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Original poster

Help! - what could a 14-year-old wear to the office?

26 replies

Themumsnot · 08/05/2011 15:21

DD is going to have a day's work experience at the headquarters of a large multinational company soon. I think I need to buy her something suitable to wear - her wardrobe is mainly jeans, cut offs and sundresses, none of which will look right in a big company in central London - she will be attending meetings with senior execs etc. Has anyone got any idea of how she can look smart in an age-appropriate way without being frumpy? We have been through the Next catalogue but it is uber-hideous stuff.
She is 5'4", size 10, dark-haired and brown eyes if that helps. She is a shy girl and is quite nervous about this, so needs to feel comfortable and confident.

OP posts:

ruddynorah · 08/05/2011 15:25

Black trousers. Smart top, possibly a shirt. Surely next have something along those lines. Though topshop black trousers will fit a 14 yr old frame better than next.

Hassled · 08/05/2011 15:29

If she has school uniform black trousers those will be fine. Just get a nice short/blouse type thing. Does she have smartish shoes?

ZZZenAgain · 08/05/2011 15:33

shirt, trousers, flat shoes

Original poster

Themumsnot · 08/05/2011 15:44

Her uniform trousers are really horrible - there is no chance of persuading her to wear them. I suppose she could go the black trouser/work shirt route, but I thought that would make her look a bit like she was trying to dress too old for her years. I was wondering if there was a way of looking a bit smarter than usual without looking like an actual twenty-something office worker. Perhaps I'm overthinking this.

OP posts:

ruddynorah · 08/05/2011 16:00

Yes you are. It's only for a day. Go to topshop. They have 'workwear' which is really just black trousers and nice shirts.

catsareevil · 08/05/2011 16:06

You are overthinking it. She needs to be appropriately dressed for the situation. Black trousers and a shirt will be fine.

pointydog · 08/05/2011 16:12

black trousers or skirt
blouse or smartish top
neat cardi possibly
flats

coastgirl · 08/05/2011 16:16

Something like this would be nice with a black skirt or trousers and a little cardi.

pointydog · 08/05/2011 16:25

gap have some nice tops just now

cabbageroses · 08/05/2011 16:28

No one will take much notice of what she wears anyway- it's not an interview for a job- it's WE.

As long as she doesn't look like a slapper or straight off the farm, she will be fine.

As everyone else has said- smart trousers or a skirt or a knee length dress and cardi, ideally in dark colours rather than hot pink.

Original poster

Themumsnot · 08/05/2011 17:51

She won't look like a slapper, but straight off the farm is a definite possibility! I will take her shopping and see if we can come to some sort of compromise - she doesn't like to stray far from her core wardrobe of jeans n converse.

OP posts:

ZZZenAgain · 09/05/2011 09:52

sometimes you have to try things on to know whether you'dlike them. We all like to stick with what we know and like. Hope she finds something she likes and you feel is right for the occasion.

whoneedssleepanyway · 09/05/2011 11:04

What about a skirt and top with some ballet flats...

this topshop skirt is nice and shouldn't be too short

Original poster

Themumsnot · 09/05/2011 13:16

That skirt is lovely, just the sort of thing I was thinking of. I will show it to her. She has a navy jersey blazer that would work with it.

OP posts:

celticlassie · 09/05/2011 18:13

HOw about something like this. A cheaper version though maybe...

goodegg · 09/05/2011 20:00

New Look?

Black troos, bright long-sleeved tops, nice shoes. Stuff she can wear again.

Original poster

Themumsnot · 09/05/2011 20:55

Gorgeous, Celticlassie, but a bit more than I was thinking of spending!
Part of the problem is we live in a small country town, so even finding well-fitting black trousers can be a bit of a mission, let alone something more challenging. Also, she is at that awkward age - there doesn't seem to be a lot of smart options for young teens - I had a look around in town today and most of the age appropriate clothes were quite casual, while the smarter clothes looked far too old for her. Is there a gap in the market here?

OP posts:

goingmadinthecountry · 10/05/2011 20:24

Bit late to this but dd2 had her work exp recently at the head office of a big media place.

Personally I think black trousers and bright tops can look cheap and horrible. We bought navy smart trousers and a couple of smart tops from H and M, and a lovely grey dress and some camel trousers from top shop. A couple of cream blouses/tops from Zara and she was sorted and looked lovely. Ballet flats in navy and black. Plus she's worn everything again in different ways. Maybe she can borrow a nice bag from you.

I agree it's really hard to find age appropriate yet smart stuff. Dd1 had her w/e in a law court - trawled H and M for her stuff.

Original poster

Themumsnot · 11/05/2011 10:24

Those all sound lovely, GMITC. Will take her shopping on Saturday anyway and look for some ideas along those lines. Unfortunately our town possesses neither an H&M nor a Zara - nearest are an hour and a half away on the train so can only be done in half-term or holidays because of dance classes etc.

OP posts:

Bonsoir · 11/05/2011 12:57

A nice fitted dress.

RubyGrace17 · 11/05/2011 19:05

Anything that is appropriate for the experience which she will be having. I had a 14 year old do work experience in my school a few years back and I always remember she turned up in a denim mini skirt, white boob tube, gold clutch bag and gold flip flops with lots of gold bangles and a long necklace with a love heart on it. Not exactly ideal for work experience in a primary one classroom!
I'm sure with you to keep her on track, your DD will dress appropriately. You sound like a lovely mum :)

Ruby

goingmadinthecountry · 13/05/2011 00:23

An hour and a half from H and M and Zara! And I thought we lived in the sticks!!

The 1st year B Ed students at dd3's primary right now could do with a bit of a makeover too Ruby - I teach and would never wear skirts that short for work. OK, so I'm 47....

Original poster

Themumsnot · 13/05/2011 09:54

I know! I should have your username!

OP posts:

Original poster

Themumsnot · 13/05/2011 09:55

Ruby - at your WE teenager. I wouldn't let DD wear that to a disco, let alone to work. What was her mum thinking?

OP posts:

RubyGrace17 · 13/05/2011 13:53

I have absolutely no idea! Now that I have daughters of my own, I'm further baffled as to why her parent/guardian let her out the door like that!
Did you find something for DD to wear yet? :)

Ruby

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