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Now that school has started, it is time to make sure the kids (and mom and dad) have everything they need, as far as clothing, for the upcoming school year. Often it makes much more sense to do the shopping once school has begun, in order to avoid the "back to school" rush, as well as taking advantage of sales. With all the activities kids are involved in today, they need a variety of clothing items; and with mom and dad trucking the kids around town to activities and sporting events, the parents might need a few new items as well! Following is a helpful checklist of back to school clothing items that your children will probably need.

1. The basics. If your kids have grown since last fall (and let's face it, most kids have) they will need all the basics of new shirts, sweaters and jackets, as well as pants or skirts. Even if they haven't grown enough to warrant a whole new wardrobe, all kids like to start the new school year with a few new outfits. Remember to go for layered looks in anticipation of colder weather, and get many solid colors so tops and bottoms can be mixed and matched. Solid t-shirts, turtlenecks and sweaters, both crew neck and cardigan can mix well. Also remember sweatshirts and jackets, both light and heavy. And don't forget a rain slicker for those fall showers!

2. Footwear. Again, if your child's feet have grown at all, he will need new shoes. And even if he hasn't grown, kids are hard on shoes and chances are he has worn the shoes to a point where they aren't as supportive as they need to be. Sturdy leather shoes such as hiking shoes or boots are great for all-weather days, and all kids need a pair of sneakers, either to wear to school or to bring for gym class. For warmer climates, sports sandals can be worn well into the fall; just make sure your school allows sandals to be worn. If you live in a snowy climate, now is the time to begin looking for snow boots; don't wait until after the first snow when your child won't have been prepared and all the boots in town have been sold.

3. Athletic wear. Many kids join up with the fall sports teams offered by the schools and recreation departments of local towns. Whether your child is in soccer, cross-country running, or one of the other fall sports offered, he will need special clothing wear. Special shoes such as soccer cleats or running shoes will be a must, in addition to special socks, shorts, mouth guards, shin pads, water bottles, and all the other paraphernalia required by child athletes.

4. Formal wear. Many young men and women will be attended fall formals, homecoming dances, and band, choir, or orchestra concerts. See to it that your young person has the proper attire for such events. Dresses, suits, sport coats, and of course, shoes.

Have a great school year!