Please give me some ideas of "office" wear for my 16 year old

[Howsaboutthat]

DD is starting at an independent 6th form in September. The dress code for 6 formers is smart office wear (doesn't have to be a suit for girls although basically for boys it is suit and tie (so much easier!)).

DD is there on a bursary, so don't want her to look like the pauper amongst the rich kids, but don't have the cash to wear the lables.

She's tiny, she looks about 12 (never wears makeup or anything), is 5'2" and a size 6/8.

Anyone able to link me to items for her. Due to being out of the house 7-7 during the week. I would like to ensure that I have enough for 5 days a week wear with no washing needed during the week. And ideally 10 combinations of clothes, so it looks like she has a variety of outfits.

[DorisShutt]

Dark trousers/skirt
Blouses - not skimpy, but more shirt style.

[Allthingspretty]

Head to. A branch of tk maxx

Found this on the website www.tkmaxx.com/flash-sale/navy-blue-pleated-skirt/invt/12217468

[Howsaboutthat]

Ouch (at price) looking at about a third of that.

Or should I be doing one skirt of that price and one pair of trousers and that's it? I had been thinking 2 or 3 skirts.

[Allthingspretty]

www.tkmaxx.com/contemporary/pink-blouse/invt/54004061

[Allthingspretty]

Mayne go quality rather than quantity then you can add to it as you go along. Cheap stuff might jave to be replaced time and time again

[AlwaysSleepingBeauty]

They often have some pretty blouses in H and M and you can get some lovely pencil skirts in places like Mango. It depends on her style if course but you could always try eBay, I have a lovely Reiss skirt that was brand new for £10.

If it helps at all, I went to state sixth form with this dress code, and girls basically wore simple shift dresses, skinny tailored trousers like cigarette pants, and pencil skirts or fuller high waisted skirts with blouses etc tucked in.

[Queenofknickers]

eBay often have smart work clothes in those sizes - partic from petite ranges and end of lines - great quality at v low price! I got an unworn designer suit jacket for 14.99 .....

[Allthingspretty]

www.tkmaxx.com/new-in-womens-clothing/white-blouse/invt/01680393

[Allthingspretty]

www.tkmaxx.com/mod-box/black-blouse/invt/15704670

[EvilTwins]

This is the dress code at the school I teach in. Most girls wear skater skirts at the mo, with blouses or fitted tops. Some go with shift style dresses and pencil skirts with blouses. What about Next? Fairly standard styles and ok prices. Alternatively, what about some of the office-wear shops? Places like TM Lewin often have offers for shirts/blouses and are good quality.

[AlwaysSleepingBeauty]

What about something like this? ASOS have quite a lot of choice,

m.asos.com/mt/www.asos.com/ASOS/ASOS-Belted-Pencil-Skirt/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=2887416&cid=2639&Rf-400=53&sh=0&pge=1&pgesize=12&sort=-1&clr=Mocha

m.asos.com/mt/www.asos.com/River-Island/River-Island-Chelsea-Girl-Lace-Collar-Blouse/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=2528611&SearchQuery=Blouse&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=12&sort=3&clr=Black

[teta]

My dd goes to a school like this.I would pick up skirts in dark colours in the Next summer sale plus blouses/suitable tops.You really don't have to spend a lot of money.Maybe spend more on a decent jacket or coat.Tk Maxx is brilliant for outer wear or try John Lewis or House of Fraser.Don't worry your daughter will not stand out as most parents will not buy expensive clothes for their dd's [even if they are well off].The girls at my dd's school dress in less designer labels than the local comp.

[Howsaboutthat]

Thank you for all the tips, I now know what to look for (neither dd or I are shoppers - she's currently going from uniform to onesie to jeans/polo shirt when I tell her she needs to be presentable )

Thanks for the reassurance teta re not standing out.

[Howsaboutthat]

Ooh just had a thought - shoes?

What are they wearing on their feet? Boots? Court shoes?

[mewkins]

We've had quite a lot of work experiencers (normally 6th form age) and tend to stick to a uniform of slim fitting pencil skirt (knee length or just above), blouse/sleeveless shirt and cardigan. Plus ballet pump style shoes. I think I would stick to topshop/ Next petite for skirts/ maybe ankle length trousers in dark colours. Make sure they are washable.
Then hit H and M or New look for reasonable priced blouses and cardigans which she can mix and match.
M& S do an 'Angel' range which goes up to age 16 - not sure if it does much smart stuff. If you buy from kids' ranges they are Vat free I think, so you will get more for your money xx

[mewkins]

Ps.. if you are going to splurge on anything, how about a lovely leather satchel style bag? Normally a variety in tkmaxx/ amazon for 40-50 quid and they tend to look better as they get more battered!

[FrauMoose]

I've bought stuff for my daughter - also going to 6th form college off ebay. Though also bought something from here: -
www.houseoffraser.co.uk/women+tailored/309,default,sc.html

[teta]

Yes,trousers are a good alternative to skirts apparently.According to dd any shoes go-high or low heeled but a no to kids clothes.Even at nearly 14 dd will not wear kids clothes but tends to go for Next sale items,TK Maxx coats or designer[Hollister and Jack Wills].Also leather satchels are really in,but not in bright colours.

[RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie]

DD1 and her friends tend to wear black skater style skirts or pencil skirts, or cigarette trousers with a blazer and a printed top/blouse. They have to wear a blazer that matches their bottom half, so your dd will be able to have a bit more variety.

Topshop generally caters well for tiny people, so you should be able to get a skirt and some trousers there. DD likes H&M for tops, because they are cheap!

[RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie]

For shoes, she tends to wear brogues,loafers or ballet flats.

[LapsedPacifist]

Ebay is the way to go. My DS has to wear a suit and tie for 6th form and I got him a couple of really good quality ones (£££s new) which had only been worn once for weddings. If your DD is tiny then you'll have lots of choice and you should be able to pick up some real bargains for less than you'll pay at H&M or Topshop.

[mysteryfairy]

I think you should weigh up what the current y12s are wearing before you buy a lot. I have DSs at schools 40 miles apart (we live in the middle). Similarish demographics and only one school year difference between my boys but what's in varies dramatically between the two schools. We have suits dress codes too - thank heavens they are boys! There is a lot of frantic texted tip offs between the very well off parents when our local next outlet clears formalwear so don't feel people will spend a lot just because they have it... Any labels are for out of school wear and some school bags.

[AlwaysSleepingBeauty]

In my sixth form we weren't allowed very visible logos too actually which I gather is the case at lots of schools.

[Snog]

Go and see what the girlsat this new school are actually wearing before you buy and get it wrong!

[Springdiva]

grey trousers, white blouse, nice find knit black cardi