Do you appreciate the style and quality of high-end children’s clothing, but do not want to go broke dressing your darlings in the latest designer duds? The following are tips to keep their wardrobes fashionably chic without breaking the bank.

Start Early

At the beginning of the year, decide how much money you want to spend on clothing for each child in your family for the entire year. Divide that number by twelve, and start socking away that amount each month. When you budget and plan ahead, those new seasons and the need for new clothes will not come as a shock to you or your pocketbook.

Buy Ahead

The best deals on brand new clothing come at the end of each season. Purchase next summer’s clothing toward the end of this summer, and do likewise for their winter wardrobes. If your children are still growing, remember to buy a size or two up. It is also important to point out that if you find classic timeless pieces that are a really good deal, then stock up!

Keep it Versatile

Your children’s clothing budget will stretch much farther if you buy items that can mix and match. Buy the basics. Look for solid colors and simple designs. Ten separate pieces chosen in this way can create 30-40 great outfit options. When you are in a store and you spot an adorable new piece, challenge yourself. How many other pieces of clothing do you already own that can mix and match with this new item? If you shop consistently with this in mind, you are going to get much more than you payed for.

Shop Discount Designer Stores

You might think that stores like TJ Maxx are able to sell their name-brand clothing at reduced prices because they buy overstock or irregular merchandise. I will let you in on a little secret. TJ Maxx buys directly from vendors, not liquidators. They are given access to the same cute, quality clothing you would find at high-end boutiques and department stores. They are able to work out deals in exchange for not advertising or announcing the specific brand names they carry. Did you know that 95 percent of what they carry is top quality without flaws? Search the racks. You are sure to find a treasure at a price you cannot pass up.

High-end Consignment

I cannot tell you how many adorable name-brand outfits I have purchased for pennies on the dollar at high-end consignment shops. Do not let the word ‘used’ scare you. These quality shops have strict standards. They do not carry anything that is not in absolute pristine condition. You can find gently, barely, and never-worn clothing for a fraction of what you would pay to buy them new. Do you love brands like Hanna Andersson, Mud Pie, Baby Lulu, and Janie and Jack, but cannot afford their ‘new’ price tag? Shop consignment.

Budget ahead of time. Start early and shop the sales. Choose versatile pieces. Shop discount designer stores, and do not forget about high-end consignment.

Now that you are equipped with the tips you need to dress your precious babes like the princes and princesses they are without going into debt or breaking your budget, I have one last piece of advice. Go shopping!

Article inspired by Billy Lids.