Common Sense Fashion for Kids

COLOR COORDINATION Pick a color family for your child's dress clothes. As children often have a limited formal wardrobe, coordinated colors will allow you to mix and match pieces for more looks. An added bonus is that one pair of dress shoes will match everything.

"SUITABLE" SUBSTITUTES When my boys were young, I didn't buy them suits for dressing up. I found that sweater vests and cardigans topping a button-down shirt or turtleneck and paired with khaki pants are appropriate for any occasion. The vests I purchased generally fit them for more than one season and could be worn for both summer and winter formal occasions.

EASY ELASTIC Try to find pants with elastic waists. You'll find the amount of time they can wear the pants increased as the waistband is self-adjusting. Elastic waists eliminate the need to wear belts, even in dress pants, and kids love them because they're comfortable!

SUPER SWEATS Sweatshirts and pants are soft, warm...and cheap! They can be dressed up with patches, buttons or even lace for little girls.

BUDDY UP Find a friend with a child a size or two larger than your child and ask to have first pick of his or her outgrown clothing. Be ready to state what you're willing to spend and have a good idea of what the items would cost if purchased.

DOUBLE DUTY If you have children of different sexes, purchase some clothing items for the older child in colors that either child can wear (red, blue, black, green, etc.). Jackets, vests, snow pants, hats, mittens and snow boots are all items that could be passed from a brother to a sister or vice versa.

SEASONAL SELECTIONS Purchase your daughter's Easter/summer dress for the year to come at end-of-season sales in July and August. Generally, during your child's elementary school years, you can plan on her wearing one size larger the following season. If in doubt, have her try the dress on and determine whether the item allows sufficient room to grow. Your daughter will get a beautiful dress at a fraction of the original cost. You might also be able to find swim trunks for your son on a sale rack in August or snow pants and snow boots at a huge discount in February. Also be sure to carefully check any end-of-season clothing catalogs you may receive.

CONSIDER CONSIGNMENT Children so often grow out of their clothes before they wear them out. Take clothes they've outgrown to sell at a consignment shop and, while you're at it, check out what's available in their current size. You will find great second hand bargains, in particular on dress clothes.

A PERMANENT (MARKER) SOLUTION Buy a permanent marker and mark any clothing you think your child might leave behind such as sweaters, sweatshirts, coats, shoes, hats and boots. You'll greatly increase your chances of having the clothing returned to you if it's marked with the owner's name.

SUPER SOURCE Lands End clothing (www.landsend.com) has classic children's clothes that are well made and durable. One of my favorite items from Lands End is their boys' open bottom cargo climber pants which are available in slim, regular and husky sizes. These pants are made of a heavier weight fabric, have double fabric in the knee area, and an elastic waist. They are suitable for the school concert or every day wear. Their jeans are also fashionable, sturdy and comfortable. Lands Ends clothing is available on-line, through catalogs and in Sears stores. Large boys' pants are priced at about $25.