Your preschooler doesn’t really need a wardrobe the size of a Hollywood starlet’s closet to look great. Everyone likes to dress their kids well, but you don’t have to blow a fortune on clothes. Save the money for something that’s even more important than fashion – her education. It’s not possible to drastically cut down on the amount you shop for your kids, and I know those who have little girls have a particularly hard time staying within budget!

I must confess I am reasonably thrifty when it comes to my son’s clothes. I figure it’s not as if they have any intellectual, physical or emotional benefits, and I would much rather splurge on books, certain toys, family outings or holidays. These are the things that will make a lasting impact on their minds.

If you feel the same way, here are some ideas for saving money on clothing.

If you have a preschooler and a toddler or baby in the house, save clothes to pass down to the next in line. If they are of different genders, buy neutral clothing for the preschooler that can be worn by either gender. Unisex clothing not only tends to be less expensive, but it can also last longer than frilly girly thingies.

For your daughter, buy some smock type dresses. When she outgrows them, they become a top to wear over jeans.

Don’t discard T-Shirts that are stained with the remnants of one too many craft projects or rumbles in the park – these can easily be dyed. Learn to tie dye a T -Shirt to create a brand new one. It’s really easy.

Don’t just give away old clothes because they’ve gotten smaller – recycle. A padded jacket that’s she’s outgrowing can be turned into a vest for winter – simply chop off the sleeves. The sleeves are always the first to show signs of becoming too small. Old T-shirts and too-short printed pajamas can be used for cover ups at the beach.

If you’re handy with a sewing machine, or know someone who is, see if you can alter your own clothing for your little girl. Sleeveless vests can be dyed, and embroidered or decorated with beads, and used as little girls’ dresses.

This brings me to my next tip. Invest in a sewing machine, and see if you can pick up some basic sewing skills. They’re invaluable

Buy washable fabrics, and save on dry cleaning bills.

Protect new jeans by sewing an extra patch of the same fabric on the knees from the inside. The knees are usually the first ones to show signs of wear and tear.

Always look out for discount sales. There’s a family I know that dresses their toddler and preschool aged kids for the entire year in clothes that they pick up at the annual blowout sale at their favorite kids clothing store. They do the whole waiting-out-at-the-store-front-till-the-doors-open-to-be-able-to-rush-in thing, and grab some great pieces. They delegate sections that each parent will cover to find the best deals! They are so systematic about it, and it shows…Their kids are some of the best dressed I know!

If your child is already bored with a pair of canvas shoes, try dyeing them to get him to wear them and use them.

Give pricey brands a miss. A few pieces are fine, and these can be matched with other good quality jeans or shirts. Expensive doesn’t always equal quality, and the “you get what you pay for” adage doesn’t hold true for a lot of clothes.

Keep her good and costly clothes for when you go out to visit friends. At home, let her run around in T shirts, shorts and other easy to wear clothes that are good for rough usage. Do the same for shoes. Have a pair of sandals for running round and playing in. Leave the good and expensive footwear for when you’re in company.

If you have friends with kids of the same age, see if you can have an exchange of clothes.

Jeans that have been ripped at the knee can be cut off to make shorts or a skirt for girls.

When a tiered skirt becomes one size too short, add an extra tier or two in the same color if it’s a primary color, or even a contrast color. You can do this for A line skirts too.

So, do you have any thrifty ideas to save on clothes?