How to Get Trendy Kids' Fashion on a Budget

Seeing our kids looking cute and stylish is a small everyday pleasure (even if it is short-lived before the inevitable mess hits!). But keeping kids in stylish and trendy outfits day in and out can quickly get expensive, particularly when kids outgrow their clothing and shoes so quickly. The good news is that you can dress your kids in adorable and fun children’s clothing without spending a small fortune.  

Here are some smart shopping tips to help you keep you kids looking fabulous while on a budget:

1. Embrace Secondhand Shopping

One of the best ways to get great kids’ clothing for less is to shop secondhand. There are lots of different places where you can shop from local thrift stores to consignment/resale shops to online marketplaces, so you can be sure to find a shop that is a good fit for you.  

Top Tips:

• Seek Out High-Quality Brands: Look for kids’ clothing brands that are known for quality and durability, as clothing from these brands is more likely to hold up over time.
• Check for Condition: Look for items that are in excellent condition. Be sure to give items a once over when in the shop or carefully review photos if shopping online. It’s always a good idea to test out zippers and buttons to ensure everything is functioning.
• Sell Items for Store Credit: Many consignment and resale shops let you sell your gently used kids’ clothing and shoes in exchange for store credit. This can help you save even more on secondhand kids’ clothing.

2. Create a Capsule Wardrobe

Putting together stylish outfits for kids (and adults!) doesn’t require an extensive wardrobe; you just need to build a wardrobe that is designed to mix-and-match. Capsule wardrobes, which are minimalist collections of clothing comprised of interchangeable clothing designed to be put together in many ways, have increased in popularity as people look to make their closets more sustainable. And you can apply these principles to your kids’ wardrobes so that you can more “looks” with fewer pieces of clothing.

Top Tips:

• Look for Versatile Pieces: When shopping for your kids, ask yourself whether a given item would easily pair well with clothing that they already own.
• Pick a Color Scheme: If your kids’ clothing follows a general color palette, it is easier to mix and match different pieces.

 3. DIY Fashion

Kids love to unleash their creativity, and clothing they wear is no exception. Letting kids personalize clothing or add some flair is a fun way to inject new life into old clothing and make it feel more special for your kids.   

Whether it’s adding patches, tie-dyeing, or sewing on buttons, personalizing items can make old clothes feel new and exciting.

Top Tips:

• Keep It Simple: You don’t need to be Martha Stewart to do some DIY fashion with your kids. It’s easy to find simple ideas from sites like Pinterest or even buy basic kits from places like Etsy. Small things, such an iron-on patch, tie-dye, or fun buttons can have a big impact.
• Talk About Upcycling and Sustainability: These projects are a great opportunity to teach kids about the importance of extending the life of clothing to live more sustainably.

 4. Shop Off-Season

Take advantage of off-season sales to stock up on clothing for your kids ahead of time. Buying summer clothes in the fall or winter jackets in spring, as examples, can save you a significant amount as retailers looking to clear out inventory often offer big discounts.

Top Tips:

• Shop End-Of-Season Sales: Most kids’ clothing shops, whether major retailers or your local secondhand shop, run sales at the end of each season. If you have a decent sense of what size your kid is most likely to be the following year, it can be a great time to buy ahead.
• Keep Track of Purchases: To avoid over-buying or getting clothing that your kid is unlikely to wear, keep track of everything you buy in advance. Whether it is a simple list or just storing everything together, it will help you to focus on buying only what your kid really needs.

 5. Choose Quality Over Quantity

Instead of filling your child’s wardrobe with cheap, fast-fashion items, invest in a few quality pieces that will last. Look for items made from durable materials that can withstand active play and multiple washes. Higher-quality clothes not only save money in the long run but also help maintain their shape and style.

Top Tips:

• Get Quality Brands Secondhand for Less Money: When you buy secondhand, you can get amazing kids’ clothing for just a quarter of the price the item originally cost.
• Shop Sustainable Brands: Invest in clothing from sustainable fashion brands. Unlike fast fashion, these brands tend to prioritize durability.

Conclusion

Keeping your kids looking cute and stylish on a budget is entirely possible when you shop smarter. By embracing secondhand shopping, creating kids’ wardrobes that mix-and-match easily, exploring DIY, shopping off-season, and investing in quality pieces, you can craft kids’ wardrobes that you (and your kids!) will love – without breaking the bank!