WITH schools due to reopen in September, it’s time to kit the kids out with new uniforms.
But with many of us trying to cut our costs because of the pandemic recession, how can you ensure your children are dressed to impress while spending less?
Thankfully, the supermarkets are on hand to help.
Abby McHale asks Lucas Bovell and Annabelle Baker Ogunjimi, both seven, to try their ranges.
- All prices for seven to eight-year-old sizes
Best girl's T-shirt
Annabelle
- White T-shirt, £3.50 from George at Asda – buy now
- Skirt, £1.75 from Lidl – buy now
- Shoes, £24 from M&S – buy now
- Bag, £18 from TU at Sainsbury’s – buy now
TOTAL: £47.25
Annabelle’s mum, Natalie Baker, 44, a retail assistant from Tufnell Park, North London, says: “I love this T-shirt so much I’d let her wear it not just for school. The frills add a nice detail.”
Annabelle says: “The T-shirt is really soft and I love the bag.”
Lucas
- Grey jumper, £6 for pack of two from F&F at Tesco – buy now
- Bag, £16 from F&F at Tesco – buy now
- Blue shirt, £6 for pack of three from TU at Sainsbury’s – buy now
- Trousers, £12 for pack of three from TU at Sainsbury’s – buy now
- Shoes, £32 from M&S – buy now
TOTAL: £72
Lucas’s mum Carina Lepore, 32, who won The Apprentice in 2019 and lives in Croydon, South London, says: “He looks like he’s about to go into year seven – so smart.”
Lucas says: “I feel very grown up in this outfit. Sometimes it’s nice to look this smart.”
Best quality
Annabelle
- Green jumper, £13 for two-pack from M&S – buy now
- Polo shirt, £9 for two-pack from M&S – buy now
- Trousers, £12 from M&S – buy now
- Shoes, £6 from M&S – buy now
- Socks, £5 for pack of five from M&S – buy now
- Bag, £16 from M&S – buy now
TOTAL: £61
Natalie says: “This outfit is very smart and I like the quality of the fabric. I love that the trousers have adjustable straps.”
Annabelle says: “I like the T-shirt because it’s got frills around the neck. My shoes are comfy, too.”
Lucas
- Green jumper, £13 for two-pack from M&S – buy now
- Shirt, £12 for three-pack from M&S – buy now
- Shorts, £10 for two-pack from M&S – buy now
- Shoes, £32 from M&S – buy now
- Socks, £5 for pack of five from M&S – buy now
- Animal lunch box, £14 from M&S – buy now
TOTAL: £86
Carina says: “M&S has always been great quality. Plus they don’t just look and feel good, they really are true to size.”
Lucas says: “This outfit is really comfy and I like the lunch box with the animals on.”
Best boy's shorts
Lucas
- Shirt, £2.49 for pack of two from Lily & Dan at Aldi – buy now
- Shorts, £1.75 from Lidl – buy now
- Shoes, £14 from Nutmeg at Morrisons – buy now
TOTAL: £18.24
Carina says: “I like that these shorts have pockets. I can’t believe they’re only £1.75.”
Lucas says: “The shorts fit nice so I can run fast in them.”
Annabelle
- Blue headband, £4 from M&S – buy now
- Playsuit, £5.50 from TU at Sainsbury’s – buy now
- T-shirt, £3 for pack of two from F&F at Tesco – buy now
- Shoes, £15 from F&F at Tesco – buy now
- Socks £5 for pack of four from F&F at Tesco – buy now
TOTAL: £32.50
Natalie says: “This is so different, I love it. I would like it to have pockets but apart from that it feels really trendy. You don’t often see playsuits in this print, just dresses.”
Annabelle says: “This is really good for running around in and I like the bow on the front.”
Best boy's jumper
Annabelle
- Red headband, £4 from M&S – buy now
- Socks, £6 for pack of five from M&S – buy now
- Dress, £8 from F&F at Tesco – buy now
- Shirt, £4.50 from George at Asda – buy now
- Lunchbox, £4.99 from Lily & Dan at Aldi – buy now
- Shoes, £6.99 from Lily & Dan at Aldi – buy now
TOTAL: £34.48
Natalie says: “There’s a hidden zip on this dress which you don’t normally find with kids’ clothing. It makes it easier to get on and off.”
Annabelle says: “I’ve never worn a belt before with any of my outfits and I really like this one on the dress.”
Lucas
- Jumper, £5.50 from Nutmeg at Morrisons – buy now
- Trousers, £13 for pack of two from M&S – buy now
- Shirt, £2.49 for pack of two from Lily & Dan at Aldi – buy now
- Lunch box, £4.99 from Lily & Dan at Aldi – buy now
- Shoes, £15 from F&F at Tesco – buy now
TOTAL: £40.98
Carina says: “The jumper feels good quality and the velcro school shoes are much easier than laces.”
Lucas says: “The red jumper is my favourite, it’s so soft.”
Best girl's trousers
Lucas
- Blue T-shirt, £1.75 from Lidl – buy now
- Trousers, £7 for pack of two from F&F at Tesco – buy now
- Plimsolls, £3.50 from George at Asda – buy now
- Socks, £4 for pack of five from TU at Sainsbury’s – buy now
TOTAL: £16.25
Carina says: “The blue T-shirt makes a nice change and the plimsolls were easy to put on.”
Lucas says: “I have to wear plimsolls and these ones are comfy and a good fit.”
Annabelle
- Grey cardigan, £10 from M&S – buy now
- Hair clips, £3.50 from M&S – buy now
- Blue T-shirt, £1.75 from Lidl – buy now
- Trousers, £1.75 from Lily & Dan at Aldi – buy now
- Plimsolls, £3 from TU at Sainsbury’s – buy now
TOTAL: £20
Natalie says: “These trousers are really cute with bows on. The cardigan also feels really nice quality.”
Annabelle says: “I really like all the bows on this outfit and the cardigan is soft.”
Where to shop for what
M&S – A ONE-STOP SHOP
IF you are looking for somewhere that has it all, it’s M&S.
This year the brand has introduced new technology to make school uniforms hassle free – which means ink-resistant pockets and scuff-resistant shoes, along with its SkinKind range, designed for extra-sensitive skin.
It has also launched a shoe size measuring manual online, and put up posters in stores so that parents can be confident about the items they are buying.
F&F – EXTRA DETAILS
FROM hidden zips to easy-iron shirts and adjustable waists, Tesco gives you all the extra details.
With a big range to choose from it also offers a 100-day guarantee so if something doesn’t fit within that timeframe you can exchange for free.
GEORGE AT ASDA – BEST FIT
ASDA’S school uniforms range is true to size, with sizes ranging from two to three years old all the way up to 18.
You can be sure to get the right fit, whatever your child’s age.
DAN & LILY AT ALDI – SHOES
SCHOOL shoes and trainers for PE – often a major part of your school kit spend – cost as little as £5.99 at Aldi and come in a range of styles for boys and girls.
You can also get two polo shirts, one jumper and either trousers or a skirt for just £4.
LIDL – BUDGET BUYS
UNIFORM prices start at £1.75 at Lidl, with trousers and shirts costing as little as £2.
You will find everything from polo shirts to skirts and PE kit.
NUTMEG AT MORRISONS – COMFORT
THE store has a great selection of super-soft jumpers, shirts and PE kit.
There will be no complaints about itchy fabrics with items bought here.
TU AT SAINSBURY’S –TRENDS
WIDE-LEG playsuits, bow details, stylish backpacks – it’s great for something a little different.
Plus, these trendy pieces are no more expensive than normal.
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