Just because your budget is tight, doesn’t mean you can’t dress your kids in style. Here’s how to find stylish kids clothes when on a budget.
As a parent, you know that buying clothes for your kids can be tricky. You don’t want to spend a lot because they grow out of them fast. Plus, you never know how long an item will last before it’s covered in grape juice.
This all becomes more difficult if you don’t have a big budget to work with.
Luckily, there are tricks to help you find great kid’s clothes at lower prices.
That way when they do come home from school covered in paint, you don’t have to stress. It didn’t cost much, anyway!
Just because your budget is tight, doesn’t mean you can’t dress your kids in style. Here’s how to find stylish kids t-shirts when on a budget.
Find Inspiration
When you’re on the hunt for stylish kids clothes you need to know what you’re looking for.
Start by getting inspiration online and in catalogs. For example, Nicki’s is a great site to check out.
See how they style their outfits and what individual pieces they use. Then, go out and find that look for less!
You might not be able to find the exact matches, of course. But, you’ll be surprised at how many basics you can get for cheaper.
A cute denim button down might be $50 at a place like JCrew’s Crewcuts. You can easily find that at a discount store like Walmart.
You do have a chance at finding actual designer clothes for cheaper. Just give thrift stores a shot!
Buy Used
Thrift and consignment stores are a great place to find gently worn stylish kids clothes.
Sure, you have to hunt through the racks. Sometimes you’ll come up empty-handed. But, other times you can hit the jackpot.
How do you up the odds that you’ll score a great find?
Travel to more affluent neighborhoods and check out their Goodwills and garage sales. There you’ll generally find a higher concentration of designer duds.
Don’t have any money to spend on new clothes this month? No problem!
Organize a Clothing Swap
One mom’s trash is another mom’s treasure!
Organizing a kids clothing swap is a great way to snag some stylish kids clothes. It’s also a lot of fun.
If you haven’t attended a clothing swap before, consider organizing one yourself. It’s easy to do, and it’s a great excuse to get all of your mom friends together.
Planning the Swap
Send out an email or Facebook invitation to the parents you know who might want to attend.
Try your best to assemble a group of moms that have kids of all different ages. That way there will be a range of sizes to choose from.
On the invite tell everyone to bring at least a minimum number of items. Be sure to request that these items are gently worn.
How to Swap
After everyone arrives, have them lay out all of the items they brought. For an hour, let everyone enjoy each other’s company while they check out the options.
Then the swap begins! Get everyone’s attention and present the first item. The moms who want that item will hold up what they’re willing to swap in return.
The mom who offered the item will choose which mom she wants to swap with.
Don’t have time for a swap because you need a kid’s special occasion outfit right away? Rent it!
Rent Outfits for Special Occasions
Buying formal wear for a child can be expensive. That’s especially true if you want to find something fashionable and not in the bargain bin.
These outfits are way less cost-effective than regular clothes. A pricey coat will at least be worn often over the winter.
But, a suit or gown? By the time another wedding invite comes around, they probably will have already grown out of it.
Don’t waste that money, and rent their formal wear instead. These days, there are plenty of websites offering rentals.
If you’re not into the idea of renting, plan ahead and buy their outfits on sale.
Be a Savvy Sale Shopper
If you’re going to buy stylish kids clothes on clearance, you have to be strategic. Generally, great blow out sales slash the prices of clothes that are out of season.
You might find an amazing deal on a designer sundress. If the season has already changed to fall, your child won’t be wearing it for another year.
It definitely won’t fit by then!
Buy that same dress in a size or two bigger. Store them away for the year, and by next season they should probably fit your child.
Got a bonus at work and want to shop outside the sale section? Go for it! Just shop wisely.
Spend Money on the Right Items
Buying something pricey just because it’s cute isn’t the best way to budget your finances.
The same is true for when you’re buying clothes for yourself. An expensive dress for a night out is a fun purchase. But, you won’t get a lot of mileage out of it.
A pair of quality leather boots, on the other hand, will last for years. Plus, they’ll go with lots of things and you can wear them more.
For kids, only put money towards things you know they can wear a lot. Coats and jackets are probably the best places to put your money.
Your child will wear them almost every day for months. You can even buy a coat a size up and get two seasons out of it.
Are You Looking for Stylish Kids Clothes?
Not having a ton of money doesn’t need to keep you from buying stylish kids clothes. With a little creativity, you can find them fashionable looks for less.
Want to learn more about how to live well with less money? Check out this article about vacationing on a budget.