School uniform - sort of...

[PeriPathetic]

DD (11) is due to start a new school in April. It doesn't have a uniform as such, but issues a 'dress code' instead.

We don't live in the UK and cannot find any suitable items in this country. So, the plan is this - DH & DD are going to the UK in February and will get many items then. Final shop (shoes, trousers etc) will be when I can go over at Easter.

BUT this means entrusting a sartorially-challenged DH with clothes shopping for an opinionated style-conscious DD

Please help me!

I need:

• a good quality fitted navy blazer (John Lewis? or somewhere else?)
• Coloured, fitted polo shirts that will last - the only fitted ones I can find are Landsend US.
• Black long shorts that aren't too baggy (DDs words!) School says they shouldn't have side pockets, but this seems impossible.

Any suggestions gratefully received!

Is she starting school in the country you currently live in? Why would the school issue a dress code of clothes that cannot be bought in the country?

It's more to do with the fact that the country we're currently in doesn't do school uniform at all, so there are no good quality blazers in existence here.

Surely 'side pockets' just means no 'cargo type' shorts doesn't it? So my suggestion would be somewhere like Esprit for a fitted jersey blazer (size 4 or 6 would fit an 11 yr old wouldn't it?) polo shirts you can get from anywhere in any colour (Next, M&S etc) - kids wear them here for school, so that leaves the shorts - assume that 'side pockets' are allowed just not cargo type & once again surely Next or M & S will be your friends?

surely just go to a proper old fashioned school outfitters or marks and spencer/john lewis websites?
marks will do a great navy girls blazer that is cheap and washeable. and school shorts/polos are easy to find in school outfitters.
it may not be "school uniform" but it is. Don't make buying iy more complicated/expensive than iit really is.

And agree with felicity buy locally if you can. Nothing like starting a new school at 11 and looking " posher" than the other kids to really set you off on the wrong foot when you want to fit in.

peri the kids must wear blaers f some sort sourced locally surely?

Can you ask the school where they recommend? They cant expect you to buy it outside their country !

Thanks for your replies.
The school is in the UK. It doesn't specify having to buy from the school supplier so we have the freedom to shop around, within dress code.

From what we've seen so far most of the girls wear Ralph Lauren polos - not going to happen! Hadn't though of Esprit, will take a look there tomorrow as it's local. Love their blazers; not sure if DD is adult sized yet, but a good excuse to take a look anyway.

The blazer thing - it's not badged, and only for occasional wear. The ones the school shop sells are square and 4 times the cost price.

Not keen on the quality of Next, but M&S used to be OK so will look there too.

Thank you too for the explanation about the side pockets on the shorts. That hadn't crossed my mind at all and makes far more sense now!

Back to surfing!