Most people are barely getting out of school and enjoying the idea of taking a break for the summer. Vacations and days by the pool are planned. This is a fun time of year for the whole family. However, before you know it, school will be here again. Many people like to get a head start on their school shopping so that they are not as stressed during crunch time. Whether you need boys clothing, college gear, or essentials for your new kindergarten student, this back to school shopping guide will help you.

Back to School Clothes Shopping Guide

Clothing

The most obvious thing that everyone in your family will need to go to school is clothing. In order to shop effectively, you might want to first shop their closets. This will help you determine what they have on hand. It will also enable you to determine what can be passed down to other children in your family. Then, you can make a list of what you need for each child. Generally, children need the following basic pieces:

  • Pants
  • Shorts
  • Long sleeve shirts
  • Short sleeve shirts
  • Button up shirts

If your child has to wear uniforms to school, shopping for clothes will be a little easier. If the dress code is more flexible, then you will need to coordinate outfits that he or she can wear each day.

Shoes

In addition to clothing, children need shoes for the school year. Although one pair might be enough, it is recommended to get them two pairs. Versatile shoes are usually the best because they can be worn with most outfits. They are also more reliable and durable around school. Also, consider investing in darker colors because they do not show dirt.

Socks and Undergarments

It is important not to forget about socks and undergarments. Although your child might have these items, they tend to get worn out easily. Also, your child might have outgrown the ones they are using. Fortunately, they are not too expensive to replace. Depending on the age, pick an undergarment that is appropriate. In terms of socks, choose ones that can be worn with the shoes that your child has.

Outerwear

If you live in a colder area, then it might be wise to invest in outerwear. Your child will probably wear a coat to school during the wintertime. He or she might also benefit from a sweatshirt, hat, gloves, and scarf.

Budget

Arguably the hardest part about purchasing clothing for school is the budget. It would be nice if funds were unlimited and you could spend at your leisure. However, this is not usually an option for most people. For this reason, it is best to write down what you need and determine how much you have to spend. Then, you can begin looking for deals. Also, consider prioritizing each item by date of need. For example, you might not need a new jacket for your son until fall. Therefore, you can focus on getting other items on the list first.

The sooner you start shopping for back to school clothes, the more time you have. This will help you find better deals and provide you with more time to find the money to pay for these necessities.

Images Courtesy of Canva.

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About the Author: Patricia Davis Brown

Patricia, like her blog, is not a one-dimensional designer, which is evident in her accolades of 17 national design awards. Over a 38-year career in the industry, she has carved a niche in several areas of design. Licensed in interior design and certified in kitchen and bath design, she offers a full menu of design services ranging from whole house interior design, kitchen and bath design, lighting design, full remodels, commercial design and universal (ADA) design. Patricia is a sought-after speaker in the industry and has been published in many publications as seen on her interior design firm’s website, https://www.patriciadavisbrowndesigns.com/. She writes for such publications as QuinStreetinc, Relaxed Remodeler, and eHow.com talent offering design tips.