Tween school clothes shopping?

[mrsbornkuntry]

I admit, I am way out of the loop here. My kids are going into middle school next year, DD in 7th and DS in 6th. I homeschooled them last year so I really don't know what is in style right now and the kids are no help at all. They're going to be starting a new school in a new state so I hate to say I think it will be important for them to have the "right" clothes to fit in (within reason). So what are good stores to shop in and when should I start looking for sales? I figure I can get some basics like camis and basic tees at Old Navy. Also, what brands of shoes should I be looking at? I usually buy them Skechers.

I did buy DD two babydoll tees today and a pair of bermuda shorts because we thought they were cute, but that's all I've bought so far. How can I do this without breaking the bank? I won't buy them a whole new wardrobe, just a few pieces to keep them up-to-date, KWIM?

 

[Melissa]

I suspect with most kids that age it is Abercrombie and Hollister and then depending where you live Areopostle and American Eagle. My DD will be going into 6th and she is only interested in Abercrombie and Hollister but a couple towns over my friend's kid says Areo is the way to go.


If you are near an outlet for Abercrombie or Hollister that helps but there aren't many.

 

[Coll0610]

DS is starting 7th grade in the fall and he still doesn't really care what he wears. He's a sweats or shorts and t-shirts kind of kid and always has been. His main concern is that his shorts are down to his knees and his socks are the low-cut ones.

Could you wait until school starts and do most of the shopping after they see what everyone else is wearing?

One thing DS did care about - now that he changes for PE in the locker room, he wants boxers (not briefs). I've heard that the girls are picky about their underwear too for the same reason, so keep that in mind.

 

[clh2]

I know that you are trying to buy you children just a couple of pieces.

While Abercrombie, Hollister American Eagle etc are the "hot" brands, my DD made it through ALL of middle school with with maybe 2 items from any of the above stores. Yes, she does have a friend who wears Abercrombie exclusively.

At this time of the year, definitely find some appropriate shorts - like the bermudas, maybe some capris, to get them through the first couple of months of school. Now is the time to do that, because of the sales going on now. In a couple of weeks - there just won't be much out there.

My DD found most of her tops this year at Kohls and JCPenney's.

She is going into HS this fall, and I do not see any overall changes in her wardrobe style.

 

[mjkacmom]

For the name brands, I do ebay lots and clearance. Dd11 starts JH in the fall, but is now 5' tall, 95 pounds, and fits into jr. sizes. Yes, more money, but yes, more options. If they are big enough, the jr. departments of most stores have what is in style - even less expensive Sears and JC Penny.

 

[Manymice]

DS is starting 7th grade in the fall and he still doesn't really care what he wears. He's a sweats or shorts and t-shirts kind of kid and always has been. His main concern is that his shorts are down to his knees and his socks are the low-cut ones.

Could you wait until school starts and do most of the shopping after they see what everyone else is wearing?

One thing DS did care about - now that he changes for PE in the locker room, he wants boxers (not briefs). I've heard that the girls are picky about their underwear too for the same reason, so keep that in mind.

My son is going into the 6th grade and I could have written what Coll0610 wrote word for word After reading a couple of the previous posters I'm very thankful that I have boys and not girls! Walmart or Target work wonders for us. JCPenny has great shorts that don't shrink. Tennis shoes are our biggest budget breaker. We try to get shoes that will last until they're grown out of.

 

[loco4dis]

My DD13 and DD16 still like the stuff at Old Navy and it is pretty reasonably priced. One thing around here they all seem to have to have, however, is The North Face Denali jacket.

http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___16716


Of course, we're in Michigan and it gets cold!

 

[stm61]

you might want to check with the school before you buy anything else. Ms is when they really start enforcing the dress codes. Shorts usually have to be a certain length (you should be safe with bermuda's, they're usually on the long side), certain types of shirts are banned, and shorts/jeans without belt loops might be banned. Do you have neighbors you can ask? My ds is in 10th this year and will wear just about anything. He says the "rich kids" are into the brands mentioned above, but since we live in a rural area that's just now getting some new subdivisions, those kids are very much in the minority. The other kids wear whatever they can get at Walmart, it's the only store in town. Now dd9 is gonna be another story, she's already asking for the expensive stuff and will be starting 4th gr this fall.

 

[ama4889]

No one has suggested good ol' TJ Maxx and Marshalls. Both of these stores get shipments from the mall stores.

I don't exactly recall if they get Hollister, Abercrombie, etc, but I shopped there almost exclusively through jr. high - I'm 20 now, so it wasn't -that- long ago! I liked getting more for less

 

[mudman]

you might want to check with the school before you buy anything else. Ms is when they really start enforcing the dress codes. Shorts usually have to be a certain length (you should be safe with bermuda's, they're usually on the long side), certain types of shirts are banned, and shorts/jeans without belt loops might be banned. Do you have neighbors you can ask? My ds is in 10th this year and will wear just about anything. He says the "rich kids" are into the brands mentioned above, but since we live in a rural area that's just now getting some new subdivisions, those kids are very much in the minority. The other kids wear whatever they can get at Walmart, it's the only store in town. Now dd9 is gonna be another story, she's already asking for the expensive stuff and will be starting 4th gr this fall.

Checking with the school first is good advice. Especially for summer clothing. Here spaghetti straps are not allowed. The straps must be at least 1 inch. As far as shorts, they must reach your fingertips when at your side.

No one has suggested good ol' TJ Maxx and Marshalls. Both of these stores get shipments from the mall stores.

I don't exactly recall if they get Hollister, Abercrombie, etc, but I shopped there almost exclusively through jr. high - I'm 20 now, so it wasn't -that- long ago! I liked getting more for less

I've actually picked up Hollister and American Eagle at Marshalls. The Marshalls here have a teen section with this type of clothing all together in one section toward the front of the store.
Good advice.

 

[stitchlovestink]

You don't mention what new state they will be going to school in, but I would venture that it is safe to say that I would only buy maybe a couple of new outfits for the start of school. Let (esp. DD) 'see' what the others are wearing and then take her shopping about a week or so after school starts. for anything you buy before school starts, I would keep the receipts and the tags on until she's ready to wear it. That way, if it is not 'the style' you can return it and use the $ towards something else. I've found that you can usually find pretty decent sales at Aero at least Monthly. We live in kinda NE MD and the popular MS stuff for dd12 who is going into 8th grade is American Eagle. 6th grade still wears some LTD2 but that is out by 7th grade. Aero is also popular. We see some Hollister and very little Abercombie. As far as shoes, the girls here wear the Bjorndals (sp?). They're like a suede clog. I get those at Rackroom shoes. Towards the end of the summer, they'll have a sale of BOGO1/2pr. so I get 2 pr for about $30. DD wears them out now as her foot has stopped growing. As for tennis shoes, MSchoolers here don't wear skechers (I loved it when they did in elementary ). Mostly they wear Nike. Some of the kids wear those big clog hopper skate shoes like Etnies. Older DD likes them. I do spend more on DD12 tennis shoes. I try to get them at Kohl's or at the Nike outlet because I buy her the shox. They've been about they only ones she doesn't complain about hurting her feet. Last year, I got her a really nice pr of New Balance, she wore maybe 5 X and then I yard saled them, b/c they hurt her feet too much. The best part is DD15 doesn't need tennis shoes this year b/c she doesn't have gym anymore. She will be a junior. Her Shox from last year are still in perfectly fine condition for when she needs tennies. I sink my $ into her Basketball shoes.
I don't know if I was of any help. but I feel your pain. It is very difficult to walk that fine line of 'clothes don't make the person' but you also don't want them made fun of either as MS is tough enough as it is.
Best of Luck

 

[Kaler131]

I would say watch Camp Rock....LOL! That is probably what all the tweens will be wearing. Or...whatever Miley Cyrus is wearing.

 

[Priorityonecb]

My oldest dd didn't start really caring about what brand clothes she wore until high school. Dd2 is going into middle school in the fall. She and her friends don't really care about brands yet either.

This year we did her back to school shopping at Kohls, Gap Kids and Children's Place. She is very tiny and is still wearing an 8 with adjustable waistband so I am glad she isn't into brands just yet.

 

[Priorityonecb]

I wanted to add...now *shoes my middle schooler knows brands!! She got an adorable pair of Vans, and a pair of Sperry's for back to school. B1G1HP at Rack Room Shoes!

 

[luv2nascar]

my DD13 loves Aero, AE, Hollister, & Abercrombie. That is where 90% of the kids clothes come from.

 

[bucket o' butter]

I don't know if you have the store called Steve and Berry's, but it has very reasonable clothing. We just had one open about 20 miles from our house and I am in 7th heaven. Everything in the store is $14.98 or less. They have really "cool" clothes and although they are not Abercrombie or Aeropostle, they are the in style clothes.

My son is going into high school and name brands used to not mean anything to him. That completely changed last year and all he will go to is American Eagle or Aeropostle. I was in for shell shock when I saw the prices, but I did discover that they have a great clearance area in the back of the store.

I also shop at JCPenney when they have their end of season clearance sales. You can find some awesome prices if you shop at the end of the season for next season.

Good luck shopping.

 

[jillmomto3]

I have a DD going into 7th grade, for sure the brands are AE, Hollister and Abercrombie, AERO is ok.. not the best but still acceptable. Old Navy is out as far as my daughter and her friends are concered. Best bet for sneakers is a name brand and plain...
Good Luck!
Jill

 

[BostonTink85]

I agree with whoever posted about TJMaxx...they have clothes from all the brandname stores including hollister, abercrombie and american eagle. They usually have especially good deals on their jeans.

 

[sk!mom]

My DD12 will also be in 7th grade.

Hollister, Hollister, Hollister.

American Eagle is good to as is Abercrombie. None of them really have sales but they do have clearance sections. American Eagle will have occasional specials like $10 off shorts- but their shorts are usually $39.

Shoes- flip flops if your DD's school allows it- my DD's does. Tennis shoes- Adidas, Nike Shox.

Also, if your DD will have to change for Gym- underwear matters. I'm sorry to say that I have overheard converstions about someone who, "OMG- wears little girl panties."

 

[sjms71]

Have a tween myself and she wears abercrombie, hollister, some Aero and Lacoste. I just bought a bunch of stuff at hollister on sale. Also, if you have a Platos Closet (a chain) near you it's a consignment shop for teens/adults. I just found two Lacoste shirts in perfect condition for $10 each (mall price at least $80).