Budget Back to School Clothing: The $100 Wardrobe

Going back to school is always a challenge. Going back to school later on in life even more so. When my wife and I relocated to the east coast from southern California (and, largely, the road) we both had to get some new clothes. Of course my wife is always looking for new fashions while I have stayed largely with what I had. Still, now that we're back east I've decided to further my education and I had to get some clothes for that. Here's how I put together a wardrobe for back to school on less than $100.

T-shirts: While I already had a fair amount of T-shirts, there were largely print T-shirts. I wanted to get some solid color white T-shirts. The funny thing about T-shirts is that individually they can be quite costly. But I bought a package of name brand, white T-shirts, six to a pack, on sale for $9.

Pullover: The thing about back to school on the east coast is that you can start school in September in shorts and wind up the semester in December in layers and layers. One of the things I always like to have is a pullover; something for windy days or something you can put on when it's a little chilly outside. I could have gotten one pullover for $17.50 or two for $25. I opted for the latter.

Scarf: Like a pullover having a scarf for your needs is essential for the colder months of back to school. While I was not able to get the scarf I wanted in-store, I actually saved some money by ordering the scarf online. I got the wool scarf I wanted, with the look I wanted, which promises to be warm for $8.

Pants: Since I will be working the same time as I'm going to school, I need something to wear that can make the transition from one to the next. Relaxed chino style pants have always worked well; I was able to score a super deal on three pairs of slacks -- olive, tan, and black -- for just under $40.

Socks: Ask any New Yorker and the thing that we always are in desperate need of (and short supply of) is socks. Imagine my luck when I found two six packs of white socks for $11. While I still have tons of boxer shorts, being able to fill up my drawers with socks was such a welcome addition and completed my back to school wardrobe for under $100.

Looking back at it I got twelve pairs of socks, six T-shirts, three pairs of pants, two pullovers, and a scarf all for around $93. Back to school shopping, when done in earnest, can be as easy as anything. Even for a full grown adult like me.