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woman shopping with child in sale clothes section
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The average U.S. household will spend about $266 on back-to-school shoes, clothes, and accessories this year, according to a survey by Deloitte. Families can make those hard-earned dollars count with these on-trend kids’ outfits and uniform pieces for $20 or less. Prices and inventory change a lot this time of year, so get these deals while you can. And don’t forget to look for coupon codes to claim additional savings.

Fit-and-Flare Jersey Dress

fit & flare jersey dress
Source: oldnavy.gap.com

Price: $8 | Buy it from Old Navy Half-length sleeves are ideal for bridging the gap from summer to fall, and a multitude of fun prints (everything from leopard to flowers to rainbows) make this dress a good bet for most any wardrobe.

3-Piece Activewear Set

three-piece activewear set
Source: walmart.com

Price: $16 | Buy it from Walmart This is an unbeatable price for a set of three coordinating pieces: breathable mesh pants and side-stripe shorts, as well as a jersey tee that’s tagless for comfort. It comes in three other color combinations.

Sequin T-Shirt and Leggings

sequin t-shirt
Source: hm.com

Price: $20 | Buy it from H&M A reversible-sequin T-shirt ($10) is like two tees in one — when you run your hand over the sequins, they flip to show a different color on the other side. Complete the look with leggings ($10) in a range of trendy patterns, such as plaid, unicorns, and leopard.

Uniform Polo Shirt and Chino Pants

boy in uniform polo shirts and chino pants
Source: target.com

Price: $15 | Buy it from Target Reviewers say this polo ($5) is durable and doesn’t shrink or fade in the wash. Likewise, these chinos ($10) garner raves for their sturdiness.

Tank Dress 2-Pack

tank dress two-pack
Source: amazon.com

Price: $19 | Buy it from Amazon Tank dress sets from Amazon Essentials include one solid and one print style. They’re 100% cotton and designed for a comfortable fit.

Baseball T-Shirt and Shorts Set

baseball t-shirt & shorts set
Source: kohls.com

Price: $15 | Buy it from Kohl’s Take the guesswork out of back-to-school outfits with a sporty matching set that reviewers say is comfortable for kids.

Sweatshirt and Pants Set

sweatshirt & pants set
Source: walmart.com

Price: $16 | Buy it from Walmart Every feline-loving little girl will want this leopard sweatshirt and cat pants by 365 Kids From Garanimals. A cotton/terry blend ensures the set is not just cute but also comfy.

Uniform Twill Jumper

uniform twill jumper
Source: oldnavy.gap.com

Price: $12 | Buy it from Old Navy Who said school uniforms can’t be cute? She’ll look and feel great in this classic yet comfortable jumper.

T-Shirt and Shorts Set

t-shirt and shorts set
Source: hm.com

Price: $20 | Buy it from H&M You can’t go wrong with a stylish cotton graphic tee and shorts with an elasticized drawstring waistband, side pockets, and a back pocket for holding all their must-haves.

Striped Knit Dress

striped knit dress
Source: forever21.com

Price: $15 | Buy it from Forever21 A sporty little varsity-themed dress is cute with sandals or with sneakers as the weather starts to cool off.

Jersey Jumpsuit

floral jersey jumpsuit
Source: oldnavy.gap.com

Price: $13 | Buy it from Old Navy A jumpsuit is the perfect wardrobe addition for when she’s running late in the morning — throw it on and go! Plus, the pretty floral pattern spans seasons.

2-Pack Uniform Polo and Shorts

2-pack uniform polo
Source: walmart.com

Price: $16 | Buy it from Walmart Grab this two-pack of pique polos from Walmart’s Wonder Nation brand for $8 to stock up on uniform wear. They go with Wonder Nation flat-front shorts ($8), which are designed to be soft and stretchy.

Marvel T-Shirt and Mesh Shorts Set

marvel t-shirt & mesh shorts set
Source: amazon.com

Price: $18 | Buy it from Amazon Marvel fans will love this athletic set made of breathable performance jersey that is available in favorite characters such as Spider-Man, Black Panther, and Iron Man.

Animal Print Dress

animal print dress
Source: target.com

Price: $10 | Buy it from Target Animal print is trending right now, and she’ll get the look at a low price in this cotton-blend dress.

Active T-Shirt and Shorts/Leggings Set

active t-shirt & shorts/leggings sets
Source: amazon.com

Price: $15 | Buy it from Amazon She’ll feel powerful on and off the field when she wears this T-shirt and shorts gym set from Cheetah that features two slogans: “Girls Never Quit” and “Girls Always Win.”

Uniform Front-Tie Dress

front tie uniform dress
Source: target.com

Price: $15 | Buy it from Target She can change up her uniform wardrobe by adding this button-down, tie-waist dress to the rotation. Patch pockets on the front score extra style points.

T-Shirt, Muscle Tank, and Shorts Set

t-shirt, muscle tank, and shorts set
Source: walmart.com

Price: $14 | Buy it from Walmart The performance jersey material in this three-piece set by RBX wicks away sweat. It’s available in colors that reviewers describe as “vibrant.”

Skater Dress

grey skater dress
Source: forever21.com

Price: $15 | Buy it from Forever21 This simply shaped ribbed dress can be accessorized any number of ways, making it perfect for a little fashionista.

Polo Shirt and Woven Shorts

polo shirt and woven shorts
Source: amazon.com

Price: $19 | Buy it from Amazon Woven shorts ($12) from the Amazon Essentials brand are made to be stretchy for his comfort. Pair with a short-sleeve polo from Hanes ($7) in an eco-friendly blend that’s made with a portion of recycled fiber from plastic bottles.

Uniform Polo Dress

pink pique uniform dress
Source: Oshkosh.com

Price: $16 | Buy it from OshKosh B’gosh Simple, soft, and school-approved, this drop-waist polo dress is available in navy as well as pink.

Slash-Back Top and Legging

slash-back top and legging
Source: walmart.com

Price: $16 | Buy it from Walmart Whether she’s on the field or the playground, this activewear duo will keep her comfy with moisture-wicking fabric. The set includes a matching pink headband.

Tank and Shorts Activewear Set

tank & shorts activewear set
Source: amazon.com

Price: $14-$16 | Buy it from Amazon This kids’ tank and shorts set from the Amazon brand Spotted Zebra is available in three color combinations. Reviewers comment that the set fits well.

Jersey Dress

jersey dress
Source: hm.com

Price: $4 | Buy it from H&M This cotton dress features a cute flounce around the shoulders and is available in two stylish patterns.

Uniform Polo and Shorts

uniform polo and shorts
Source: oshkosh.com

Price: $18 | Buy it from OshKosh B’gosh These uniform basics are worth stocking up on. The polo ($6) is made of soft cotton, and the flat-front shorts ($12) feature a stretchy waist.

3-Piece Outfit Plus Hair Crown

three-piece outfit plus hair crown
Source: walmart.com

Price: $18 | Buy it from Walmart Get four fashionable pieces for under $20 with this Forever Me floral cover-up, graphic top, and legging set that also comes with a cute and on-trend flower crown.

Jeggings and Tee for Her

jeggings
Source: oshkosh.com

Price: $15 | Buy it from OshKosh B’gosh Denim is a school-day staple, and this stretchy pair of jeggings ($10) will match most things in her wardrobe. Show personal style by picking among the fun patterns available for this jersey tee ($5).

Skinny Jeans and T-Shirt for Him

skinny jeans
Source: Oshkosh.com

Price: $17 | Buy it from OshKosh B’gosh These jeans ($12) may be skinny, but they’re still made to be stretchy for comfort. Pair them with a fun and budget-friendly graphic tee ($5).

2-Piece Active Set

two-piece active set
Source: walmart.com

Price: $12 | Buy it from Walmart This comfortable duo from Athletic Works is tag-free and available in six different brightly colored sets. For this price, why not get her a few?

Chinos and T-Shirt

chinos and t-shirt
Source: hm.com

Price: $15 | Buy it from H&M These cotton chino pants ($10) come in enough colors to match everything. Choose a cotton tee ($5) in a cool pattern to create a fun, casual look.

Uniform Short-Sleeve Dress

uniform short-sleeved dress
Source: kohls.com

Price: $18 | Buy it from Kohl’s This classic polo-style dress has a fit-and-flare shape and shirred detailing on the sleeves. Reviews attest to the quality and softness of the fabric.

Crew-Neck T-Shirt and Shorts

pink crew neck t-shirt
Source: uniqlo.com

Price: $14 | Buy it from Uniqlo Every kid can use some comfy, casual tees and shorts in their wardrobe. Pair this T-shirt ($4) with these jersey shorts ($10) to make a great outfit for sports or school.

2-Piece Legging Set

2-piece legging set
Source: jcpenney.com

Price: $20 | Buy it from JCPenney This lace-trimmed top and printed leggings stand apart from other sets thanks to the addition of a matching infinity scarf.

Camo T-Shirt and Pull-On Shorts

boys' pull-on chino shorts
Source: target.com

Price: $12 | Buy it from Target These chino shorts ($7) have an elastic waist with a drawstring to keep them comfortable and 100% cotton material to keep them breathable. A budget-friendly camo-print tee ($5) completes the look.

Uniform Peter-Pan-Collar Blouse and Scooter

button side skirt
Source: walmart.com

Price: $19 | Buy it from Walmart A classic uniform skirt can still be comfortable when it features a back elastic waistband and sewn-in bike shorts underneath, like this Wonder Nation scooter ($9). A school-ready collared blouse ($10) completes the look.

Polo and Zip-Pocket Shorts

boys 4-12 jumping beans® active polo
Source: kohls.com

Price: $17 | Buy it from Kohl’s This sporty polo ($8) is thin enough for active days (one reviewer compares the material to a “dry-fit” type of shirt). It can be paired with elastic-waist cargo shorts ($9) for a casual-yet-nice look.

Jersey Dress

Source: hm.com

Price: $10 | Buy it from H&M The slogan adorning this navy dress — “Always Be Yourself” — is a perfect message to share for the first day back at school.

Plaid Button-Up and Jeans

plaid button-up
Source: walmart.com

Price: $17 | Buy it from Walmart This fall-ready plaid button-up shirt by Wonder Nation ($9) is tagless for comfort. Coordinating straight-leg denim ($8) comes in slim, regular, and husky sizing.

Tulip-Hem T-Shirt and Stretch Shorts

tulip hem t-shirt
Source: oldnavy.gap.com

Price: $17 and up | Buy it from Old Navy Pieces from Old Navy’s new Breathe On line, such as this T-shirt ($10-$15), are lightweight and breathable and designed for all kinds of movement. The elastic-waist shorts ($7-$15 for select colors) feature four-way stretch.

Soccer Set

soccer set
Source: hm.com

Price: $18 | Buy it from H&M They’ll be the most stylin’ kids on the field in this soccer shirt and shorts set made of quick-drying polyester, and available in two colors.

Uniform Ruffle-Hem Tunic and Jeggings

ruffle uniform tunic
Source: walmart.com

Price: $18 | Buy it from Walmart This tagless cotton-blend tunic ($8) is styled like a long polo dress, and pairs well with jeggings such as this school-approved pair ($10) for a stylish year-round uniform option from Walmart’s Wonder Nation brand.

Jersey T-Shirt and Shorts

boys 4-12 jumping beans® pocket jersey tee
Source: kohls.com

Price: $10 | Buy it from Kohl’s Pick up these cheap and easy separates in multiple sets. The T-shirt ($5) is available in 13 colors, and the shorts ($5) come in four neutral shades to match everything.

High-Neck Jumpsuit

high-neck jumpsuit
Source: target.com

Price: $18 | Buy it from Target This sleeveless jumpsuit features stretchy spandex to allow for full playground fun.

Crew-Neck T-Shirt and Drawstring Shorts

sharks crewneck shirt
Source: oldnavy.gap.com

Price: $17 | Buy it from Old Navy This soft-washed tee ($11) comes in a number of cute patterns, and the cozy french-terry shorts ($6) have a patch pocket for storing discoveries.

Uniform Pleated Jumper

pleated jumper
Source: kohls.com

Price: $18 | Buy it from Kohl’s This classic uniform jumper gets good reviews for its length, and parents appreciate that it doesn’t wrinkle easily.

T-Shirt and Mesh Shorts

soccer t-shirt
Source: jcpenney.com

Price: $12 | Buy it from JCPenney Soccer fans will cheer for this crew-neck tee ($6) from Xersion. Black and white mesh shorts ($6), also from Xersion, are a stylish match.

Roll-Cuff Tie-Waist Dress and Leggings

roll cuff tie waist dress & leggings
Source: kohls.com

Price: $13-$15 | Buy it from Kohl’s Available in a plethora of patterns, this knee-length jersey dress ($10-$12) is a sure winner for her wardrobe. Pair it with colorful leggings ($3) for standout style.

Tek Gear T-Shirt and Mesh Shorts

tek gear® t-shirt
Source: kohls.com

Price: $20 | Buy it from Kohl’s Spruce up a sports practice wardrobe with this tee ($10) and shorts ($10) that both wick moisture to keep kids comfortable on the field.

Belted Jumpsuit

belted jumpsuit
Source: jcpenney.com

Price: $18 | Buy it from JCPenney This crepe one-piece is easy to pull on and dress up or down. Another plus: Accessories are included — it comes with a matching belt and necklace.

Short-Sleeve Dress

short-sleeve dress
Source: Uniqlo.com

Price: $10 | Buy it from Uniqlo This simple dress can be styled different ways, and would look great with a sweater over it or long-sleeve shirt under it when days get cooler.

Top and Romper Set

top and romper set
Source: amazon.com

Price: $20 | Buy it from Amazon Available in 11 different color combinations, this polyester and spandex top and romper skirt set also comes with a matching removable necklace as a bonus.

Meet the Writer

Jennifer Magid has worked as a writer and editor in publishing and marketing for almost two decades. She has written for outlets ranging from InStyle magazine to Psychology Today and for a number of grocery and personal care brands. Jennifer is frugal by proxy: She is married to a certified cheapskate, which has been good for her wallet but bad for her shoe and handbag collections. These days, she never, ever buys her fashions at full price. Jennifer holds a Master’s in Journalism from New York University. She lives in Connecticut with her family and an admittedly expensive-to-maintain standard poodle — the one anomaly in her cheap lifestyle. Find out more about Jennifer at www.jennifermagid.com. You can reach her at [email protected].