Tall, slightly chunky 11 year old - where do I get her the "right" clothes??

[SilverLining]

Thats it really - she's incredibly lacking in self confidence as it is, lots of friend issues at school and when I went to her wardrobe today to get her non-uniform for tomorrow she basically has nothing suitable! I could have wept for her!!!

Clearly not only do I need a fashion overhaul....

I've always thought I dress my DDs well and appropriately but this growing up thing has caused a crisis in both our confidences!

Any ideas???? Thanks!!!

[SilverLining]

Oh thanks so much everybody - appreciate all suggestions so much! Glad as well that it appears to be a universal problem and hopefully not one we'll be in for too long....! We managed to hobble together an outfit that she was happy (ish) with and I had a good look round the playground to see what the others were wearing!!!

Have seen some lovely things on all the websites suggested here and things that I think she will like too which is going to be half the battle!!!

She is getting into accessories so I think a couple of scarves will help with her basics...we're armed and prepared!

Thanks again!!!!!

[mysteryfairy]

DD had the option of pyjamas or own clothes today and has gone in a onesie. Please God that wasn't the biggest faux pas ever!

[mysteryfairy]

Can I add Zara into the mix - normally gets mentioned on these threads but hasn't been on this one. The instore selection can be quite pants (not literally!) but good choice available online upto age 13-14. Although adult zara can be very slim fitting I think this is less true of the kids stuff so you might well find something. Free delivery and returns if you spend £50 + so we normally order all possibilities for trying on at home and return the excess.

[slug]

She sounds more or less exactly the same size and shape as my DD.

DD is going through a baby goth phase moment which makes buying clothes realtively easy. We buy her trousers from Lands End. They are almost always stretchy with comfortable waistbands. The yoga pants are a particular favourite as they look quite stylish on. For tops we go to uniqulo. At a largish 11 she can now fit into the XS size. They currently have a 2 for 14 quid deal on which we have taken advantage of. DD is particularly fond of their purple and black colours, though she also loves the bright red. We go for the three quarter sleeve length which solves the too long arms problem. She's also very fond of their hoodies, again because they are plain and have good colours.

Finally H&M do great mock leather jackets. DD is currently sporting one we bought 2 weeks ago that I can't find on the website. It is, apparantly, the coolest thing ever.

[sunmoonstarstoo]

Wow, I didn't know River Island had girls' clothes, just having a good look through the website.

My dd is 11 and skinny but still struggles. She has gone in today in skinny jeans, and a longer grey tunic short sleeved top and boots. I struggle to find tops she likes and I like - i.e. not too babyish but not with stupid slogans!

[Notgoingtotakeitanymore]

I have a 9yr old DD with a tummy who is in age 13-14 clothes - have finally worked out what suits her - leggings and a longer tunic type/empire line thing - so nothing tight or fitted over her tummy. But has taken lots of trial and error.
Fat Face sometimes have this sort of thing, Boden (via ebay) (?but too babyish), Sainsburys, and - as others have said - adult size 8 tunics work like dresses. Have also found afew things from Gap (also via ebay) that are more flatteringly shaped.
But it is difficult - sympathise with you

[exexpat]

DD is 10, very tall for her age, solidly built with a bit of a tummy (she's just hitting the puberty growth spurt so I'm hoping she'll grow more upwards and less outwards from now on).

She wears children's clothes age 13+, or women's size 8/10. Recently we've bought most of her clothes either from the top end of the children's range at H&M, or adult ranges at H&M, Primark etc - they start pretty small. Also M&S have recently launched a new teenage range called Angel, which has some nice stuff - DD has a lovely pair of orangey/rusty coloured cords from there. Probably more suitable for her age range than some of the adult clothes.

[TapselteerieO]

River Island boyfriend t-shirt shape might work you can check out the size guide - age 12 is 152 cm with this and skinny jeans might be good - I think boyfriend is a looser style. Even if they don't have clothes to fit your dd they might be good for outfit inspiration.

La redoute's teen stuff might be worth a look.

[Startail]

Not rubbed

[Startail]

Yes new look cheap fashionable shoes, look cool and are wearable.
DD2 has pumps and ballet flats that have worn surprisingly well and not tuned.
Likewise DD1s gladiator sandals.

This is a serious vote of confidence, DD1 has been known to get every pair of expensive boots or school shoes out in jones the boot makers or Clarks and reject every pair.

[Startail]

H&M, new look 9-15, you may have to size up, Miss Selfridge go v small, but adult prices. Gap not brilliant at the moment.
Pineapple petit fitted DD1 when not much else did. Debenham's and M&S indigo, adults and children's can yield useful surprises.
Next may be it for jeans, it was for DD1-depends how chunky vs how tall.

But sadly clothes for 9-13y are awful. Manufactures want you paying adult prices as soon as possible and the choice is dire.

River Island do teen sizes some awful age inappropriate goth and lads of sculls which I loath and a few nicer things.

[Woozley]

Maybe I remember that height as it sounded so grown up. And indeed it is, 5'2" is a perfectly respectable height for a grown up!

Good to hear Tammy Girl is still going. Chelsea Girl was the other one - now River Island.

[yummumto3girls]

Non school uniform days can often turn in to a nightmare for this reason, always worry DD (11) won't fit in. Agree with others it's a really hard age to dress as they are between children's and small adult size without necessarily the shape for an adult size! We shop in a variety of places, Tammy Girl (BHS), New Look, Debenams, h&m, M & S, Super Dry, Jack Wills & Hollister for a key piece (can't afford any more). Hope she feels happy tomorrow.

[Foosyerdoos]

Primary have fabby big scarves in great colours, they look great with long cardi/ hoody etc.

[Foosyerdoos]

Hope you both have a fun day shopping! New look have nice converse style pumps and high tops in funky patterns and colours for about 12 quid.

[Jakadaal]

YY to H&M - have a DD aged 10 in age 11-12 clothes as she has a tummy. She also has sensory processing issues so is very fussy about clothes (will not go near a skirt or dress and leggings a huge no no) but finally got her into some skinny chinos in H&M. Also Matalan for tops that aren't cut too slim. Sometimes I get her a size 6 in ladies at Primark. Also t shirts under shirts to hide any chunkiness or developing parts - DD very self concious of her body at the mo

Does she have something that is her 'thing' - bags, scarves, colours etc. That may be a way to help her find her own look so that she doesn't depend on what is in the shops or in fashion right now (personally can't wait for the return of bootcuts for DD as they suit her much better!)

[SilverLining]

Woozley - I remember being 158 cm too!!!!! Hilarious!!!!

I'm now getting slightly worried that she is going to look a damn sight better than her frumpy mother....

[bruffin]

Debennhams or Tammy Girl.
Also she would still fit into Verbaudet or childrens/teen section of La Redoute

[Woozley]

I used to go to Tammy Girl, was in their 158cm or age 13 stuff when aged 11 (why do I remember this). Also women's size 10 fitted me quite well. Top Shop would be quite good wouldn't it?

[SilverLining]

Foosyerdoo - just been looking at New Look - think she would definitely like that! She loves her Hollister hoodie, will check out Debenhams too. AuntieShirley - you DD sounds perfect! She loves her skinny jeans but its finding tops so will take my research with me this weekend and see how we get on! Have managed to hobble an outfit for tomorrow and she seemed happy with it so that's good enough for me!

Thanks so much everyone - glad its not just me....!

[OwedToAutumn]

Also, try the edc range by esprit. Have a look online to see if she likes the clothes. DD1 is 13, and not quite as solid as DD2, and she wears a lot of those clothes.

[AuntieShirley]

Oh - dd also loves navy wool v-neck jumpers with a cord skirt (she pinched my jumper!) Looks really good in it, better than me in the same outfit (somewhat larger!)

[fairlytiredallthetime]

If she's a big 11 year old then she could fit in a small size adult item. H&M, Primark, New Look are all good for basics and on-trend items at a reasonable price. If the goal is to be just like everyone else, then Superdry, Jack Wills or Hollister would be good with converse or vans shoes.

[AuntieShirley]

My dd is 11 too. It is a really hard age for clothes I think!
She tends to wear jeans or shorts and tights with a band t-shirt (she is really into the Beatles, so she wears one of those). She likes scarves and hats too.
Sometimes she will wear a dress with leggings and a jumper or something
Her uncle had no idea what to gave her for her birthday and gave her a £20 Primark voucher which she loved. She also likes H&M and some of the stuff in this seasons Next catalogue (tartan trousers!)
She is not into labels or anything.
What does she wear already?
Can she not just wear jeans and t-shirt for mufti?

[amck5700]

I was thinking H&M too.