Concert wear for 11yo - what to wear (and where to get it)?

[AliceLutherNeeMorgan]

So she needs a smart black outfit and I can’t think where to go. In the past it’s always been black bottoms and white top so she’s already got a pair of black school-style trousers and shoes. I can’t find a smart black top. Or I’d be happy to buy a black dress if that’s easier.

Can anyone advise please on what would be appropriate? I’ve already tried M and S, Boden, Next, M and Co and John Lewis but can’t see anything. What do girls that age wear as concert wear - and where do you find it please? She’s petite and skinny so can’t wear anything from teenage ranges.

Any info gratefully received!

Does it need to be plain black?
Ted Baker, or other Debenhams brands might have something. My DD had black boys' trousers at that age (just smart ones from H&M) as they fitted fine (long legged, slender).

Thanks yes I hadn’t thought of Debenhams.

It is supposed to be plain black but as I have plain black trousers if there was something small on the top I could probably work with that...

Did you manage to find anything suitable?
I am wondering if it would be simpler to buy something plain in 100% cotton and dye it black?

DD1 wears a black skirt from New Look with a short-sleeved black t-shirt underneath a lightweight black blazer (courtesy of eBay).

I have made my DD her formal concert dress - long black with modest neckline and sleeves.

Her informal is trousers (easy enough to get school uniform trousers) and black top. When she was younger, I used eBay.

A black t shirt should be easy enough to find.
Look in school uniform sections of shops for a black cardigan or jumper.

Petite teen DD bought a black blouse for waitressing in either Primark or Peacocks.

We got dd a black ted baker dress in the sale - great price and because it’s a small adult size should last a long time!

For less formal concerts we do black long sleeve t short and school style trousers

Thank you for all your suggestions - yes, today after trawling through another round of shops I did find a little short sleeved black top in TK Maxx; it’s not perfect but it looks fine with plain trousers.

I don’t think a t shirt would be smart enough but as back-up I was thinking t shirt with school-type cardi over would probably have been ok. BUT the idea of making an outfit yourself is great - I’m definitely going to keep my eye out for a simple dress pattern for her!

My daughter has a beautiful black dress from monsoon. Looks stunning. She is 9

amazon....

I had the same issue and at short notice found New Look and H & M had black tops and long skirts. At that age you can find things in young teens. Had to trawl through some inappropriate stuff (thigh split dress for a 13 year old, anyone?) , but was easy to find 2 or 3 tops with three quarter length sleeves (not t-shirts). And a black soft material jacket.

Speaking as an adult female musician, I only ever bother shopping when the winter range is in. Not helpful for now but worth remembering to look in the autumn

Just a thought - a black ballet or gymnast wrap around cardigan would look quite smart with a black skirt or trousers.