Summer has come and gone way too quickly, and it is almost time to go back to school. No one wants to be seen in the same old things they wore the previous school year, so it’s time to update your wardrobe with fun new things. When shopping for new clothes you should always consider shopping at second hand clothing stores to save money where you will also come across unique items that will make everyone jealous. Here are 5 tips that will help you jump start your back to school shopping list.

Duh! Shop at second hand clothing stores (of course)

Start your shopping at a reputable second hand clothing store. The bargains you find will really help you save money and time and allow you to find articles of clothing that can show off your personality.

A pair of pants donated straight from the eighties can enhance your wardrobe and turn any outfit into a loud fun SUPERFIT! Gathering stylish unique pieces will make you the talk of your school, as no one will be able to compare to your funky style.

The Butte County Arc Thrift Stores receive new donations every day so your selection is not limited to a few repeated items and fashions seen at large retail stores. Never rule out second hand clothing stores, your wardrobe will thank you!

Layers Are a Fashion Must

Every year school seems to start a little sooner, giving you a couple months of summer heat, and then you are blasted with the winter cold. Layers are very convenient. You can pile on for the cool mornings and take layers off during the warm afternoons. You only have to make one stop to gather what you will need all year. Sweaters, jackets, vests, and scarves are great top layers to stave off the winter chill, but can easily be undone in too-warm classrooms. Layering, mixing and matching colors are fun ways to stay warm, or cool!

Solid colored tees and tanks will always work

Stocking up on solid colored tees and tanks is also a must do when you are getting ready to head back to school. Having a tank in every color will give you something to rock underneath all of your layers in the winter. When summer comes you won’t need anything but a cute pair of shorts or an awesome maxi skirt. You should always have a white tank top and a black tank top in your wardrobe as they will go with pretty much anything. Adding your favorite colors will dress your wardrobe to your personal taste and make it easy when pairing items together. Solid V-neck tee shirts will most likely never go out of style and they are perfect for school, work, and you can dress them up easily. Tanks start at $6 at the Arc Stores of Butte County. Check out the Arc Store Facebook page often to view the daily sales at

Scarves, scarves, scarves!

Have you ever seen a scarf that you love, love, love, but in the middle of the summer? Most people don’t want something wrapped around their neck in 100 degree weather, and many people will not want to wear loud bright colored scarves in the middle of December.

Not to worry, there are tons of ways to wear a scarf, and one way is as a vest. That way in the summer you can add one to any dress or tank top, and in the winter you can still purchase the bright colors and save them for the summer. At the Arc thrift stores of Butte County you can get brand new scarves at just $8 in many different colors and designs. Here is a video tutorial of how to make a scarf into a vest.

Budgeting is the key to success

Before you embark on your back to school shopping journey, you should budget your money so that you allot a specific amount for the items you will need. For instance, if your budget is $100 you can say $60 is for basic tees, tanks, jackets and jeans, and the other $40 can be for accessories and items you magically come across that you just must have! Knowing how much you want to spend on each category of clothing will help you to save time in decision making.

Hopefully these tips will help you out when you go back-to-school shopping. Remember, before you come into any of the Arc second hand clothing stores, download the coupon below to bring with you to save $5 on a $15 or more purchase. Happy Shopping!