How to Save Money Back to School Clothes

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If you're looking for how to save money on back to school clothes, we have 10 tips to grab deals for new jeans, tops, and shoes!

How to Save Money on Back to School Clothes

While it may feel like Summer is just starting, before long, back to school sales will be in full swing!

As the first day of school starts to creep up once again, it will be time to hit the back to school clothes sales for new jeans, tops, and shoes. Besides keeping an eye out for specials – there are some other good ways to save money on those back to school wardrobes.

Check out these 10 secrets to saving on back to school clothes shopping!

1. Have a Try-On Day.

Have a day where the kids try on EVERYTHING in their drawer/closet to take stock of what's actually needed.

Make a pile of keepers and a pile of clothes they've outgrown (or just don't like anymore) to donate to Goodwill or take to a consignment shop.

This is a great place to start because you'll need to know what size they're in before you head out to shop regardless. And it will also give you and your child an opportunity to talk about what styles they no longer love, so you can avoid those if you're shopping without them.

2. Sell Used Clothes at Consignment Stores.

And speaking of taking piles of unwanted goodies to the consignment store… they're also an excellent place to sell your old clothes and then shop for new-to-you clothes for back to school!

Several years ago I was able to make $70 in 2 Hours cleaning out my youngest's closet!

So many times you can find really nice brands for Walmart prices at consignment stores. And if you take in gently used clothing before you shop, you can score a chunk of in-store credit to bring your bill down even lower.

3. Shop your local thrift store.

Thrift stores can be gold mines when it comes to back to school shopping.

For instance, for my high school son I’ve picked up Ralph Lauren, Abercrombie, and Banana Republic brands all for $4 or less at Goodwill, and after he’s seen the prices on clothing at the mall he’s willing to try them out for me.

There are certain days when you can save even more – like Half Price days.

TIP: Check out more Secrets to Saving at Goodwill here!

4. Take advantage of Tax Free Weekends.

In addition to other ways to save on back to school shopping – make sure you head out on Tax Free Weekend to do the bulk of your store shopping if you can!

Depending on your state's sales tax, that could save you as much as 10% extra off things like clothing, shoes, and even computers! Unfortunately, not all states offer this, and some have limitations and restrictions on clothing – so make sure you know those details before you head out.

5. Don't miss Old Navy Sales.

Old Navy is SUCH a good place to shop for kids' school clothes.

They have fantastic sales and coupons that you can stack for great deals! You'll want to sign up for Old Navy emails so you don't miss the best sales and coupons.

To make sure you get the best value, check out our 10 Secrets to Saving at Old Navy!

6. Swing by an Outlet Mall.

Planning a little trip to the Outlet Malls can be a good way to knock out all your back to school purchases in one swoop.

Just beware of going in thinking everything is a good deal. The best way to start a trip to an outlet mall is to check out the website for specials and coupons – and set yourself a budget before you go.

Some outlet stores are actually “Factory Stores” and carry cheaper items made for them that are sometimes a slightly lesser quality than retail stores. (T-shirts may be thinner, dresses may not have a liner, etc…)

While with kids clothes that probably doesn't matter so much – just something you may want to think about going in.

BONUS TIP! Many name brand companies (think Nike, Under Armour, Adidas, etc) will give you a discount for signing up for their email lists. Often times you'll get free shipping for being a member and you'll typically be notified about upcoming sales too. And it costs you absolutely NOTHING!

7. Don't miss T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshall's.

I love-LOVE shopping for any name-brand clothes at stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshall's.

I can't imagine to paying mall or department store prices for the good stuff when it's at least 50% less at these overstock stores.

It's also an awesome place to pick up name-brand athletic shoes, too!

If you're new to shopping these kinds of stores – find out how to maximize your savings in this post 10 Things You Need to Know Before Shopping T.J.Maxx (I love Tip #1!)

8. Shop at The Children's Place online!

The Children's Place is a great shop-from-home option! They offer free shipping on everything sitewide with NO minimum purchase – which is hard to beat these days.

Plus, I love how The Children's Place seems to know exactly when I've just about given up on running all over town trying to pinch every penny on back to school clothes shopping. They send me just the right emails in my inbox!

Sign up for The Children's Place emails and take advantage of those sales to get sturdy, colorful basics and jeans on for the kids sent to your home for a great price.

9. Have a Clothing Swap with Friends.

If you have friends with kids around the same age as yours – set an afternoon or evening to get together and swap clothes.

And if you have friends with older kids, let it be known that you welcome hand-me-downs!

10. Check out your Local Consignment Events.

Check into local consignment events!

While this might not be happening right before school starts – keep an eye out year round for the local consignment events in your town. You can find consignment events in your area here!

How do YOU save money on back to school clothes shopping? Please share!

10 Ways to SAVE on Back to School Clothes

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How to Save Money on Back to School Clothes