Let's be honest, dressing a baby can be really fun. You pretty much have the ultimate power to choose all the outfits and accessories without any opposition from your child, which you will miss when your three-year-old insists on only wearing clothing that has sparkles on it. Trust me.

That being said, sometimes it's difficult to find stylish baby clothes that don't break the bank. Here are some tips on how to dress your baby in style on a budget:

1. Visit consignment and thrift stores

I cannot tell you how many gems from brands like Janie and Jack, ZARA and Freshly Picked can be found if you're willing to search through the quantities to find the steals. Stores like Kid to Kid are a great place to start looking, as are places like the Salvation Army or Deseret Industries.

2. Join Buy/Sell/Trade (BST) groups on Facebook

Searching Facebook for BST groups that focus on your favorite brands is another great way to save money. In a lot of instances, you'll have the opportunity to buy things that are like-new for less than retail. Don't be afraid to join local yard sale groups too... you never know when you'll find something amazing.

3. Sign up for email lists

Signing up for brand newsletters/email lists is a great way to stay in the know about sales, discounts and exclusive subscriber deals. Sometimes you'll even get a discount for signing up. Whether it's a smaller shop, or a larger retail brand, you're sure to find some deals if you're willing to subscribe.

4. Check your local grocery store(s)

I've found some of the cutest clothes for my kids at the cheapest prices at my local Smith's Marketplace and Target stores. Both of these stores have coupons apps as well, so you can look for discounts that way, too. So when you're out grocery shopping, swing on over to the kids clothing section to see if there are any deals happening.

5. Ask for gift cards

Stocking up on gift cards is another cost-effective way to dress your baby in style. If you have family or close friends ask you what you'd like for your baby, suggest gift cards to your favorite baby store. If you're still expecting or awaiting placement, consider adding this request to your baby registry. That way, you'll be able to use multiple gift cards together to create a stylish wardrobe for your baby, and you won't have to worry about returning gifts that you get duplicates of.

6. Host a clothing exchange

If you have friends and/or family who also have children similar ages, consider hosting a clothing exchange. Because sometimes it's just nice to wear clothes that are new (to you). You can make it more fun by including adult clothes too. That way, mama and baby can both look stylish on a budget.

7. Invest in a few fun basics that you can mix-and-match

Investigate some higher-end baby basics brands (my favorite is June & January) and buy a few staple pieces that you can mix-and-match. You may be paying a bit more per piece, but you'll yield more outfit options and combinations than with other pieces that don't coordinate as well. Search for brands that offer a perks program and/or great sales to save even more.

What are some of your favorite ways to dress your baby in style on a budget?