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Posts like this make me so thankful I have two boys and no daughters. It is so damn complicated raising girls and my hat is off to those who can successfully raise them (for my boys to eventually marry up).

My wife took my two sons "back-to-school" shopping over the weekend and it took all of an hour and a half. Damn, and I was hoping to have the whole day to myself too. They just grabbed pants and shirts off the racks at Wal-Mart and Kohls and were out of there in a flash for just under $100 a kid. These clothes would last them years if they didn't grow out of them. I had jeans that I wore for years and years. Finally I threw them out this year because I took off some weight. But jeans and shirts never, ever go out of style for men. And that's just the way I like it.

Girls though are a different matter entirely. I know people raising girls who have closets full of clothes and yet they still have "nothing to wear." It's as if they have to wear something different every damn day. Am I ever glad I have boys!

Folks, the solution to your fashion woes lies in the Preppie Look. Nothing combines Class and Comfort like classic American prep-school style I'll spare you the details, but be aware that clothing can be had that will look good on the kinder and last long enough to serve hand-me-down duty as well. These clothes are cut the same way as they were fifty years ago, are made from natural fabrics, and feature quaity stitching that will prevent them from falling apart after a year like discount-store clothes can. Yes, they cost more, but this is offset by the fact that they last much longer than cheaper clothes, both in terms of style and durability; and, by paying attention to sales and by shopping at the big chains' closeout shops (Nordstrom Rack, for example -- same clothes that Nordstrom carries, but discounted 40-60%) one can purchase higher-quality clothing at substantally lower prices.

Labels to look for: Lacoste, Polo, Brooks Brothers, and Banks. I'd also recommend almost anything from L.L. Bean or Land's End (J Crew tends to be a bit too trendy). Bean in particular carries a wide variety of top-quality kids' clothing, and at reasonable prices -- their shoe selection in particular is very sensibly priced -- and the clothes come with a lifetime guarantee.

The Preppie Look is the classic American style. You can't go wrong with golf shirts, chinos, sweaters, and loafers. Dress for success!