With two young children who are growing up fast, freelance public relations consultant May Tan does not believe in spending big bucks on children's clothes.

Instead, the 37-year-old heads to stores at United Square which stock trendy designer clothes at a fraction of the price.

"Children outgrow their clothes pretty quickly, so it pays to shop carefully," she says. Her children are Gregory, eight, and Georgia, three.

She often shops at Junior 18, which carries factory overruns from brands such as Ralph Lauren and Laura Ashley. "The Guess kids outlet at United Square is also a favourite, as the items are always on sale," she says.

She does not just hunt down bargains for her kids. Ms Tan and her husband, Peter Gwee, 38, a broker, also shop at the Factory Outlet Store (FOS) in Kuala Lumpur. FOS has outlets in Singapore at Anchorpoint, Harbourfront and IMM.

"We buy casual wear such as G-Star or Ed Hardy T-shirts which go for less than the original price," she says.

LifeStyle roped in stylist Kovit Ang to dress them up in togs that are easy on the pocket yet packed with style. Ang, 34, got the family eight new outfits for less than $350.

He says dull colours tend to show up poor quality clothes easily. So if you shop at outlets, "pick clothes that are brightly coloured", he suggests.

Another tip is to go for basic pieces with less detailing. "Go for clean cuts, so even though they cost less, they don't look it," he says.

LOOK 1 - CASUAL

Mr Gwee's pinstriped tee, $15, is teamed with linen pull-string shorts, $27.30, all from G2000 Blu. Ms Tan wears a knit tee, $13, paired with denim capris, $29.50, from Fox Women. Georgia wears a printed top, $9.50, with a denim skirt, $19.50, from Fox Kids. Gregory's polo shirt, $29, is paired with shorts, $39, from GapKids.

LOOK 2 - DRESSY

Mr Gwee is in a checkered shirt, $29, with trousers, $34.30 from G2000 Blu. Ms Tan is in a short dress, $29 from G2000 Blu. Georgia wears a tennis dress, $29.90 from Esprit. Gregory dons a sweater knit hoodie, $21.50 with wool pants, $21.50 from Fox Kids.

This article was first published in The Sunday Times on Aug 10, 2008.