What to Do Before You Shop for Back to School Clothes

The Back to School Shopping Rush is nearly upon us. Are you ready? With a bit of planning, you can make shopping for Back to School easier and more economical:

1. Go through last years' fall, winter and spring items. First, weed out items with holes, stains and other imperfections. Second have your kids try on the remaining items. Too-small items can be stored in an airtight container for a younger child, or donated to those in need.
2. Once you've gone through all of their past season clothes, take stock of what you have. Write it down.
3. Make a checklist of what your kids will need for the coming season. Your list will depend on many factors: the climate in your area, how far in advance you decided to purchase clothing for upcoming seasons; the school's dress code policy; what activities your children are involved in that require certain types of clothing.
4. Most schools have a dress code policy. Be sure you know exactly what it says before you hit the mall.
5. Before you shop the Back to School section see what you can get in the summer sales. Many summer items, that are currently deeply discounted can be used for fall:
   • Short sleeved tees are ideal layering pieces under sweaters, sweatshirts, cardigans and blazers.
   • Summer basics such as underwear, socks, tees, jeans and more are year round items.
   • Accessories that were meant to accompany a store's summer lines can be worn with fall items as well.
   • Lightweight summer sweaters are perfect for the beginning of fall.
   • For girls, skirts and dresses make excellent transitional pieces.