Teens should carry their own bags when shopping with mom.
When summer ends and teens are heading back to school, it's time for a shopping trip. To get teens on board with what's appropriate for school versus their weekend wear, allow them to shop for accessories that will round out a wardrobe made up of classic, traditional essentials. The back-to-school shopping experience can be a good one -- as long as there is agreement on what is needed, the kind of styles that are acceptable, and the price point you must stay within.
Before Leaving the House
It's important that your teen is clear about what the shopping trip will entail. Open your child's closet and assess the clothes together. Have your teen talk about what items are missing from her wardrobe, which ones need replacing and which items she really likes. This will give you a good idea of what to shop for. It also opens up a dialog about what styles are appropriate and what colors might pair well with the clothing she currently has in her closet. Make sure to check shoes as well -- anything worn out or not seasonally appropriate should be replaced. Make a list of the needed items and tell your teen you'll be sticking to the list.
Visit Stores You Both Like
There's no sense in walking into a store that you know your teen likes, but you refuse to purchase clothing at. This can quickly send the shopping trip south as resentment starts to build. Instead, make a shopping list that includes items needed and stores where you might find them. When shopping, help your teen discern if the items she's choosing will mix and match easily with the items already in her closet. If your teen finds a cardigan sweater that fits her well and you both love it, try to buy it in several colors and patterns. This streamlines the shopping process immensely. Also, allow your teen to accessorize with trendy pieces. Jewelry, scarfs, belts and hats can add a pop to a teen's wardrobe and get her excited about the experience.
Try on Clothing
While it may be tempting to skip the dressing room line, it ultimately isn't worth it. Clothing brands and sizes are not universal. Unless your teen knows a brand well, he should try the clothes on for fit, comfort and style. Plus, items look different on the hanger, so it takes a trip to the fitting room to really decide if it wears well and looks good. It's also important to walk, bend, sit, button and zip the clothing pieces to ensure that the fit isn't too baggy or too tight. It's also important to have your teen's feet measured each time you buy shoes.
Check Fabrics and Return Policy
Clothing can be expensive and you want to make sure to get your money's worth. Check the labels inside each garment and make sure everything is machine washable. You don't want to be sending your teen's clothes to the dry cleaners. The best fabrics are stain-resistant, like cotton blends, that don't wrinkle easily or require ironing. Also check out the store's return policy. Seasonal items --- or ones that are on sale -- might not be returnable. Remember, it isn't crucial that everything be bought at once. If you only find half of what you need, take a break. You can get back to shopping after school starts.
Pick Your Battles
A crucial part of growing up is making decisions, and that includes clothing. While there will be some rules -- such as no $100 ripped T-shirts, saggy pants or barely-there tank tops -- the majority of the decision-making should be left to the teen. Work with your teen on price -- if it's something she really wants, allow her to split the cost with you. But if you simply don't like a pattern or color, let it go. Teens are individuals who should be allowed to express themselves through clothing, as long as the pieces are age-appropriate and modest.
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