Just because my kids don’t go to a traditional school doesn’t mean they’re oblivious to fashion trends. Recently I had the chance to attend a Google Hangout with Nicole Feliciano from MomTrends.com, who talked to us about affordable trends at Walmart this fall.
I learned a lot about what’s hot in kidswear this year and how to stock up on trends for less at Walmart.
For the Teens
The ’80s are back, much to my chagrin. Having grown up in the ’80s, I know how risque some of the clothing can be. Still, there are ways for teens to tastefully sport some great looks.
Teens can focus on
- Bright colors
- Off the shoulder shirts with tanks underneath
- Lace with a tasteful tank underneath
To avoid in-store battles with teens, have your teen get online and show you the looks she likes. Discuss whether or not they are appropriate before you leave for the store. Also, give your teen a budget and let her decide how to spend the money. Guided independence is a good thing for teens.
Some Walmart buys for teen girls are inexpensive packs of brightly colored socks and Hanes basic tees for layering. Girls can even mismatch their socks to make them trendier.
For the Boys
Boys are also taking their cue from the ’80s and going with brightly colored graphic tees and colored denim. Skinny denim jeans and dark wash jeans are also in style this year. And the younger boys? They like characters from Monster’s University and Despicable Me 2, of course!
Great buys for boys include Wrangler Cargo Pants with an adjustable waist (even for the big boys) and a super cool Monsters University graphic tee.
For the Girls
Younger girls trends this year are also inspired by (did you guess yet?) the ’80s. Colored and glittered jeans are in style, as well as off the shoulder styles (wear a tank underneath to keep it modest). Sequined tops are also big this year.
And what’s an outfit without the proper pair of shoes? Patterned high tops seem to be the shoe of choice these days.
There are some great accessories available at Walmart. Glitter belts are 2 for $7, and headbands are $3.99 in store. Both are a great way to dress up a school uniform, if your child has to wear one.
Back to School Shopping Tips
Whether you’re shopping for back to school or back to homeschool, Nicole gave some great tips that you can use any time of year.
Begin with cleaning out your children’s closets, storing or giving away anything that is no longer worn. Make note of what is left and what you need to buy to fill in the gaps.
Before shopping, take a picture of any items you need to match (a shirt that needs a pair of pants, for instance). That way, when you’re shopping, you’ll have a picture for reference.
Finally, make a list of what you need to buy, so you don’t spend a lot of money on impulse purchases.
Even though we aren’t officially going back to school this year, we’ll still be doing a little back to school clothing shopping. My tip for the homeschool crowd? Wait until after school starts to buy school clothes. Prices tend to drop a bit, and you’ll get an even better deal!