be expensive. Class fees and school supplies can cut into your monthly budget, and adding new clothes to the list can really put a dent in your bank account. Kids often get a bit carried away as they make out their wish list of back to school clothes. Here's how you can hang on to some money and still outfit your kids in style.

• Take inventory of your kids' wardrobes. Pull out items that still fit and are in good condition. Can you add accessories to an older outfit to create a new look?
• Watch for sales and tax free weekends. Some states have now adopted back to school tax free weekends. Clothing and other school supplies can be purchased tax free under certain circumstances.
• Cut coupons. Some of your larger department stores often offer coupons in the paper, like "$10 off if you spend $50."
• Check out layaway plans. Start planning ahead by putting items on layaway, so that you've paid everything off by the time school starts.
• Buy a few basics. Most kids' closets consist of several pairs of jeans. How many jeans do you really need, however? Purchase two or three good pairs of jeans that can be worn with several shirts. Unless your kids have to wear school uniforms, a few pairs of jeans and several shirts may be all they really need. Keep in mind that they'll want to supplement their clothing with school themed t-shirts and sweatshirts as well.

Finding Bargains

If you are still on the lookout for bargains, check out end of the month clearance sales. If you don't mind purchasing used items, don't be afraid to browse through consignment shops, and check out eBay, where you may be able to purchase large lots of clothing at ridiculously cheap prices.

What's In Style?

If you are wondering what's in style at the moment, you can spend a few minutes flipping through the latest issue of Seventeen or Teen Vogue. For many teens, it's all about the brand. Stores like Aeropostale, Abercrombie & Fitch, American Eagle, Gap Kids, Steve & Barry's and Kids Footlocker continue to be teen and preteen favorites. There are numerous stores in most malls that appeal strictly to teens as well, and these stores usually carry all the latest styles, which can change from season to season.

While finding the real deal at top designer stores may be your dream, your wallet may not be able to accommodate your wishes. No problem, however, since knock-offs can give you the look you want at a fraction of the cost. Whether it's Dolce & Gabbana or Gucci, there are plenty of look-alikes out there. You can often find accessories, such as purses, hats, and sunglasses, which feature a lot of the designer characteristics without that designer price. Keep in mind, though, that you probably won't get designer quality, but considering the money you are saving, you can probably afford to replace the item when it wears out!

What's in style? That depends upon the day and the year, but teens and preteens won't have a problem expressing whatever style they prefer. As you search for those back to school fashions, remember that you don't have to spend a lot of money to outfit your kids for back to school.

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