Back-to-School Fashion Guide

These days, it’s easy to update your kid’s wardrobe for under $100. “You really only need one or two new pieces each season,” says Melissa Walker, author of the teen novel Unbreak My Heart and co-editor of the teen trends blog IHeartDaily.com. “For older kids, motorcycle jackets are big this season, and they’re perfect for fall. You can layer them, they’re fun and they can dress up a casual look.”

To buy: Mossimo Striped T-Shirt, $10; Black Rivet Men's Motorcycle Jacket, $60, DC Shoes Plaid Shirt, $28; Roxy Striped Tank, $40; H&M Ladies Motorcycle Jacket, $50; Panda Stripes Tee, $20

The best thing about fall? You can still rock summer gear. “If your child has a summer dress she loves, update with a pair of tights and a sweater,” says Walker. “If it's your teen you could buy her a motorcycle jacket, this season’s biggest trend; she can totally rock it through the winter. Fall is the season of layering anyway, especially when the weather is so fickle.” Another fall trend that works as a layer: the chambray shirt. “Those are light and super comfortable."

To buy: Xhiliration Sleeveless Dress, $25; Striped T-Shirt Dress, $43; H&M Ladies Motorcycle Jacket, $50; H&M Striped Scarf</a>; $13; Topshop Knit Scarf, $32; Urban Outfitters Tights, $14

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If it’s a trend, don’t overspend. You don’t have to go high-end on a whim. Another big trend this fall is floral-patterned jeans—a look which may come and go quickly. But if your kid insists, Forever 21’s likely already got 'em. “Your kids are growing and changing, and if it’s a trend, it’s over tomorrow. So don’t buy the $200 chambray shirt or pair of floral jeans—buy the $20 version from a store like Old Navy,” says Walker.

To buy: Moto Pink Floral Jeans, $90; White Floral Skinny Jeans, $40; Floral Cateye Sunglasses, $6; Call it Spring Floral Flats, $25; Yellow Painted Floral Bracelet, $2; Red Metallic Floral Bracelet, $2; Floral Concert Earrings, $13; Floral Mini Cosmetic Bag, $5

Just because it’s a new school year doesn’t mean the oldies but goodies must go. “Your kids don’t need all new stuff,” says Suddenly Frugal author and SuddenlyFrugal.com founder Leah Ingram. If your kids haven’t outgrown them yet, mix and match last year’s basics with a few updated items. “Staples like jeans, T-shirts and sneakers don’t necessarily need yearly updates.”

To buy: French Toast White Button-Down, $11; Cherokee Pink Henley Top, $7; Cherokee Gray Girls' Jeans, $$15; Skechers Floral Sneakers, $52; Skecher Black Sneakers, $45; Cherokee Boys' Denim Jeans, $17

Spending a bit more now can save you money later. “If there’s an end-of-summer sale on basics,” says Ingram, “stock up in a bunch of different sizes—something will fit. Worst case scenario, this time next year, if something’s too small, donate it to charity or resell it. But if you can gauge your kid’s growth a bit, you can save big.”

To buy: Cherokee Boys' Polo, $9; Cherokee Lace Skirt, $15

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These days, says Walker, high fashion is more accessible than ever. “There are so many designer collaborations now,” she notes. “People want runway pieces in their everyday wardrobe. The Target collections are always awesome, and H&M does a designer line. And teen-centered stores like Forever 21 constantly feel like they’re right off the runways. The week after Fashion Week, you’ll see those styles in the stores. It’s awesome, and it’s inexpensive.”

To buy: LC Lauren Conrad for Kohl's Camera Earrings, $12; LC Lauren Conrad for Kohl's Flower Earrings, $12; LC Lauren Conrad for Kohl's Striped Dress, $64; Jessica Simpson for Macy's Sandals, $59; Olsenboye for JCPenney Cowboy Boots, $60; Olsenboye for JCPenney Backpack, $35; Webster for Target Palm Dress, $45

“If your teen wears a favorite pair of jeans and a great black shirt that looks perfect on them, they are going to feel great in that,” says Walker. To update the look, choose fun accessories that are of the moment. “Neon is super-popular right now,” says Walker. “Choose a neon pair of sneakers, a clutch or a bracelet. That one little pop of color can really brighten things up, and it’s an affordable way to embrace the trend.”

To buy: Triangle Drop Earrings, $4; Bow Headband, $6; Converse Sneakers, $70; JANSPORT Backpack, $35; Stacking Rings, $12; 4-Pack Shoelaces, $7

A surprising savings strategy that just might work? “Get your kid to organize a clothing swap with some of their friends,” suggests Ingram. “Believe it or not, kids are more open to this than you might think—especially if their friends have good taste. It’s a great way to pick up some new-to-you gear and get rid of stuff they’re no longer interested in wearing. And you’re not spending any money!”

To buy: Circo Polka Dot Dress, $13; Harajuku Character Dress, $20; Shaun White Light Gray Striped Hoodie, $19; Shaun White Dark Gray Striped Hoodie, $19

If your kid likes a trend but you can’t break the budget, embrace accessories. “Neon nail polish or a flower-patterned headband lets your kid rock the new look while still maintaining their own style,” says Walker. “For the floral pattern trend, Sally Hansen makes flower finger nail decals, too. These are quick, easy and inexpensive ways to update a look—and it makes their style more distinctive—that you can change weekly (or daily) without spending much.”

To buy: Floral Whimsy Ring, $6; With Love From CA Headband, $9; essie Nail Polish, $8; Multi Skinny Bangles, $13; TOMS Glitters, $42; Roxy Backpack, $42; String Hardware Bracelet, $9

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These days, going vintage doesn’t necessarily mean shifting through stacks at the Salvation Army. Bargains abound online. “If your kids aren't opposed to wearing pre-owned merchandise, hit auction sites like eBay,” says New York-based retail expert Hitha Prabhakar. If your kid is more into thrift store chic, craft-oriented sites like Etsy offer one-of-a-kind options.

“Apparel e-tailers are becoming more smart phone friendly,” says Prabhakar. What does that mean for you? “If you start early by signing up for promotional emails at your kids favorite stores, you can know when sales and promotions are coming up that may only be available through your smart phone. Also don't be afraid to use the power of social media like Facebook and Twitter to get in the loop of online-only promotions.”

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