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Stressed by back-to-school clothes shopping? Here are tips:

– Identify big ticket needs first. Shoes and backpacks can have the highest price tags. Are those new Nikes absolutely necessary if it means there will only be enough left for a few shirts?

– Think outside the box. Adding layers over or under clothing is the key to giving a wardrobe legs. For early fall, when the weather is still warm, guys can pair a short-sleeve graphic T-shirt with jeans. As the weather cools, put a long-sleeve T-shirt under and a printed woven shirt on top, or add a hoodie.

M-; Pick a color scheme and stick to it. You don’t want to end up with a closet full of items that don’t match anything. If you like purple, look for complementary colors in the same family, add in a few prints or stripes, and you’re building an interchangeable wardrobe.

– Don’t discount vintage. Not everything needs to be replaced every year. If you’re looking to get a few years wear out of backpacks, go for solid colors. Sew on patches or embellishments to personalize. Consignment sales and thirft stores are excellent sources of gently used clothing at a fraction of the retail price.