Business dress for Teen DD

[TeenAndTween]

In the summer term DD's school do a business week for her year, it's a bit like The Apprentice. Anyway, they have to wear business dress, but I don't think she has anything suitable in her current wardrobe. She will need it for a whole week, and I don't want to spend silly money on something that won't get worn again.

So I'm thinking some tailored trousers (too hot for June?) or skirt (she prefers trousers) plus some smart tops? She could wear her black school shoes I think, though as her feet aren't growing some others could be bought.

Any suggestions as to where to go or what to get? I haven't needed business dress since I became a mum. Oh, she's approx. Petite size 8/10 or child age 13.

[PrincessOfChina]

Hhhmmm. Well, if I think about the girls that are on Young Apprentice, they've tended to wear smart dresses and cardigan/jersey jacket type combos. So a couple of dresses, a cardi and a jersey jacket could work with perhaps some new shoes for extra smartness. They don't have to cost a lot and I suspect some at least would be worn again (for example, if she starts to do work experience, have uni interviews etc).

[MoominMammasHandbag]

For DD's work experience we went to Tesco. I was quite surprised how far our money went.

[givemeaclue]

A dress and cardigan is fine, primark

[overthemill]

New look primark supermarkets. Eldest had to have business dress for 6 the form and it is just stuff you'd wear to an office as a secretary or admin type person (rather than a highly paid exec or lawyer!). We did black trousers 2 blouses 1 cardigan and she added in stuff as she went. This is just 1 random week so I think they are just meaning smart not jeans. Sure they don't want you to spend loads at this age it isn't worth it (and I am usually a teacher)

[GraduallyGoingInsane]

When my DD1 did work experience she just wore dresses with a cardigan over, or skirts with blouses. She wore ballet flats most days. The other girls all seemed to wear similar things. I did buy her a blazer but I don't think she wore it after the first day.

Any conservative (not strappy, micro mini or low cut) dress or skirt and blouse combo seems to be fine to me. I did have to explain to DD that the bandage style Lycra belt mini skirts might be fashionable but they are not office wear!

[TeenAndTween]

Thanks for suggestions.

She's only y10. The 6th forms interview in school so she'll be wearing uniform for that, and we are therefore a bit of a way off uni interviews.

I'll check out New Look and supermarkets. DD can check out Primark - I hate the place!

[specialsubject]

supermarket stuff will be fine - it does for the rest of us!

no visible cleavage, bums or knickers are the way to go . So waistbands on the waist, shirts that fit - doesn't have to go up to her neck but as I said, no cleavage, and skirts end nearer the knee than the waist. Trousers are fine.

no jangly jewellery, hair tidy and not smelling of anything. Also wear a lightweight shirt with a jacket/tidy jumper as offices are usually grossly overheated. Shirt must cover shoulders.

doesn't mean frumpy or uncomfortable.

[FantaSea]

You could have a look in Asda if you have one near you. My DD is sixth form and they did mock uni interviews this year. I bought her a black dress with a lacy collar - I think it was £14 and she has worn it lots too for going out and also for a non-uniform day, so I have had my money's worth!

For work experience in year 10 I bought her a couple of coloured blouses (£6?) in Primark which she wore with a plain black skirt.