Exactly! After around age 8, it’s hard to find clothes at garage sales! And if you DO find them, it’s not matching in style as 8-9 year olds are starting to get picky! And we don’t have anyone to get hand-me downs from either! So it’s been harder for us the last few years. My girls are now 15,12, and 9 and VERY different styles (one wears predominately boys’ clothes) and unfortunately, around 14-ish, my oldest was outgrowing clothes about every 4 months. Good luck Mrs. Frugalwoods! – hope your success continues in this area but I’m a little pessimistic, sorry! We basically buy new from Target and Kohl’s and do consignment at Plato’s Closet and others, and just hope that some clothes will be enjoyed by the younger sisters.

That is a fantastic approach!!! I love anything that enfranchises kids to manage their own money. Brilliant! You are giving your kids an amazing gift of financial literacy!!

This was based on what I was spending out of pocket, and scaling up a bit to adjust for the reality that teen boy pants and shoes and coats are quickly outgrown and hard to come by, plus that teens have more specific preferences and are determining their own style. I wanted to put an upper lid on spending, and motivate them to seek out good deals, knowing that they’re living in an environment where most of their peers come from affluent families who spend a small fortune on teen clothing whims.

The result is that my teens do have strong opinions about their clothing preferences and choices, but they’re extremely price conscious and hunt for good deals. They occasionally splurge on an expensive piece, if they love it, and if the novelty wears off fast, then it’s a good life lesson because the money is gone.

Both kids have accumulated more savings than the average American household has (!) and still manage to have appropriate wardrobes, so I guess we’re doing something right. I’d estimate their actual spending is somewhere in the neighborhood of $200/yr per kid, including shoes and coats, and they pocket the other $400.

Oh, I so hear you! My mom could not believe I bought at garage sales, but I was (and still am) enjoying it and found really nice things, for like a quarter. I still remember a cute applique sweater for our son that I found literally for a quarter.

Yes, for business clothes, know your brands and sizes and go on Thredup or Ebay. I have an office job and need to look halfways civilized, and that’s been my way to go for many years. Also, mix old things with jewelry or scarves, looks always nice. Have a black skirt with colorful tights or a black sweater with a colorful necklace. I find the jewelry at craft fairs, on Etsy and at garage sales. I am 6ft tall, so it’s difficult to find clothes that fit right. My go-to has been the gap for basic T-Shirts and jeans, always waiting for sales & specials, they last forever, the quality is really good.