Where to buy dress for teenager

[ThedaBara]

Now that autumn has finally begun I need to find a longer sleeve dress for my 11 year old. She's very tall and normally wears size 13 clothing. 95% of the time she is in jeans, but we need one nice dress for church. It must be knee length or longer, but everything I'm seeing in shops is either thigh high or a prom type dress with lots of embellishments. Any ideas? Thanks!

What colours and styles does she like, when you say for church, is it regular or a celebration. Are you thinking casual that she can dress up or down or more formal. What's your budget

I think Amazon is often your friend here. Depending on what she needs.

Is it for every day church or an event/ And does it have to be a dress? Jumpsuit? And why below the knee? That's not very fashionable so I think you might struggle. Don't get me wrong, I'm not suggesting she should be wearing a mini, but long dresses are definitely not a thing for this age group currently.

I would look at both New Look and River Island.

Sainsbury online have a dr3ss, either in denim or black, it is in the sale £12.80, you could dress them with thick tights, boots or dress up.

I absolutely love this dress but have never bought anything from Sugarhill.
https://www.sugarhillbrighton.com/products/dottie-maxi-shirt-dress-black-jungle

I am interested in finding out more about the quality, fit and returns policy. I have been stuck in a rut when it comes to clothing and tend to stick to certain colours, brands etc.
I'm not a brand snob and buy very few clothes but I will not compromise on quality nor will I choose synthetic fabrics if I can possibly avoid it.
Ive shown a few friends images of this dress and they absolutely love it. I'm worried that it might be of poor quality, I remember the limp floppy viscose clothing from the 1980s.

Has anyone here bought from Sugarhill?

Sugarhill are great. I have about 10 of their jumpers because their fit is perfect on me, and very flattering.

Mango teen ,

She's pretty much likes all colours, budget is below £50. Church is once per week or once per fortnight, so a normal every day smart dress is what I'm after.

Have seen a few things on Amazon, but not too confident about buying clothes off there in terms of quality of fabrics. Have boght a few things for myself in the past and they've all been pretty poor.
I don't think she needs to be particularly stylish, i was hoping something like what Princess Charlotte might wear would be easy to find, but it seems not! I was brought up that women should wear skirts below the knee to church, I know that's very old fashioned, and I don't care what others wear, but i do think it's important for her to know that you have to dress up for some occasions.
Every single high street clothes shop sells formal party wear, or short dresses only. It's actually a bit odd honestly

Can't find this

This is kind of what i mean, i can't believe you can't buy a nice shirt dress for a teen. I've got her adult size 8 in the past and it's too long

Have you looked at Popsy?

This is from next and knee length and would be nice with tights www.next.co.uk/style/sv044506/g71534?gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=7930345678&gbraid=0AAAAADm_5UUReU1FiysQQZpgvfYc2t9U5&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIroDH6vSslwMVUntBAh3O2wHTEAQYECABEgK5bvD_BwE

Would a skirt and top be ok? There are a few maxi skirts for teens around (eg H&M). Then she could pair it with different tops.

If she is size 8 can you get her something like this https://www.matalan.co.uk/p/clothing/brown-ribbed-ditsy-print-mini-dress/17861516/

I think below the knee at her age is a bit much - just above the knee with tights is appropriate especially with a coat of a similar length. You mention Princess Charlotte - she doesn’t wear below the knee.

https://www.boden.com/products/girls-shirred-drop-waist-dress-green-red-check-g6068mul?_pos=3&_fid=1d0b677e2&_ss=c&variant=43198440014033

This feels very PC

https://www.next.co.uk/style/su978552/g71536

https://www.matalan.co.uk/p/clothing/navy-skater-mini-dress/17863317/

eta this might end up knee length on her?

https://www.matalan.co.uk/p/childrens-clothing/girls-burgundy-cord-tiered-dress-7-15yrs/17859030/

How tall is she?
https://www.roman.co.uk/dobby-print-shirred-midi-dress-14955551?utm_source=google&utm_medium=ppc&utm_campaign=Upp+pMax+1P&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22263015066&gbraid=0AAAAACsLkkIN6VsT35nvgkgr9iWByciD1&gclid=CjwKCAjwoaLWBhAWEiwAnyitu4GZm_aVVyLPRa9qFFgQTFQcT8nwoxDHmsgTp1TMWGRSEeHhaCVNOBoCRBAQAvD_BwE

Possibly the most horrible prison style dress I’ve ever seen but might fit the brief

https://www.roman.co.uk/petite-collared-knit-shift-dress-14582736

Next have got this longer kilt style skirt which looks quite smart, and she could rotate red/navy/black tops/jumpers/cardigans with it easily. https://www.next.co.uk/style/SV061256/Y51051

They also have a couple of longer lengths black school skirts that could work.

Princess Charlotte doesn't wear below the knee mostly i dont think. I am all for appropriate and conservative dressing as appropriate but in 2026, appropriate and conservatice for young teens does not necessarily mean below the knee.

I am getting very Anne of Green Gables puffed sleeves vibes here.

Dd and I saw a few nice adult on knee or just above at primark yesterday. Although irritatingly the tween/teen friendly ones were in the sale with limited sizing options. But worth a look in light of your budget?

River island or Zara.

And yes, amazon quality can be hit and miss but I think for a sinple.dress, ok. Dd had a couple of knee length skater style.dresses from there for a while for example.

Does she have to wear the same dress to church every week? Can she not have a few that are also for other events but styled to be appropriate for church?