10 Back-to-School Outfits Under $50 from Target and H&M (That Actually Look Good)

TL;DR

What’s In This Guide

Why Target and H&M Actually Work for Back-to-School Outfits Under $50

You’re scrolling through back-to-school ads and your bank account is already sweating. Everyone’s showing up in their carefully curated first-day fits, and you’re trying to figure out how to make $50 look like $150. Real talk: it’s possible.

Target and H&M became the go-to spots for budget-conscious teens for good reason. They’re two of the only places where $50 can still get you a complete outfit—shirt, bottoms, and sometimes even a layer—instead of just one pair of jeans that’ll eat your whole budget.

Target’s Universal Thread, Wild Fable, and A New Day lines hit that sweet spot between trendy and affordable. H&M’s basics are legitimately solid for the price, and their sales are constant. Both stores have gotten better at making budget pieces that don’t look budget.

This isn’t about finding the cheapest stuff possible. It’s about finding pieces that fit well, feel comfortable through a full school day, and actually match your vibe—without that “I clearly shopped the clearance rack” energy.

The Rules Before You Shop (Read This First)

All 10 Back-to-School Outfits Under $50 (Detailed Breakdown)

Outfit 1: Classic Graphic Tee Combo

This is the most versatile setup on the list. Target’s Universal Thread line has seriously stepped up, and their graphic tees don’t scream “trying too hard.” The straight leg jeans fit well without being too tight or too baggy—they’re the real investment here because they go with literally everything.

The beauty of this combo? Swap the graphic tee for any other shirt you own and it still works. These jeans become your foundation piece for the whole year.

Pro tip: Wait for Target’s jean sales—they happen regularly and you can sometimes get these for $20 instead of $30.

Outfit 2: The Hoodie + Joggers Situation

The most comfortable thing you’ll wear to school. H&M’s basic hoodies are solid quality for the price, and their joggers don’t look as cheap as some other stores. The key is getting them in neutral colors (black, gray, navy) so they don’t scream “I’m wearing pajamas.”

Perfect for early morning classes when you just can’t deal with “real clothes” yet. Nobody’s judging—everyone wishes they could do this.

Outfit 3: Fitted Top + Midi Skirt

This one surprises a lot of people. The midi length makes it super easy to wear—no worrying about it being too short, and you can wear it with sneakers or sandals. The fitted top keeps it balanced so you don’t look like you’re drowning in fabric.

Target’s A New Day line has options that don’t wrinkle immediately, which matters when you’re sitting in class all day. You’ll look more put-together than everyone else without spending extra money or time.

Outfit 4: Button-Up Over Tee Layered Look

Want to look slightly more dressed up without wearing anything uncomfortable? This is your move. The button-up over a tee is an easy layering trick that makes you look like you know what you’re doing with fashion.

H&M’s short-sleeve button-ups tend to hold up better than their long-sleeve versions. The chinos are basic but fit well and work with pretty much anything. Great for presentations or days when you just want extra confidence.

Outfit 5: Oversized Tee + Cargo Pants

The streetwear look without streetwear prices. Target’s Wild Fable line is designed for younger shoppers and has some legitimately good stuff. The cargo pants have that utility vibe everyone’s wearing right now.

The oversized tee balances out the baggier pants—you want some proportion happening so you don’t look completely shapeless (unless that’s your thing). Plus, pockets that actually fit your phone? Win.

Outfit 6: Solid Crewneck + Black Jeans

Simple, clean, works for pretty much any situation. Black jeans are a must-have anyway, and a solid crewneck in a good color (gray, olive, burgundy, whatever) gives you endless outfit options.

This is the “I overslept and have 10 minutes” outfit that always looks intentional even when it absolutely wasn’t. Add a jacket if it’s cold, or just wear it as-is. No thinking required.

Pro tip: Grab this combo at either store during back-to-school sales—usually 20-25% off around August.

Outfit 7: Polo Shirt + Shorts (or Pants)

Perfect if your school has any kind of dress code, or if you just like looking a bit more polished. Target’s Goodfellow line is solid for basics, and the polos don’t have that stiff, awkward fit some cheap polos have.

Wear it with shorts while it’s still warm, switch to pants when it gets colder. Same outfit, different weather. Super useful for those “nice dress” days schools sometimes throw at you.

Outfit 8: Tank + Overshirt + Denim Shorts

Perfect for the beginning of school when it’s still hot outside but classrooms are freezing because of AC. The tank keeps you cool, the overshirt works as a light layer. H&M’s basic tanks are like $6 and they actually last. The overshirt can be worn open or buttoned depending on the vibe.

Outfit 9: Sweater + Leggings + Long Cardigan

This might push your budget by a couple dollars, but it’s worth mentioning because it’s comfortable AND looks more put-together than it actually is. The long cardigan elevates the whole outfit from “I wore leggings to school” to “I have a style.”

Budget hack: Skip the cardigan if you need to stay under $50 exactly, or find one secondhand. Thrift stores always have cardigans.

Outfit 10: Henley + Khaki Pants + Simple Jacket

Another one that’s slightly over depending on sales, but solid for cooler weather. The henley is more interesting than a regular tee but still casual. Khaki pants work with everything. The lightweight jacket pulls it all together.

H&M usually has sales going on, so you can probably get this under $50 if you time it right. Prioritize the pants and henley first—you can always add a jacket you already own.

Quick Comparison: All 10 Back-to-School Outfits

Outfit	Store	Total	Best For	Comfort
Graphic Tee + Jeans	Target	~$38	Everyday versatility	High
Hoodie + Joggers	H&M	~$38	Maximum comfort	Very High
Fitted Top + Midi Skirt	Target	~$35	Easy feminine style	High
Button-Up Layer + Chinos	H&M	~$45	Slightly dressed up	Medium-High
Oversized Tee + Cargos	Target	~$42	Streetwear vibe	Very High
Crewneck + Black Jeans	H&M	~$40	Simple and clean	High
Polo + Shorts/Pants	Target	~$37	Dress code friendly	Medium-High
Tank + Overshirt + Shorts	H&M	~$42	Warm weather	High
Sweater + Leggings + Cardigan	Target	~$51	Cozy and styled	Very High
Henley + Khakis + Jacket	H&M	~$51	Cooler weather	Medium-High

Smart Shopping Strategy (How to Actually Do This)

Check Sales Before Full-Price Shopping

Both Target and H&M have sales constantly. Target does weekly deals and seasonal clearance. H&M has online sales that aren’t always advertised in-store. Use the Target app to check what’s on sale before you even go to the store—saves time and usually saves money.

Mix Old and New

You probably already own some basic pieces—jeans, tees, maybe a hoodie. You don’t need to buy every single item new. Focus on filling gaps in what you already have. If you already have good jeans, spend your budget on new tops.

Quality Hierarchy

Spend more of your budget on pieces that need to fit well and last longer (pants, jeans). Spend less on basic tees and tanks that are easier to replace. A $30 pair of jeans that fits perfectly and lasts all year beats two $15 pairs that fall apart.

Neutrals First, Colors Second

If you’re starting from scratch, get neutral basics first (black, white, gray, navy, tan). They work with everything and give you the most outfit combinations. Once you have those covered, add some color or patterns to make things more interesting.

Try Things On (Seriously)

Online shopping is easier, but sizing is super inconsistent between brands. If you can get to an actual store, try stuff on before buying it. Nothing’s more annoying than ordering something online, waiting for it to arrive, and then realizing it fits weird.

Plan Your Back-to-School Budget

Not sure how to split your budget across different pieces? Use our Outfit Budget Planner to figure out exactly how many tops, bottoms, and layers you can get with your money—and which pieces are worth spending more on versus where you can save.

📊 OUTFIT BUDGET PLANNER:

Enter your total budget and occasion to get a personalized breakdown.

What to Avoid When Shopping on a Budget

Trendy Pieces That Won’t Last

If something is super trendy right now, it’ll probably be out of style quickly. That’s fine if you’re okay with that, but if you’re on a tight budget, focus most of your money on classic pieces and maybe get one or two trendy items if you really want them.

Uncomfortable Materials

Some budget clothes are budget for a reason. If something feels scratchy or stiff in the store, it’s not going to magically get better after you wash it. You’ll just never wear it, which means you wasted money.

Bad Fits You Hope to Adjust

Don’t buy something that doesn’t fit right because you think you’ll fix it or alter it. You probably won’t. Buy things that fit well from the start—it’ll save you money and frustration.

FAQ: Your Back-to-School Budget Questions Answered

Can I really get a complete outfit from Target for under $50?

Yes, absolutely. Target’s Universal Thread jeans ($25-30) plus a graphic tee ($8-12) comes in around $38 total. Their Wild Fable line is even more affordable, with cargo pants around $25 and basic tees under $15. The key is shopping during sales and focusing on their budget-friendly lines.

Is H&M better than Target for back-to-school clothes?

They’re different strengths. H&M is better for basics like hoodies, joggers, and simple tees. Target is better for jeans and more structured pieces. H&M has more frequent sales online, while Target’s in-store clearance can have amazing deals. Best strategy: shop both.

How many outfits do I actually need for back-to-school?

A solid starting point is 5-7 mix-and-match pieces that create at least 10 outfit combinations. That’s typically 3-4 tops, 2-3 bottoms, and 1-2 layers. With the outfits in this guide, you could start with just 2-3 complete looks and build from there as your budget allows.

When is the best time to shop for back-to-school deals?

Late July to mid-August usually has the best back-to-school sales. Target typically does 20-25% off around this time. H&M has constant online sales throughout the year. Pro tip: buy summer items (shorts, tanks) at end-of-summer clearance for next year.

Do Target and H&M have student discounts?

H&M doesn’t offer regular student discounts, but Target sometimes has back-to-school promotions you can stack with sales. Always check for coupons in the Target app and sign up for H&M’s membership program—it’s free and gives you points toward discounts.

What’s the return policy if something doesn’t work out?

Target gives you 90 days for most clothing items with receipt. H&M gives you 30 days. Always keep your receipts, and if something doesn’t work out, return it and try something else instead of letting it sit in your closet unworn.

Should I buy online or in-store?

In-store is better for pants, jeans, and anything where fit matters—sizing is inconsistent and trying on prevents returns hassle. Online is fine for basic tees, hoodies, and items with more forgiving fits. H&M especially has online-only sales worth checking.

What if I can only afford one outfit right now?

Start with Outfit 1 (graphic tee + straight leg jeans from Target, ~$38). It’s the most versatile option and gives you a foundation you can build on. Those jeans will work with almost any top you already own, instantly multiplying your outfit options.

Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This