50 Back-to-School Outfits for $20 or Less

Smart Buys

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Smart Buys
asiseeit/istockphoto

Smart Buys

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 & Flare Jersey Dress
Source: oldnavy.gap.com

Fit-and-Flare Jersey Dress

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.

Three-Piece Activewear Set
Source: walmart.com

3-Piece Activewear Set

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
Source: hm.com

Sequin T-Shirt and Leggings

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 Shirts and Chino Pants
Source: target.com

Uniform Polo Shirt and Chino Pants

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 Two-Pack
Source: amazon.com

Tank Dress 2-Pack

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 & Shorts Set
Source: kohls.com

Baseball T-Shirt and Shorts Set

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 & Pants Set
Source: walmart.com

Sweatshirt and Pants Set

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
Source: oldnavy.gap.com

Uniform Twill Jumper

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
Source: hm.com

T-Shirt and Shorts Set

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
Source: forever21.com

Striped Knit Dress

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
Source: oldnavy.gap.com

Jersey Jumpsuit

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 Uniform Shorts
Source: walmart.com

2-Pack Uniform Polo and Shorts

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 & Mesh Shorts Set
Source: amazon.com

Marvel T-Shirt and Mesh Shorts Set

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
Source: target.com

Animal Print Dress

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 & Shorts/Leggings Sets
Source: amazon.com

Active T-Shirt and Shorts/Leggings Set

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."

Front Tie Uniform Dress
Source: target.com

Uniform Front-Tie Dress

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
Source: walmart.com

T-Shirt, Muscle Tank, and Shorts Set

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
Source: forever21.com

Skater Dress

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
Source: amazon.com

Polo Shirt and Woven Shorts

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 Dress
Source: Oshkosh.com

Uniform Polo Dress

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
Source: walmart.com

Slash-Back Top and Legging

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 & Shorts Activewear Set
Source: amazon.com

Tank and Shorts Activewear Set

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
Source: hm.com

Jersey Dress

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
Source: oshkosh.com

Uniform Polo and Shorts

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.

Three-Piece Outfit Plus Hair Crown
Source: walmart.com

3-Piece Outfit Plus Hair Crown

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
Source: oshkosh.com

Jeggings and Tee for Her

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
Source: Oshkosh.com

Skinny Jeans and T-Shirt for Him

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).

Two-Piece Active Set
Source: walmart.com

2-Piece Active Set

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
Source: hm.com

Chinos and T-Shirt

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-Sleeved Dress
Source: kohls.com

Uniform Short-Sleeve Dress

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
Source: uniqlo.com

Crew-Neck T-Shirt and Shorts

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
Source: jcpenney.com

2-Piece Legging Set

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 & Pull-On Shorts
Source: target.com

Camo T-Shirt and Pull-On Shorts

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.

Peter Pan Collar Blouse and Button Side Skirt
Source: walmart.com

Uniform Peter-Pan-Collar Blouse and Scooter

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
Source: kohls.com

Polo and Zip-Pocket Shorts

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

Jersey Dress

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
Source: walmart.com

Plaid Button-Up and Jeans

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 & Stretch Shorts
Source: oldnavy.gap.com

Tulip-Hem T-Shirt and Stretch Shorts

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
Source: hm.com

Soccer Set

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.

Ruffle Uniform Tunic and Jeggings
Source: walmart.com

Uniform Ruffle-Hem Tunic and Jeggings

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 & Jersey Shorts
Source: kohls.com

Jersey T-Shirt and Shorts

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
Source: target.com

High-Neck Jumpsuit

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
Source: oldnavy.gap.com

Crew-Neck T-Shirt and Drawstring Shorts

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.

Pleated Jumper
Source: kohls.com

Uniform Pleated Jumper

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 Basketball Shorts
Source: jcpenney.com

T-Shirt and Mesh Shorts

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 & Leggings
Source: kohls.com

Roll-Cuff Tie-Waist Dress and Leggings

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 & Mesh Shorts
Source: kohls.com

Tek Gear T-Shirt and Mesh Shorts

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
Source: jcpenney.com

Belted Jumpsuit

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
Source: Uniqlo.com

Short-Sleeve Dress

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
Source: amazon.com

Top and Romper Set

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.