help! dress my 16 year old DD in a capsule wardrobe for 'smart 6th form'

[Snapespeare]

DD is starting 6th form in a September. She has finally joined me and her DBs, in London from Glasgow and wants to make a good impression. Her new 6th form (studying English, psychology, philosophy and ethics and sociology (or history - last minute wobble!)) wants 'office-wear' for usual attendance. She doesn't want to look middle aged (like me!) still funky, a bit vintage. we don't have a lot of cash (we are talking high-street and charity shops rather than vivi westwood!)

does anyone have any pointers? she is gorgeous ( i would say that...) 5ft 7-ish size 10-12 dark hair, pale skin- tends towards black and navy, loves cardigans!

I know this is a bit of a tall-order! really would appreciate any links to young, funky office wear. :)

I like H&M's stuff. I'll look up some bits and pieces.

this cardigan is gorgeous. Comes in other colours

har - wrong link

Can you get as little as possible till she sees what the other girls are wearing? Then head to the shops?

this should be it

comfy, stretch blouses abound

Yes H&M fab for affordable trendy "office wear", Zara a little more pricey but very on-trend, I'd pick up some skirts/trousers from H&M and add a few lovely little blouses from Zara, it's what they do best! If you can manage it a fab bag (Topshop are brill for bags) and scarf (girls that age are rarely seen without a funky scarf) would top off the ensemble beautifully

Or try accessorise- sale might still be on - and get some lovely "bits" - bag, scarf, phone charm, etc. Or paperchase. Some lovely scarves around in sales at the mo.

pointy dog - she prefers the owl cake ('yummy!') ( i like the cardigan though! thank you!)

she does like scarves! :) she nicks all mine! :)

I would recommend waiting for the next season's clothes to come in to the shops if you can. Probably in the next few weeks. There are some lovely 40s style midi dresses coming in which are very smart but cool looking and are just made for a little cardi to be worn over. Failing that, a straight midi or knee length skirt (pencil or slightly A line) with a little 40s style blouse and a cardi works well and can be worn with either heels, maybe a high heeled loafer for example or brogues/creepers to make the look that bit more contemporary (seems ironic referring to vintage inspired fashions as contemporary but there you go).

oh! we like the hennes blouse! :)

having kittens - my daughter likes you. 'she's cool!' :)

Blazer - H&M, New Look or Zara
Chinos to be worn rolled up
scarves as above
Tailored shorts with black tights and ankle boots
Tea dresses (new Look again and Dorothy P) with little cardi

But agree with the poster who said don't buy too much till she sees what others are wearing. And remember it's London, so fashion-wise, anything goes.

At her age it's really important to be able to keep a bit of herself and be a bit cool about dressing smart. There are plenty of years in the future for her to wear more conformist office type clothes if necessary.

i absolutely agree- important to keep a bit of your own identity, but to fit in a bit too - she doesn't want to look all 'rachel-from-glee' preppy.. think the weekend after school starts will be the 'big' shop (...)