I found as my son progressed throgh elementary school that he needed to be dressed up for quite a few assemblys and other programs. He grew like a weed and was always out of a suitcoat before before he needed it a second time. Soooo, I discovered the thrift shop (GOodwill, salvation army, church clothing stores) and was able to always have my son in great looking suitcoats and suits for usually less thatn $5.00. The clothes never get worn out because the kids jsut aren't in them long enough!