What to buy for back to school clothes for my Kindergartener?

Question

I am a mom of 2 so this "shopping for school clothes" is new to me. How many outfits and shoes do I get her?

Answer 1

get her like 2 weeks worth of outfits that you can mix and match (i.e. 10 pairs of pants and five shirts that can go with different things.) she probably only needs about 2 pairs of shoes. One for playing, like tennis-shoes and a pair of nicer ones.

Answer 2

Before you start shopping, take inventory of what you already have. I have my daughter physically try on the clothes in her closet to see what still fits, and will realistically still fit in the fall when school starts. Then I pack away the rest of the items that don't have holes, etc. for her younger sister to grow into. The stuff that still fits becomes my "base" to go off of when I go shopping for new school clothes. That way, I'm not waisting what I still have, and not buying clothes I don't have the money for. The best items are comfortable, easy to get on, and durable, like jeans (like 5 pairs) and tee shirts. Remember, in kindergarten they will still be doing lots of crafts using glue, paint, scissors, etc., as well as playing outside, and although you want your child to look nice- they will be getting messy. There are some cute message tees out right now... just got one for my daughter that says "I didn't do it" on it. I would recommend at least one pair of good sneakers and one pair of maryjane-type shoes for nicer outfits. Don't go crazy... she's going to grow halfway through the year and you'll end up spending more on another set of clothes. Jumpers with thick tights underneath are also a good buy this time of year, but be prepared for skinned knees that will rip those tights. Mostly, jeans and tees are hard to beat in kindergarten... they can take a beating and still last for a while. A good rule of thumb that keeps you from going too crazy buying clothes is to have at least one complete weeks' (7 days) worth of clothes (with only like 2-3 extra shirts & pants). Too much more and you will have a power struggle on your hands because your daughter will not be able to pick something out to wear. I also make it easy by hanging complete outfits together so that she can just grab one set of clothes and be done. We also get everything ready the night before... it helps speed up the morning, reduce arguing, and it is just plain easier! Have fun shopping!

Answer 3

She'll need at least 1 pair of tennis shoes for gym class days, and at least 1 other pair of shoes for non-gym days. Keep the rest of her clothes comfortable and easy to clean, she'll get messy. You'll see all sorts at school, you'll see the kids who are dressed to the nth degree, and kids who wear shorts and a tee shirt. If she's any kind of girly girl, she'll probably want a "special" outfit for the first day.

I never really buy my kids many "back to school" clothes per se, because here it's still summer, even though school is starting in 16 days!!!! (YIPPEE!) Most of the stores have fall stuff in stock now, although you can probably get some nicer summer stuff off the clearance racks. I will stock up on blue jeans for my son around this time, since so many stores put them on sale. But for the first few weeks of school, my son will wear just what he's been wearing all summer, shorts and a tee shirt.

Answer 4

Remember this, summer is going to be about a month from being over when she goes back to school. I waited and had my kids wear their nicer summer clothes to school and bought them new winter school clothes in the fall. It saves you from having to buy clothes twice.
All kids need a pair of tennis shoes and a winter coat and a couple pairs of jeans (even girls) and enough shirts to get them thru 5 days of school a week. I always bought about 10 pairs of socks for each kid and about a 10 pairs of underwear. Cotton clothes which are easily washable last longer and keep nicer longer. In the fall, I bought those sweat shirts and a jacket for each kid.
I was divorced and we had nothing until after I graduated from college and made us some money, so been there and done that. It gets really expensive.

Answer 5

It depends where she is going to school.. I assume they don't have uniforms.. You want to get her 2 pairs of tennis shoes. Her regular kind and another just in case the first ones get muddy or wet. Now where do you live? Is the cold weather coming soon? Buy her couple shorts and dresses for the hot weather.. Not too much because cold is coming.. I have 3 kids I buy basics.. Jean shorts with solid shirts or better say not too busy shirts.. When winter comes I buy 5 pairs of jeans and 4 long sleeve shirts. I keep putting the short sleeve shirts in top of the long ones for a variety.. Have the long sleeve to protect her from cold and still get to use the shirts year round.
Buying clothes for little children should be in small amounts because they grow very quick.. Good Luck and hope you understood my rambling..

Answer 6

I would not set a trend for her for the rest of her life by spending so much money you can no longer buy food. There are places to shop and get really cool clothes and there are places to buy and shop that you will have to sell your home and car just to pay for a single outfit. Being cool is wonderful, but there are ways to do it that will not break the bank. Use a little common sense when it comes to things like shoes and such. She does not need 27 pairs of shoes for example. Let her help you make a list, go over it and see what can be eliminated and what can be expanded. Surely she can be made to feel important and part of the decision making process by helping you decide. And stick to it once you get to the mall.

Answer 7

i just went through the same ordeal last week. To start I just bought her maybe two weeks worth of clothes so far as shirts and skirts go that can be made into an outfit. Then I bought two one piece dresses and a pair of shoes since she still has some tennis that are in pretty good condition. Then once they do the back to school sale I may go back plus shop the clearance racks

Answer 8

I'm going to Old Navy - functional clothes with a good price. I'm buying my daughter six pairs of jeans, about the same number of tops, a sweater and two pairs of shoes (in case one gets wet). The kindergarten will ask you to provide a complete change of clothing - this includes shoes.

Answer 9

You should buy:
A pair of shoes
a pair of sneakers( and socks!),
6 pants and 6-10 t-shirts and shirts(She could wear different pants everyday, including 1 extra pants if something happens..and since its warm you can have a mix of t-shirts and shirts.)If you don't want to but t-shirts, just use her summer t-shirts. Her clothes don't have to be all new.
Also, if you want, you can buy 2-3 skirts with those leggings/pantyhouses. Make sure you buy more than one pantyhouses because they can rip easily!!
You can also add a few shorts/capris if you want..
And dont forget those cute barrets/scrunchies/headbands!! :)

Good luck!!
P.S : If you run out of different outfits, you can always make her wear a long sleeved shirt with a t-shirt on top! It looks sooooo cute.

Answer 10

I recommend going to some place like Good Will. The clothes are still serviceable, you are contributing to a good cause, clothes are inexpensive, replacing something irreparable is easy, the child cares less about being in style.

3 pairs of shoes and 5 shirts and pants should keep you from doing wash every other day.

I hope this helps.

Answer 11

A permanent marker to write his name on all those windsuit jackets, or you'll end up buying them twice. I would get him some jeans and some shirts with collars as well and I would check with the school before buying the sleeveless shirt. There may be a dress code against sleeveless shirts. I am enjoying getting my girl ready for kindergarten. I think it takes my mind off her growing up so fast. Enjoy your shopping!