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Help desperately needed for DD17

58 replies

Andthentherewere5 · 20/09/2018 19:35

My 17 yo DD is a size 14/16 and 5’4”, she lives in jeans, shirts and boots. She NEVER wears a dress or skirt. She scrubs up really well and can look polished when she needs to, taking care with her make up and hair.
She has formal black tie xmas do coming up at school and I am at a complete loss of what she can wear. No way will she wear an evening dress and jumpsuits look ridiculous on her. She said she would wear a jacket and trousers but they make her look really blocky and to be honest not very formal wear, rather she looks like she’s going to the office.
I love her very much but we have started falling up over this and I’m on the verge of giving up. Can anyone offer any suggestions or any retailers that might offer a solution. A jacket that would flatter and look evening wear would be the ideal solution.
I’ve always said mumsnet will have the answers so I’m hoping you style queens can help me and DD out! Many thanks.

OP posts:
Thread gallery
17
SummersB · 20/09/2018 19:39

Should she not just wear what she feels comfortable in? Why can’t she wear whatever clothes she chooses?

hugoagogo · 20/09/2018 19:40

Why would you fall out over this?

Andthentherewere5 · 20/09/2018 19:44

She doesn’t have anything she feels comfortable in that the school will accept. She has to attend the event.
We are falling out a bit because she is saying no to everything but still wants me to solve the problem. I’m not being horrible to her honestly!

OP posts:
Jozen · 20/09/2018 19:44

Let her wear what she wants. Dresses aren't for everyone. A really nice trouser suit would stand out amongst the dresses.

Aprilshowersnowastorm · 20/09/2018 19:44

Bridal shops sell prom /dance style dresses.
Make a deal that lunch is on you if she tries 3 dresses on. The shop's assistant will know what suits her /not.
If she still isn't happy then she gets to choose trousers.
Maybe lack of confidence is making her think she will look daft in a frock!
You aren't being unreasonable imo!!
But neither is she!

Ratbagcatbag · 20/09/2018 19:44

I was the same at 17, but some of it was not knowing what suited me.
Now I've found it I love getting dressed up.

I find stuff just below the knee flatters a shorter height, (trust me from experience). I find places like Debenhams with lots of concessions in well worth a visit.

But if she's happier in what's she's wearing now then just letting her go with that might be the solution.

Lostandfound81 · 20/09/2018 19:45

This might work

Help desperately needed for DD17
ShirleyPhallus · 20/09/2018 19:46

That coast outfit / jumpsuit is lovely

I agree with PP that she might just be shy about wearing dresses. Could you ask her just to try some?

Synecdoche · 20/09/2018 19:46

What about a tux Claudia Winkleman style?

TakeAChanseyOnMe · 20/09/2018 19:49

What’s your budget? A personal shopping experience could be good, Topshop, Debenhams and House of Fraser all do them. It’s a big private changing room.

What about a smart suit in a bright colour? Very trendy right now.

Andthentherewere5 · 20/09/2018 19:50

Now I love the coast outfit and she loves black. I’m going to find it online and get her opinion.

Jozen, I agree a trouser suit would be great. I’m looking for advice on where to find that sort of thing that doesn’t look like office wear.

OP posts:
Lostandfound81 · 20/09/2018 19:51

Pleased you like it!

It’s not a jumpsuit. Top and trousers

Andthentherewere5 · 20/09/2018 19:52

At this moment budget is frankly unlimited! She doesn’t ask for a lot generally.

OP posts:
BlueJava · 20/09/2018 19:52

I love black and I hate dressing up! Please don't fall out with your daughter, if she's made some sort of effort I'm sure they'll let her in. So, how about black jeans with a black Joe Browns evening jacket (Joe Browns WJ188) and then boots.

Andthentherewere5 · 20/09/2018 19:52

Lostandfound, what did you put into the coast website to find it?

OP posts:
ShirleyPhallus · 20/09/2018 19:52

My size 14 friend has this and looks absolutely gorgeous in it - it has a bit of room around the hips and waist so isn’t as clingy as some jumpsuites

www.reiss.com/p/backless-strap-detail-jumpsuit-womens-yeva-in-black/?_cclid=v3_eb6e73dd-ecb0-55a8-a235-fda7bc24ceb9&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIgOKYoqDK3QIVyZPtCh3a4gnuEAQYCSABEgJYSfD_BwE

Prettysureitsnotok · 20/09/2018 19:55

Does she want to go?

GinIsIn · 20/09/2018 19:56

ASOS have lots of women’s tuxes....

Help desperately needed for DD17
TakeAChanseyOnMe · 20/09/2018 19:58

The Reiss one is gorgeous - is she able to go braless (I definitely cannot!).

What shape is she? Hourglass etc. If she can’t find a suit, what about a pair of more “party” trousers and a velvet blazer in a deep jewel colour?

CreativeMumma · 20/09/2018 19:58

What about going for a vintage inspired look?

www.ladyvlondon.com

www.lindybop.co.uk

Lostandfound81 · 20/09/2018 20:01

I just looked at trousers

Part of their “curve” range

ShirleyPhallus · 20/09/2018 20:03

What about going for a vintage inspired look?

I swear to god I’m gonna start a petition to get Lindybop and 50s looks blocked on mumsnet as a suggestion for anyone of a size 14. If the OP’s daughter is revolting against even a simple dress why oh why would she want to be dressed up like a pantomime dame in some naff 50s style dress?!

MrsAird · 20/09/2018 20:03

Maybe a smart suit in a rich colour?

asos 1

asos 2

asos 3

asos 4
asos 5

HouseOfGoldandBones · 20/09/2018 20:07

My friend is the same size as your DD, and HATES getting dressed up.

She has a tuxedo evening suit that she wears for these sort of occasions.

Looking at it, I'm guessing it wasn't cheap, because it is cut immaculately, and it is lovely material. But maybe an idea?

tierraJ · 20/09/2018 20:08

The 'ASOS 5' jacket is nice

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