School is starting, and it's time to refresh your kids' wardrobe! Clothes shopping for a new school year can be very exciting, but it can also be overwhelming and stressful. Back to school shopping for your kids has variables such as budget, school dress codes and growth spurts. Not to mention the time it takes to go out and shop for clothes and return items that don’t fit!

If you are looking for the easiest, most efficient way to buy back to school clothes, look no further! We have compiled a list of tips and tricks to send your kid back to school in style with minimal hassle. 

 

How to Get Started Buying Back To School Clothes

Buying back-to-school clothes can be an exciting but sometimes overwhelming task, so we have created some easy tips to help you make the most of your shopping experience:

Create a Budget

The first and most important step to getting your child ready for the school year is to decide on your back to school clothes budget. It can be easy to get carried away, especially with inflated prices and overwhelming options. While it is important for your children to have comfortable clothes that fit, it is not worth going into debt over. By creating a budget you can also prioritize items based on cost. 

Take Inventory

Before you start shopping, go through your child’s current wardrobe. Pack up any clothes that no longer fit your child, as well as clothing items that are damaged and stained, or that your child doesn’t wear. The clothes that are damaged can be thrown away (or repurposed as cleaning rags.) The clothes your child doesn't wear or has outgrown can be set aside for donation, or possibly taken to a consignment shop if they are high quality. 

After all this is done, take stock of what is left of your children’s clothes before Back to School shopping. This will help you avoid purchasing duplicates or unnecessary items, as well as show you what items need to be replaced the most. 

Make a List

After you have cleaned your child’s closet and taken inventory of what they have, you can create a list of essential items your child needs for the upcoming school year. Keep in mind the school’s dress code, as well as boys clothes and girls clothes styles of the time. This back to school shopping clothes list could include basics like jeans, shirts, shoes, and any specific dress code items your school requires. 

Consider Versatility

When shopping for back to school clothing items, consider pieces that can be mixed and matched easily. This can allow your child to use the same pieces in different outfits. Adaptable layering pieces can help your child maximize their wardrobe options without needing to buy too many new clothes. Consider color schemes, as well as layering both for style and for climate. Be sure that any items you buy for back to school goes well with the other items. 

Stick to Classics

While trendy pieces can be fun, when choosing a back to school wardrobe for your child it's a good idea to invest in timeless classics that won't go out of style quickly. These can serve as the foundation of your wardrobe. Make sure that your choices are within the dress code of your child’s school. 

Check School Dress Code

If your school has a dress code, make sure to familiarize yourself with it before shopping. This will prevent you from buying items that are not allowed to be worn at school. 

Some schools require a specific wardrobe, such as slacks and a polo, but allow for variation within color and accessories. Others have more strict uniforms that can be purchased at uniform depots. Almost all schools have dress codes in terms of the length of skirts, types of shoes, etc. Be sure to review the dress code beforehand to avoid buying items your child cannot wear at school. 

Shop Sales and Discounts

Look for sales, discounts, and back-to-school promotions. This can help you save money on essential items. Keep in mind that many large stores actually inflate prices for Back to School Shoppers, so those who are serious about saving money on boys and girls clothes should consider shopping off season for the best deals. 

Quality Over Quantity

It's better to invest in a few high-quality items that will last longer than to buy a lot of cheap, low-quality clothes for your child. When buying a back to school wardrobe, consider that many items are worth the extra money for top quality. Quality items can withstand more wear and tear, and will be less expensive in the long run than cheap clothes that fall apart and need to be replaced. 

Consider Comfort

This is especially true for younger children. Children will wear what they feel most comfortable in, so when you are shopping for back to school clothes for your children you must prioritize clothes that fit, preferably with room to grow, and that are comfortable and stylish. 

Time Your Shopping 

As previously stated, buying off-season is the best way to get quality clothes at discount prices. This can make your back to school shopping easier and more affordable. An added benefit of starting shopping well before school starts is avoiding the last-minute rush to ensure you have everything you need.

Involve Your Child

If you're shopping for a child, involve them in the process. Have them help you pick out clothes that they like, especially older children. Their input can help ensure that they feel comfortable and confident in their new clothes, and avoid the concern of buying them clothes that they don’t want and won’t wear. By involving your child in back to school shopping you ensure that the clothing you get will be used. 

Check Return Policies

Before making a purchase, familiarize yourself with the store's return and exchange policies. This will give you peace of mind in case something doesn't fit or isn't as expected.

Consider Growth Spurts

If you're shopping for a growing child, keep in mind that they might have a growth spurt during the school year. Factor this into your clothing choices. If your child has a clothing item they particularly love, consider buying two versions, one in a larger size so they can grow into it. Be sure to factor in growth spurt when buying shoes especially. 

Think About Climate

Consider the climate of your area and the upcoming season when shopping. Make sure to have appropriate clothing for different weather conditions, and provide layers so your child can dress warmly throughout the day. 

Extra Tip: Be sure to write your child’s name on all clothing items, especially layers. That way if they get lost after being taken off they can be easily found. 

Remember, the goal is to build a functional and stylish wardrobe that suits your needs while staying within your budget. Happy back-to-school shopping!

 

Considering the Dress Code When Back to School Shopping

Taking school dress codes into consideration is an important aspect of back-to-school clothes shopping. Here are some additional tips specifically tailored to navigating dress code restrictions when buying boys clothes or girls clothes. 

1. Review the Dress Code:

Thoroughly read and understand your child school's dress code policy. Be sure to do this separately before you shop, and do not rely on your child to communicate it all to you. It's crucial to know what is and isn't allowed so you can shop accordingly, and avoid wasting back to school clothes money on items that your child cannot use. 

2. Prioritize Compliance:

When shopping for clothes, prioritize items that adhere to the dress code. This may mean avoiding certain styles, lengths, or patterns that are prohibited. Be sure to check that all items you buy for back to school conform both to the dress code as well as general age appropriate clothing. For example, even a school with a lax dress code will not allow shirts with obscene graphics, etc. 

3. Know the Basics:

Identify the basic clothing items that are allowed by the dress code, such as collared shirts, khaki pants, etc. Be sure to know what specific colors and uniform pieces are allowed ahead of time. This can save you time and money in the long run of back to school shopping. 

4. Layering Options:

Layering can be a great way to work within dress code constraints. For instance, if sleeveless tops are not allowed, consider adding a cardigan or light jacket over them.

 

5 Reasons To Do Your Back to School Shopping Online:

Shopping online for back-to-school clothes and supplies offers several advantages that can make the process easier, more convenient and efficient. Here are five reasons why you should consider doing your back-to-school shopping online this year. 

1. Convenience:

Online shopping allows you to browse and purchase items from the comfort of your own home or any location with internet access. You can avoid the hassle of traveling to physical stores, finding parking, and waiting in long lines. The majority of online retailers offer free, hassle-less returns as well, so you can easily send back any items that don’t work and save money. 

2. Comparison Shopping:

Tired of running around the shops? Online shopping enables you to easily compare prices and products across different websites. You can read reviews, check product specifications, and compare deals to make informed purchasing decisions. This means less reviews and more savings for you! 

3. Wide Selection:

This is probably one of the most popular reasons for online shopping. Online retailers often have a larger selection of products compared to brick-and-mortar stores. You can easily find a variety of brands, styles, and sizes, giving you more options to choose from. If you are looking for a specific size not often found in stores, shopping online can help you get exactly what you need. 

4. Time Savings:

Let’s face it, Back to School season comes with a lot of challenges. Everyone is looking for a shortcut during this hectic time of year, and it is exhausting to spend days shopping for different boys and girls clothes. By shopping online, you can get exactly what you need as well as save significant amounts of time. You can quickly search for specific items, apply filters to narrow down your choices, and complete your purchases without having to spend hours walking around physical stores.

5. Exclusive Deals and Promotions:

Many online retailers offer exclusive deals, discounts, and promotions for back-to-school shoppers. These deals might include bundle offers, free shipping, and limited-time sales that can help you save money. Because they do not have to have a brick and mortar location a lot of these online shops save money, and can pass those savings down to you. 

 

Bonus: Avoid Crowds 

No one wants to get sick right before the school year starts! By shopping online you can avoid crowded stores and minimize physical contact with others. This can help keep you and your family healthy while still getting the supplies you need. Besides, who likes spending all day in an overcrowded store?

While online shopping offers these advantages, it's important to consider factors like shipping times, return policies, and the reliability of the online retailer. Make sure to read reviews, check sizing guides, and verify the authenticity of the website before making a purchase.

 

Where You Buy Kids Clothes Matters– Check out Meant2Be Kids

Are you looking for high quality, unique clothes for your back to school shopping? Meant2Be Kids not only offers stylish back to school options, but also offers a wide variety of sizes not often found in stores. 

You want your kid to have the best school year possible, and buying back to school clothes that are stylish, affordable and make them happy is a great start! Check out Meant2Be Kids for boys and girls back to school clothes, and start the year off in the best way possible!