Sixth form smart dress code - where to source?

[TriggersBroom]

DD is starting sixth form in the autumn where the dress code is suits or skirt/trousers with co-ordinating jackets.

She's had a bellyful of skirts, so wants to buy trouser suits or trousers/jackets. I'm afraid I'm a bit lacking on the style and beauty front and haven't come up with much for her yet. Any ideas where we can get something suitable that isn't too frumpy for a 16yo.

TIA.

[TriggersBroom]

Bump. Anyone?

[mrsdavidbowie]

Zara?

[AMcoffeeLover]

TkMax?

[NeitherHereOrThere]

H&M? Mango?

[5446]

I'm 25 and had to wear a similar dress code at sixth form.

If I remember rightly, I pretty much got everything from Topshop, New Look and ASOS, with a couple of nice blouses from Zara.

ASOS in particular do some really nice coordinates.

Especially if you wait until August where a lot more office-wear comes into the shops.

[MumSnotBU]

Have you checked what the current sixth form actually wear? Dds prospectus said smart work type wear, but in reality as the year wore on they were all wearing their Y12 leavers hoodies, skinnies and vans..like an anti fashion contest.

[Glitteryfrog]

Suits? For sixth form?
Dependant on budget:
H+M do suits, they're pretty cheap, they do trousers, jackets and dresses. They also do nice tops.
Next - dull but functional
Topshop?

[TriggersBroom]

Thanks everyone - I'll have a look at those links. I'd already looked at Next and agreed it was functional.

MumSnot - apparently they're tightening up the dress code - it used to be more informal, but they did an induction day earlier this week and the head of sixth form emphasised that the code was now strict.

I don't know why they do this - the kids are going to look smarter than some of the teachers. What's wrong with jeans and a jumper?

[Glitteryfrog]

Does it have to be suits? How about skinny/cigarette trousers with nice tops, ballet pumps and a Cardigan?
How about dresses? I wear tunic dresses with thick tights with brogues during the autumn.

[TeddTess]

Mango & Zara

[almondcakes]

Isn't there another sixth form you can send her to where they wear normal clothes? It sounds like a huge expense, embarrassing for a teenager and as other have said, others are unlikely to stick to it.

[mrsdavidbowie]

I'm glad mine are at a relaxed sixth form.

[TriggersBroom]

I think the skinny trouser/pumps/cardi thing sounds lovely Glittery, but they have specified jackets. I've found a few possibles on the retailers recommended. DD is adamant that she will no longer wear skirts or dresses.

Yes, almond, I'll just switch her to a different school (which doesn't have such good results or does the specialised subjects she wants) based on the dress code. Not.

[Mbear]

Make sure you get about 3 bottom halfs to each jacket you buy. Normal clothes do not wear like school uniform does (sorry, will take off my clothes shop manager hat now!)

[TriggersBroom]

Good point MBear. Thanks.

[Glitteryfrog]

If they're specifying jackets I'd go for coloured blazers
Cream, navy, and a bright (green, pink)?
She can sling one over what ever else she's wearing.

[Glitteryfrog]

Some thing like this?www.boohoo.com/boohoo/ebiz/boohoo/invt/azz47328?istCompanyId=ee8a71c1-f1ef-4831-ba72-81474690fb09&istItemId=xppxrrrpx&istBid=tzxm&_$ja=cgid:18330248795%7Ctsid:70380%7Ccid:221461595%7Clid:83396226434%7Cnw:g%7Ccrid:70368817115%7Crnd:17658895142395008670%7Cdvc:m%7Cadp:1o2%7Cbku:1&gclid=CjwKEAjwwtOsBRDdjZTbvYvTlzcSJADOY0DR9Evjs4pTBHX1erjVJ6hxfuUrmMo1vf_X796VE0UHkRoCWyTw_wcB

[Glitteryfrog]

Or this. m.asos.com/mt/www.asos.com/Oasis/Oasis-Drape-Tailored-Jacket/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=5231966&cid=11896&sh=0&pge=1&pgesize=50&sort=1&clr=Coral&totalstyles=92&gridsize=3&un_jtt_v_frompage=1

[DocHollywood]

Next outlet store and H & M are where my dds were mainly kitted out. We had a budget of approx. £100 and managed to get jackets, trousers and blouses for that

[auntpetunia]

Friends DD swears by a site called everything £5 for jackets teamed with plain black good quality trousers from tkmakk and blouses from primarni she always looks smart

[DrLego]

I had to wear suit of vague description, a shirt and a tie. I had a selection of awesome ties, I had light coloured shirts eg purples and pink and blue, and some jumpers to go over the top. I think my skirt was knee length pencil skirt, but no idea where from.

Now, if repeating the experience - would be skirt or trousers from banana republic I think, though I note dorothy perkins do some similar things. In black, dark navy or a grey colour. Banana republic seem to wash really well, and if wearing every day that's important & they often have big sales online, but beware the sizing is ridiculous, size down by 2 sizes probably. Muji have basic shirts that aren't too bad, but not sure you need any shirts.

[canny1234]

DD has bought smart trousers and jackets from H&M.Plus blouses from Next and Dorothy Perkins and cheap Jersey dresses from Dorothy P. on sale.She has been doing work experience this week and wears bright colour blouses under a dark jacket which looks age appropriate.The main difficulty is shoes as she is small and wants to wear heels.Trying to find suitable heels for some walking is hard.Decent shoes are also expensive ( have hit the Clark's sale and also bought some Next ankle Boots).

[RaisingSteam]

The Clarks block heel brogues "Ciera Pier" are really smart and comfortable if they suit your DD's style. They wear well.
I was at an open day recently at one of those "business Academy" schools and the girls were mostly wearing Next -workwear type dresses and jackets or slim leg trouser suits.

[mewkins]

H and m, Warehouse and Oasis have them amd they are better cut for younger people! Sales are on at the moment so you may be able to get a bargain.