Sending children back to school in style inexpensively is not as much of a challenge as it seems. The key to this is to purchase several quality but low cost basics and accessorize with a variety of inexpensive accessories.

Girls

Although girls may be easier to buy for than boys, they require more variety in their wardrobe.

Some basic pieces for a girl's wardrobe are

a pair of jeans
Two pairs of slacks
Two skirts
Five blouses
Three short sleeved tops
Two or three sweaters
Two vests
Two or three blazers
Two pairs of shoes
One pair of sneakers
One raincoat
One light weight jacket

Choose basic colors that look good and complement each other. The blouses can be a combination of two or three solid colors and the others striped or print.

Accessorize these outfits with colorful socks or tights, scarves, belts, jewelry, hair accessories, and hats.

This of course is the minimum amount of clothing to get by with. So where can you purchase it inexpensively?

Sometimes sister or siblings can trade off or exchange clothing.

They may have cousins or friends whom they can also trade off with.

The yard and garage sales are an excellent source to locate Inexpensive one of a kind garments.

Rummage sales, thrift shops, and flea markets are also good sources for cheap clothes, and accessories.

Dollar stores and bargain shops carrying inexpensive clothing and accessories.

Many major department and clothing stores have sale and discount racks.

Secondhand stores can also provide one of a kind clothing and accessories.

If you are crafty and have a sewing machine, you and your daughter can make your clothing or accessories. If you knit or crochet, you can also make some clothing and accessories.

Online auctions such as ebay can be a good source of inexpensive clothing.

Sometimes major clothing stores that have online sites may offer free shipping, free clothing items, or discount coupons.

Keep in mind that if a favorite clothing item has become worn out in spots, the remaining good material can always be used to make a scarf, pocket handkerchief, hair ties, and other small accessories.

Boys

The basics for boys are

One or two pairs of jeans
Two to three pairs of slacks
Two sweaters
Two vests
Five shirts
Three short sleeved shirts
Two or three sport coats or blazers
Two pair of shoes
One pair of sneakers
One raincoat or slicker
One heavy coat
One light weight jacket

See the guidelines above to accessorize and locate inexpensive items.