Make an IMPRESSION

Build a trendy school wardrobe for less

The dawn of a new school year requires restocking school supplies. But for some kids, the most important part of returning to school is making sure they look good when walking through the door on the first day of school — and each day thereafter.

The National Retail Federation states that the average family with school-aged kids expects to spend $630 this year on school supplies. A large percentage of that money will be spent on clothing. Naturally, parents want their children to have clothing they’ll love and feel comfortable wearing, but do not want to break the bank buying wardrobes for their youngsters. But parents can employ various strategies to ensure that kids look good without Mom and Dad going broke.

INVEST IN A FEW ESSENTIAL CLOTHING ITEMS

Ask children what they are most interested in buying. One or two trendy shirts or an expensive pair of sneakers can be paired with seasonal pieces. The result is a trendy, affordable look.

CHOOSE A SIZE LARGER

Children grow very fast, so it may be well worth the investment to purchase trendy items one size larger so kids can get more use out of the item. However, this likely won’t be possible with footwear.

SPREAD OUT PURCHASES

To make purchasing easier on the wallet, grab items here and there throughout the year, and put them toward school-wardrobe essentials, rather than cramming in shopping right before the school year begins. This approach also helps families shop sales and maintain a variety of pieces that make it easier to transition kids’ wardrobes throughout the year.

SEE IF REPLICAS WILL FIT THE BILL

Girls may be enamored with an oversized hair accessory dubbed the JoJo Bow, an accessory popularized by celebrity Joelle Joni “JoJo” Siwa. The bows are big and colorful, but the namebrand, authentic hair bows may be beyond some parents’ budgets. However, there are plenty of bows that can achieve the same look at a fraction of the cost of the JoJo Bow. Parents may also find more affordable alternatives to other trendy items.

SHARE CLOTHES

Savvy bargain-hunters can swap gently worn shoes or clothing with other families when kids outgrow items.

School clothes can make up a large chunk of back-to-school shopping budgets. Smart choices help families save money.

New clothes can be an expensive part of back-to-school shopping, but parents can save money by shopping at discount retailers, investing in a few essentials and choosing larger sizes for children to grow into.