Who says you can’t have a stylish child without breaking open your budget? There may be pricey brands that your child knows and loves, but you can always find a fashionable alternative for a fraction of the cost. We’ve put together a list of top kids brands and stores that specialize in sensational clothing, but they all offer jaw-dropping savings, either through their sales or their everyday prices so that you can shop fashion for less. If you get the shopping bug at any point, don’t worry! You can treat your dashing little man or darling little princess to a new outfit or two, guilt-free.
So Sweet Fashion
If your fashionable child tends to prefer clothing from the flashier retail brands, such as GAP, Zara, and The Children’s Place, then you can save big by shifting your allegiance over to Sydney So Sweet. The online store even beats shopping at that certain big-box chain with the bulls-eye, plus the clothing is much more unique. It offers you the chance to dress your kiddo in one-of-a-kind styles from head-to-toe.
Noteworthy for its bright colors, eye-popping patterns, and larger-than-life accessories, the store offers clothing for boys and girls in a range of designs. That being said, the shop is a little girl’s dream. You can find outfits for a variety of occasions, including holiday-themed apparel for every holiday you can imagine. The store also prides itself on its seasonal offerings, which allow you to effortlessly pick out clothes for your child that are weather-appropriate but cute to boot.
What we love most about Sydney So Sweet—besides the affordable prices, of course—is the store’s versatility. It’s like a one-stop-shop for everything your little boy or girl might need. As mentioned, its stock is especially geared toward little girls.
For example, if you need a place that specializes in inexpensive but fabulous costumes, this is your go-to. That’s a major bonus during the Halloween season, but it’s also fantastic for little girls who enjoy playing dress-up and make-believe. Every so often, momma, you can surprise your fairy tale princess or magical mermaid with a new costume to add to her collection.
Beyond that, the store is also renowned for its tutus. If you know anything about kids’ fashion, especially as it applies to girls, then you know that tutus are all the rage. Even mom can get it on the action since the store offers an assortment of Mommy-and-Me tutus, along with matching outfits that moms and daughters can wear every day.
It’s All About Old Navy
The prep style looks adorable on kids, don’t you think? It’s not every child’s cup of tea, but plenty of tots love to dress in clothing that evokes the preppy aesthetic. There are also plenty of parents who want to dress their kids in classic pieces, timeless basics, crisp tops, and pastel colors.
Unfortunately, that preppy look can get expensive. Top kids clothing brands like Ralph Lauren, Tea Collection, and L. L. Bean have perfected the style, but those clothes don’t come cheap. The good news is that parents who are shopping on a budget can dress their children in clean lines and comfy fits courtesy of Old Navy.
You might be skeptical about seeing that name, but hear us out before you make up your mind. Old Navy and, by extension, the GAP and Baby GAP, aren’t always inexpensive. Especially when you’re shopping at those stores as an adult, items can get a bit pricey. That goes for babies, toddlers, and older kids, too.
But—there’s a big but here, an unmistakable caveat: GAP and Old Navy have some of the best sales ever. They don’t just occur during holidays and seasonal transitions, which means that they’re more accessible. You don’t have to get to the store ridiculously early to battle for khaki shorts or tiny polo shirts just to save a few bucks.
It helps to sign up for alerts from Old Navy—and GAP, too, if you like. Along with getting ahead of the sales curve, you’ll also have instant access to coupon codes and discounts. We live for coupon codes and discounts. Keep an eye out for online exclusive deals, as well. You can often save more when you shop online.
The secret is to shop smart. Wait for the sales. If you see a piece that your child can wear often and well, think about buying it in several different colors. You could also size up as you make purchases to prepare for your baby’s next stage of development.
The H&M Kids Difference
Once a store that catered to children across the pond, H&M has been a mainstay in the United States for nearly a decade or more. Thank goodness it finally arrived! Just as an FYI, mom and dad might want to start shopping there. Right now we’re focused on the kids, though, and H&M Kids is heaven-sent, too.
We’re not exaggerating when we say that your child could shop at H&M Kids for his or her entire life. The store sells clothing for newborns, infants, toddlers, youngsters heading to school, tweens, and teens. You won’t ever bust your budget buying school clothes or vacation apparel, either. That’s a must for thrifty parents.
You may have to play it smart with your choices. This is a store where you can find dresses for little girls that only cost $5, but other items may be $20-$30. Of course, that’s still an affordable range for quality clothing that your child can wear until he or she completely outgrows it.
Like Old Navy, H&M Kids is known for its unbelievable sales, as well. Time it right and you can score up to 60% off, which is impressive. If you’re interested in becoming a rewards member, then you’re eligible for additional discounts. In fact, the store will even let you combine membership deals with existing sales. For example, you may be able to get 20% or 25% off an item of cheap clothing that’s already deeply discounted.
Because the clothes at H&M Kids are high-quality with a precious UK flavor, you can replace all the expensive preppy brands when you shop there. It also gives you the opportunity to dress your child in a way that mimics the adorable, old-fashioned quality of other quirky UK brands, such as Peacheyboo, Toby Tiger, and Zara.
Stylish Savings at Circo
Circo is your answer to the big box retailers. Particularly if you find yourself at Target all the time, you’ll enjoy the savings potential at Circo, which is aimed toward style-conscious parents who need to stick to a budget. We know it’s hard, and not just because your little one seems to grow more every month. Replacing outgrown clothing is expensive enough, but also, who can resist the urge to dress their dumpling in all the latest fashions?
We’re wild about Circo for more than just its prices. For one thing, the store specializes in gender-neutral clothing. That’s a bonus for a number of reasons, but we’ll stick to the fashion-related ones. Some of the most stylish clothes are gender-neutral because they highlight the design, the color palette, and the fit. Neutral colors and silhouettes allow you to curate a capsule wardrobe for your child, one that’s full of quality clothing items that can be mixed and matched.
Let’s go back to the prices, though. Circo allows you to be thrifty without sacrificing your child’s sense of chic. This is a place where you can get a pack of four onesies for $10 or less. However, the items are durable and well-made, so you won’t have to replace them constantly due to wear and tear. Thanks to that and their gender-neutral designs and hues, you can save back the clothing for a younger child to wear. Win-win!
Forever 21 for Tiny Divas
Not even adults can deny that Forever 21 has cute clothes. As it happens, your little girl is never too young for Forever 21. Not many parents realize that the store markets to younger ladies, too. Forever 21 Girls is geared exclusively to girls, obviously, so it’s not as versatile as some of the other brands and stores on our list. You can’t find clothes for babies or toddlers, either. It’s a hot-spot for grade school girls and tweens. When your princess hits her fashion-conscious phase, this is where she may find her new aesthetic.
Prices are on-par with the adult store, which places them in-line with Circo, H&M Kids, and Sydney So Sweet. Most pieces are trendy, but they’re sweet as can be and totally age-appropriate. The selection is astounding, as well. You’ll usually discover surprising seasonal stand-outs at the beginning of each season, and the store often kicks off with a sale. Like other stores mentioned, however, Forever 21 Girls doesn’t really need a reason to offer discounts. The shop is happy to do so at the most random times, which means you can score a fantastic haul just because.
No matter the season, the store is full to bursting with on-point picks. You can get your girl kitted out for Spring Break or the start of school in September without spending hundreds of dollars. Heck, there are dresses for less than $25 and versatile tops available for less than $10. Most of the stock mixes and matches effortlessly, as well, so a single top can go with four different bottoms and one skirt will look great with an array of shirts, sweaters, or tanks.
All the Labels at thredUP
We have to admit that this is a bit of a cheat. Finding alternative labels to your child’s favorite brands is awesome, but sometimes, your kiddo wants what he or she wants. Other times, you want to show off your adorable child in a particular brand, as well. Splurging on a big name can be expensive, though, and it’s hard to justify the cost. So what do you do—give up? Of course not. You thredUP. See what we did there?
For those who aren’t familiar, thredUP is a different kind of clothing store. It’s a place where you can sell your child’s gently-used and outgrown clothing. It’s basically an online consignment shop. You know how quickly your kid goes through clothes. Packing up the outgrown items and keeping them in the closet seems like such a waste of money and resources, especially since the majority of them are probably like new.
Not only does that mean that you can make money on your baby’s clothes, but you can also get your hands on designer labels for fractions of the original costs. We’re talking about all the best-known baby brands, such as Lilly Pulitzer and Mini Bodini. It’s even possible to sell baby clothes for credit to go toward any orders you make in the future.
Thrifty moms and dads know how and where to save money. Now you know how to find stylish kids’ clothes on a budget and shop the cheapest children’s clothes online, as well. Share your frugal fashion tips, too! What brands do you gravitate toward? Where do you shop to find affordable clothes for your little fashion plate?
