Creating a capsule Wardrobe for back to school

I am all about saving money, especially since we will be having 3 little ones going to school this year. RJ is off to first grade going 5 days a week. Elias is off to VPK going 4 days a week. And Joel is in Pre-K 2’s going 3 days a week. So this year our back to school clothes shopping will cost even more because there are more days a week the kids will be out of the house.

So since making the choice to stay home with the kids, and work on my blog full time, I lost very stable/consistent income from working at the Hospital. Because of that change, we had to be a little more frugal with things we buy, things we splurge on, and how we manage our money. So this is the first back to school season that I’m not on anyone’s payroll. So we’re making sure we shop wisely, like shopping at Bealls Outlet, and during tax-free weekend to get the most bang for our buck.

Growing up, I remember my mom buying me plain color tee’s and jeans and plain shorts probably because she was a single mom just trying to pinch a penny. Personally I’m a minimalist, and always have been, so this didn’t bother me. Now with 3 boys, I feel like buying plain tees is much easier, because boys don’t really care for designs on shirts-mine don’t at least.

So in this post, I’m going to share with you, how YOU can save money this back to school season by creating a capsule wardrobe for your child.

What exactly is a Capsule Wardrobe: 

It’s basically a downsized wardrobe with versatile options. So a small number of shirts, limited pants option and a few sneakers. You can mix-match the options to create so many different outfit options rather than a ton of graphic tees that you can’t really re-wear in a week. Your child’s capsule wardrobe can consist of some older items that your child still fits and loves to wear-for us it’s cargo shorts, and some new items that you purchase seasonally.

Once you have created your child’s capsule wardrobe, you won’t need to buy anymore clothes until the next season. You’d recycle some of their favorites, but then buy some nice basic seasonally acceptable pieces.

Best part about a capsule wardrobe, you’ll be saving money by shopping this way. You won’t be buying a ton of shirts that the design will fade after 5 washes. And even if you do buy a few graphic tees, your child will have so many other options to wear that it will elongate the life of their graphic tees. So no matter what, having a capsule wardrobe for your child is beneficial, there you do it 100% or 50/50.

What do you need to create a back to school capsule wardrobe:

• Plain color shirts x10: However many days they go to school a week times 2.
  • Black crewneck and V-neck shirts
  • White crewneck and V-neck shirts
  • Grey Crewneck and V-neck shirts
  • Black and White stripe tees
  • Basic color shirts (color block ones are okay too)
• Dry Fit Shirts/Athletic Shirts: We get these for my son for days he has P.E so it keeps him cool. Also stick with plain colors!
• Khaki Cargo shorts: These are our go to! They go with almost everything!
• Black Chino shorts: This also a very versatile piece, goes with everything the cargo shorts don’t go with.
• Jeans: Can’t go wrong with a good pair of jeans
• Black sneakers: Black goes with everything. A good pair of black running sneakers is essential!
• White sneakers: we actually decided to NOT get white sneakers this year. We got the kids camo slip on sneakers, but they’re super versatile as well!
• Black socks: make sure you get plain black socks to go with the black sneakers. I opt out of crazy colors and prints for their socks because if you lose a black sock, the pair isn’t ruined.
• White socks: This is if you bought white sneakers. I hate black shoes with white socks, and black socks with white shoes. Little pet-peeve of mine.
• Black/Grey Jacket: A basic color jacket in case your little one gets cold while at school.

*We still got the kids graphic tees this school year, and I encourage you to still get them some because they’re fun and kids are kids. But if you’re wanting to create a true capsule wardrobe and save money, keep the amount of graphic tees under 20% *

Creating your capsule wardrobe at Bealls Outlet:

Because we love shopping for good deals, we hit up a lot of retailers this back to school season! Bealls Outlets was our stop for some good basic tees and shorts for the kids. They have an amazing assortment of everything we needed to create this capsule wardrobe, at the fraction of the cost.

A lot of people assume because it’s an outlet, it’s only old discounted items that are out of season. But actually it’s not!

“Customers can find brand name apparel and accessories for the entire family at up to 70% off other stores prices everyday. In addition most stores carry shoes, home furnishings, gifts, and toys. Our stores are designed to serve customers of all ages and income levels. We pride ourselves in offering great assortments at great prices everyday.” From their site

So whether you’re shopping for back to school to create your child’s capsule wardrobe, or buying all the graphic tees, Bealls Outlet has what you need for the fraction of the price.

Don’t forget about Tax-Free weekend:

If you live in Florida, Tax Free weekend begins August 2nd and runs until the 6th.

If you’re purchasing clothing, it must be under $60. Meaning, if you found a pair of sneakers for $60.99, you’re going to pay tax on it. If you find 2 pairs of shoes, each costing $32, then you’re good! So put together the savings you’ll get from shopping at Bealls Outlet, and not paying tax-WIN WIN!

To read more about Florida’s tax free weekend, CLICK HERE

Thank you so much for reading. Although this post was sponsored by Bealls Outlet, all thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.