We all know the quiet dread that hits when you see the school supply bins roll out in July. It’s not the pencils. It’s the price tags on those tiny jeans and brand-name sweatshirts that cost more than your last dinner out.

If you’d rather not drop your grocery budget on back-to-school wardrobes your kids will outgrow by Halloween, there’s a better way to handle it without turning into the mom who makes her kid wear pants from 2019 “because they still fit.”

Let’s Not Pretend The Trend Cycle Isn’t Insane

Trends move faster now, even for kids. One day it’s blue light glasses and tiny backpacks, the next it’s oversized hoodies and retro sneakers they swear they’ll “totally take care of this time.” You don’t have to keep up with all of it.

But picking a few fun, trend-friendly pieces layered with solid basics can keep your kid feeling fresh without sending your wallet into a coma. Watch sales without obsessing. If your kid wants the latest sneaker, consider grabbing it in a slightly off-season color that’s on clearance. Often they just want the brand and shape, not the exact shade that costs double because it dropped on TikTok last week.

Secondhand Isn’t Second-Rate Anymore

If you’re not checking thrift shops or resale apps before buying new, you’re missing out on the easiest way to grab back to school clothing without paying mall prices. Most kids only wear things a few times before they outgrow them, so you’re getting nearly new gear at half the price or less. Some resale apps even run seasonal promos.

You can also hit local consignment shops right before school starts, as many parents clear out closets then. It feels good to keep clothes in rotation, and if your kid inevitably leaves a brand-new jacket on the bus, it won’t sting quite as much.

Capsule Wardrobes Are Not Just For Pinterest Moms

You don’t need 25 tops, 14 pairs of pants, and 8 jackets for each kid. Three pairs of well-fitting jeans, a few solid tees, a hoodie or two, and one “nice” outfit for picture day will handle 90% of school days.

Let them pick a few fun prints or colors so they still feel like they’re expressing themselves, but you’ll save yourself laundry headaches and pointless spending by narrowing the closet down to pieces that actually get worn. This helps kids learn to mix and match, too, which keeps outfits from being repeated exactly while still cutting down your costs.

Think Outside The Season For Better Prices

Buying summer gear in August is usually a waste, but snagging winter layers now can save you serious cash if you have a general idea of what size your kid will wear in a few months. Retailers love to clear out past-season inventory, so grabbing a coat or outdoor clothing when it’s still hot can slice the price in half or more.

You’ll thank yourself when temperatures drop, and you’re not stuck paying full price because your kid suddenly grew out of last year’s jacket overnight.

Shop Strategically, Not Desperately

You don’t have to buy everything in one trip, and you definitely don’t have to buy it all at the big box stores. Smaller regional stores, local boutiques clearing last season’s stock, and even grocery store clothing sections can carry surprisingly sturdy basics. Keep your eyes open for flash sales and online coupons.

Many stores will price match, so if you see something cheaper elsewhere, it’s worth a quick ask at checkout. If your kid has a uniform or dress code, double-check for hand-me-down swaps with other parents or local Facebook groups, especially for those pricey items like polos and khakis that your kid manages to stain within a week.

Why You’ll Be Glad You Didn’t Overspend

The school year is long, and your kids will likely need new shoes or a fresh hoodie halfway through no matter how prepared you think you are in August. Holding back some of your clothing budget will keep you from scrambling when they rip a hole in their pants or grow two inches in November.

A few smart choices now will keep you from feeling that heavy sigh every time a new expense pops up later in the year. And hey, if you manage to save enough, you might just get to treat yourself to that lunch out without calculating whether you can still cover the grocery run. Sounds like a win to me.