Here’s how to save on school clothes

Buying new school clothes can be a budget-buster, but your expenses don’t have to approach the level of the national debt if you follow a few guidelines.

•Inventory the clothes from last year and have your children try them on. If something still fits, count it as clothing you don’t have to buy, at least for now. Figure out what outfits can be made from the existing clothes, and plan your purchases around those. Make a list of the fill-in items you’ll need.

•Don’t buy everything before school starts. An outfit or two, combined with what still fits from last year, will get a child through the first week. During that time, he’ll see what everyone else is wearing — and it likely won’t all be new, trendy clothes.

•Stick to basics that won’t go out of style, and avoid expensive fashion trends.

•Check garage sales, consignment shops, Goodwill and Salvation Army for clothes in good condition. Winter coats and jeans especially can be purchased for a few dollars — designer brands included. Ask about half-price days. If you see something you want, buy it then. Good bargains don’t last at thrift shops. Look to outlet stores for name-brand clothes at reduced prices.

•Wait until the middle of September to spend the bulk of your clothing money. Keep an eye on the sales racks where you normally shop for clothes. As the merchandise makes its way through the restocking cycle, what you saw two weeks ago at full price could end up being marked down. Look for off-season merchandise as well, and buy ahead if it’s a bargain.

•Organize a clothing swap with your church or social group, or even in your neighborhood.

•Give an older child a little leeway, such as having a say up to a certain dollar amount or for one outfit. Above that amount, you pick the clothing. Or agree that you’ll pay the amount of a basic item and he or she will pay the balance.

Finally, remember that you’re the parent with the budget to follow. If your child objects to what you want to buy or threatens a meltdown over a certain item, don’t buy anything. Go home and do the shopping by yourself later.