Smart gender neutral clothing for teens

[lifeturnsonadime]

My 13 year old daughter is autistic and struggles to tolerate the feeling of most clothes.

She needs a smartish outfit in a week or so's time, she only wears boys joggers and t-shirts.

I've tried shopping with her today and we've drawn a blank.

Long shot but does anyone have any recommendations as to brands or specific items which might work?

TIA

What is the outfit for?
Would new joggers and T-shirt not be okay under the circumstances?
I would have thought that most circumstances would understand an additional need.

Would she wear a jersey jumpsuit? They aren't gender neutral but feels like a tracksuit - which seems to be the important thing. My DD is similar with ASD and clothes and is happy in them.

We've got one from white stuff and one from John Lewis.

Do you mean trousers? as in a skirt is female?
My daughter likes 'proper clothes' smart jeans -dark blue and normally a t shirt -next and M & S have some softer fabrics like plain t shirts / but look a bit smarter? or chinos? again next etc

What is the outfit for?
Would new joggers and T-shirt not be okay under the circumstances?
I would have thought that most circumstances would understand an additional need.

it's a formal dinner. She will be with other girls her age , it's at a county level sporting festival that she's competing at, and she wants to dress appropriately and will feel completely out of place in what she normally wears

We are looking for a middle ground between sports clothing and dresses. She wants to make an effort but we can't find clothes that really fit the bill.

I'm not sure that we are going to have much luck so that's why I'm reaching out on here.

No she wouldn't wear a jump suit but thanks for the suggestion.

I think we might end up with jeggings and a T shirt but wondered if there were any other ideas.

Culottes? I have no idea if they do but I imagine they feel like wearing trousers but look like a skirt.

How about a soft(ish) boiler suit? They can be quite smart if worn with the right shoes etc. Perhaps try H&M as they have a few in, or Lucy and Yak if your daughter doesn't mind slightly stiffer fabrics.

Alternatively, there are some fab jersey 'peg' trousers that are loose on the thigh and taper at the ankle. Again, H&M is good for this. Good luck shopping!

Jersey trousers? Something like these with a newish white teeshirt?

A soft jersey dress?
Is it the sensory aspect or the gender aspect driving her decision?
Is she wanting to fit in with her peers?
(Parent of a ASD trans-boy here)

How about a T-shirt dress. More of a sporty looking dress

Just seen the dinner activity.
Any trousers she likes, with a step up from normal teeshirt?
New Look, more newlook.

Would anything like that be tollerated?

Ah I was going to suggest Google 'jersey jumpsuit' - there's a navy one in the hush sale.

What about wide leg stretch trousers from somewhere like monki with matching "soft tee" or "super-soft flowy top". If it's in black, navy, burgundy or bottle green (rather than grey marl) it will look a bit smarter, plus brand new always looks smarter with that kind of fabric.

My DD likes this style of trousers
www.next.co.uk/g644411s8/t19099#t19099

What does she wear to school? Could she get something along those lines? Or does she wear her own clothes due to ASD?

Also, would she consider trying on a jacket/blazer? The current styles are oversized and there will be some in softer fabrics. Would really smarten up the look.

I have a longish soft t-shirt dress from Next that might fit the bill - would she wear something like that in a plain colour?

I bought some of these for work and they're pretty smart but also comfy (elasticated waistband, no fastenings) www.marksandspencer.com/twill-pleat-front-bermuda-shorts/p/clp60539417?color=BLACK

Entirely sensory.
Gender neutral just tend to fit the bill for that more than girls clothing which she finds fussy and uncomfortable.

She's educated at home because school was really stressful for her.

So it's literally just tracksuit btms and boys t-shirts!

Uniqlo are really good for simple, unfussy, comfortable clothes; I agree with PP who suggested darker colours as that will look smarter.

Something like this?

www.asos.com/jack-jones/jack-jones-intelligence-drawstring-trousers-in-charcoal-check/prd/200929253?clr=black&colourWayId=200929256&SearchQuery=jack+jomes+charcoal

They should feel comfy like joggers but look smart.

Maybe with this loose fitting shirt tucked in just at the front

www.asos.com/asos-design/asos-design-relaxed-fit-viscose-shirt-with-low-revere-collar-in-white/prd/22326264?clr=white&colourWayId=60390186&SearchQuery=asos+design+viscose

Brands such as Fat Face, White Stuff and crew clothing do a lot of tops and tunics / dresses in jersey fabric that are soft and stretchy without fastenings. They might be a bit old fashioned for her though.

Thanks, some great ideas and links here. I'll get her to look through them later.

Teenzshop is one that I use for my dd who is autistic and very sensory.

For sensory issues I’d go for a wrap style or empire line dress in lyocell or bamboo jersey (or silk 😍) My most comfy garment is a soft cotton kaftan, in black it can look really smart.

But if she wants gender neutral smart I’d go for linen trousers in a dark colour with a light colour shirt, maybe with flowers on. DH and DS have some beautiful flowery shirts, it isn’t girly.