To buy dd a school skirt/trousers

[apotatoprintinapeartree]

Posting here for traffic because I have lost the plot.

Its my dd 11th birthday soon and treating her to new wardrobe, other family members are giving her money to choose her own things.

She is mainly jeans, t shirt and hoody which is fine.
However, sometimes she needs something a bit smarter, she doesn't like dresses and most don't suit her anyway, either too old looking or childs don't fit.

I suppose the style she needs is conservative, even if just 2 outfits.

She doesn't attend school so doesn't have a uniform so its not like she wears this all the time and is bored, or would feel in uniform.

I don't know what else to buy and need to find something soon, does this sound right or AIBU and others can think of so many better options.
Also, what would you wear on top to soften the uniform look.

Don't get her school uniform, it's the one thing schoolchildren will not be wearing in formal circumstances outside school.

I like Lands End skirts for my 8yo, and I think they go big enough for your DD. I'd also look at Next, H&M.

Lovely navy dress here: www.next.co.uk/x55578s1#966508x55 any good?

My DD has smart black trousers from H&M. They may have been in the boys' section, not 100% sure as i bought them last winter. She also has a pair of smart black cords from John Lewis. She has to wear black for music performances, but doesn't want skirts/dresses because of her instruments. She pairs them with black polo necks (gap) or black crew necks (H&M again).

Gap are quite good for trousers and for dresses- DD has some nice dresses from there actually. TBH, I find Boden good too- their dresses are lovely and wash well usually, though can be on the shortish side if your DD is tall.
JL is v good for smarter stuff that's not too old for tweenagers, their sale will be on at present, and usually they reduce by 50%.

Just seem Mme's post- that would be White Organdie then!
Or Blue velvet for winter IIRC.

TripTrap

She is a performer, singer and musician.
Has some school interviews coming up and some tv producers and agents. Not any specific part.

I promise I won't buy uniform, was only considering the skirt and wouldn't have gone for full uniform.

I am going to find the shops suggested and hunt something out, so apologies for leaving the thread.

Thanks to all for your wonderful ideas and I will look at them all.
Clothes are the one thing i have little confidence in choosing correctly.
I'm fine and go for black trousers and smart but feminine blouse/scarf.
Oh, I'm so boring

Or here: m.marksandspencer.com/mt/www.marksandspencer.com/2-piece-t-shirt-and-pinafore-outfit-5-14-years-/p/p22353109

Not boring at all! If you have a new look near you look there too. I bought 3 jumpers, 2 tunic tops, 2 pairs leggings and some boots and a jewellery stand there today in sales - all for same price as 1 of the jumpers and the boots would have cost me alone - full price!

At 5'2 you could buy her smart black adult "work" trousers. They don't look like uniform but can be worn with lots of different styles of top depending on the occasion.

Yes Moonrocket - white Organdie with all those frills!

Just to say that when my daughter did her audition for specialist music school she wore leggings and a long top as she felt comfortable in that. She got her place. She was 10 at the time.

I sort of disagree. It's quite usual for children to attend auditions, interviews & exams wearing school uniform (especially as lots will be coming straight from school) & simple concert blacks often utilise school uniform.

New Look today had a lovely black skater style skirt. That style is very fashionable & versatile. Dd would wear it with converse/vans/other canvas shoes for example.

They also had some nice black trousers. I considered them for dd (her uniform is grey skirt only).

Get booked in with a personal shopper at Debenham's/John Lewis or similar. They will be fantastic with your daughter and give some great ideas and get her sorted out with no stress of traipsing through shops getting pissed off with each other.

I think pictures uses the right word - versatile - something like plain trousers in a black or navy can then be used with so many other things, dressed up or down as required.

Debenhams? [http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_232020356543_-1]]

Lol. Dd has a lovely black velvet skater skirt from Primark actually.

I love this one: [http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_62575+YG674B003_-1]]

Adult petite ranges might be useful? Banana Republic do lots of smart separates

My DD is 10.5 and also a 'bonnie lass' .

She absolutely loves shorts - she's had three pairs for Christmas, 2 denim & one smart wide legged pair with several pairs of funky tights (H&M).

Perhaps that would be an option?

Btw I have had to concede defeat and buy her some items in small ladies sizes (the smart sorts from New Look) but H&M teen range is good.

Or try Jacadi, they have lots of lovely classic dresses and the quality is great. She would be within the Mademoiselle Jacadi size range. www.jacadi.com/en/collections/mademoiselle-jacadi-2.html

The clothes are made small, so do buy one size or two up.

rhis sort of look? butu with opaque tights or leggings and nice DMs?

Or shorts and opaques / leggings and a nice top?

A skater skirt and opaques / leggings and biker boots?

Coloured cords and a nice sweater? and suede Chelsea boots?

This is the sort of look favoured by the musical young teens at D's school.

It doesn't sound as if he needs to be formal and staid, or prim and feminine, or formal and starchy.

What about a tartan skirt or kilt with tights and a plain top or blouse?