Smart clothes for (almost) 13 year old DD. Where, oh where, can they be?

[GrumpyOldHearsewoman]

DD1 is in dire need of clothes for smart events. DH trains racehorses, and we go racing alot. It was easy when she was younger (I'm a dab hand at kids clothes - DD2 always well turned out) but DD1....well that's another matter. She's usually grungy, into metal music, but still likes trendy gear. We bought a lacy midnight blue cardi with camisole and raspberry sweater dress in Jigsaw Jr last week, but ground to a halt after that. Can anyone point me in the right direction for trendy, age appropriate but fairly smart stuff for a moody pre-goth in her early teens?

Not an easy task....think of it as a challenge.

Is she an adult size?

She's probably about 5 ft tall, but v slim and completely undeveloped. All legs and arms and not much else. She has borrowed one or two of my more plain/androgynous items (T-shirts, cardis) but is the wrong sort of shape for adult clothes generally

H&M sounds ideal then

hmmm will have a google around

I thought H&M. The only trouble being that it's hard to steer her away from the ultra-skinny jeans (like we need more of those) and Rock Chick T-shirts. She seems to just dismiss everything else when we're in there. Awkward little toerag.

There are some pretty things in Rachel Riley's teen range, but they're expensive ... though not that much more than Jigsaw Jr. maybe. (Sale can be big bargains if you can wait)

she'll hate it, but what baout next,they have a teen section and of you ignore the really young models some of the stuff is nice
here

Another vote for Next. DD (11, but wears age 13) gets lovely stuff from there. Also occasionally from Tammy at BHS. Some of it is pure tat, but you can get some "finds".

If you need something a bit more upmarket (but not hideously expensive) then try the department stores. Both Debenhams and John Lewis cater for up to about 14 year olds.

are you near London or a major shopping centre

I would like to give a sensible reply to the last poster, but I can't, so suffice to say no. I live in shopping hell.

I can get to Sheffield within 45 mins, and I have family in London I would like to visit - then it would be problem solved. Any good internet sites for this type of stuff?

Why not buy a copy of Mizz or other teen magazine and look at where they source the clothes from - they usually have website links too. Might just give you a few different ideas. I think H&M is brilliant for young teens though you're right about the skulls on everything at the moment

My equally grungy 12 year old can be persuaded to wear a fitted plain black T-shirt with black shorts and opaques, or with a black skater-type skirt if she needs to be a bit smarter. All of the above were from Debenhams.

i have a fashion mad 11 year old dd.she loves the clothes from new look .the big stores do seem to have a good selection of clothes.but maybe to casual ?
she also really love debenhams were she has brought some from the j by jasper conran range and just got a lovely top from the redherring range.dont know if this helps.

So it's looking like the department stores then. Shame the ones at Meadowhall are so limited in their stock.

I think I'm beginning to spot a gap in the market....

I've noticed the same gap GPHW. They're too small and skinny for adult clothes - even the small sizes and children's clothes are too "kiddy".

If they have the Ted Baker range in Debenhams at Meadowhall; it tends to be quite trendy and smart without being too girly.

It's a shame that some of the US stores like Limited Too, Old Navy and American Eagle haven't branched out over here. They are perfect for my DD with a massive selection and variety of clothes for her age group (and either side of her age group, too). She's not into tunic tops and leggings, doesn't do glittery or mini-slut fashion, so she's pretty much stuffed in England.

I know it's a cliché but would Laura Ashley be any good GrumpyOldHearseW?? It's not as staid as it used to be ...

Or, I know my god-daughter who is 13 buys lots of clothes from Zara.

Oh and I'm really terrible at doing links but have you tried Cyrillus or is that so staid it's off the register nowadays??

Ooh yes, Zara is good - lovely stuff- but my local branch never seems to have the right sizes in for dd.

grumpy, i sympathise. Trying to find wedding outfit for goth inclined 15 yr old.

I was in Zara today and I wonder if the hip section of the women's department might suit your dd. If she's 5ft she might fit into some of the smaller sizes. They do have the odd bit that might be acceptable

H and M. New Look.

And if you can blindfold her in order to get her through the door, it's worth trying Monsoon - she might be surprised.