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Original poster

Store recommendations for curvy but short dd, 16

33 replies

Umbongoumbongo999 · 15/08/2021 14:15

DD is a very short person with what is unequivocally a woman's body. She has a bum, hips and thighs (not something I have ever had- she doesn't get her body shape from me!)

She would like some new clothes for starting college next month and I am looking for recommendations of shops that sell clothes that may fit her. I think she hates her body, but she is ready to start finding her style, and has recently started showering every day and doing her hair, which is a massive move forward into adulthood and self acceptance.

Currently she is spending her time in skinny jeans (not flattering, or trendy however she is wary of baggie styles on her short body), band shirts, hoodies (sometimes men's size) or sweatshirts. She will not wear shorts, skirts or dresses (previous self harm scars on her thighs). She is not keen on showing her arms, tshirts ok, vests are a no. She has a leather jacket and she likes ankle boots and converse.

Any help gratefully received. We live near a city with access to most shops, and also happy to order online.

OP posts:
Blueyshoes · 15/08/2021 16:03

Have you tried asos?
Hollister
Mango
Urban outfitters
Primark
New look
Monki - they do some funky shirts

Kanaloa · 15/08/2021 16:06

I came to suggest Monki, good sizing and in between jean sizes too, also loads of cool shirts. Outside of fashion, is she getting some help? It sounds like she has some issues and worries around her body which is very hard at that age.

cherrypiepie · 15/08/2021 16:44

How short is she op? Maybe a petite range would be better.

H&M is great for band t shirts in a relaxed style. Asda had loads in and great on a budget for fickle teens.

It's difficult and she sounds sensitive - as on one hand she could do with being pushed out of her comfort zone to try other things (mom Jeans? dress with tights?) but then in the other hand kinder to just buy some new over sized t-shirts and skinny jeans which may pique her interest. New converse or vans And she will feel good about herself when she starts college. She may find a niche at college and start experimenting a bit with her choice of clothes- I know I did.

cherrypiepie · 15/08/2021 16:46

I find hollister, mango and urban outfitters don't fit me at size 16.

Primark is great though

Neversaygoodbye · 15/08/2021 16:50

Ok I'm not her age but I am 5ft and hourglass, but for petite ranges New Look, Dorothy Perkins and possibly more trendy ASOS.

minipie · 15/08/2021 16:57

Size 16 or age 16? Is she hourglass or pear shaped?

Fit and flare/skater dresses with opaque tights and ankle boots would be a good look for her but appreciate she doesn’t want to wear them. Cropped hoodies might also be good if she has a waist, would mean she doesn’t look brick shaped.

Everlane have a good selection of jeans for curvy shapes but you would need to order a whole load and try at home

Agree Dorothy Perkins can be good for hourglass/pear shaped. H&M tops and dresses can be good. Fatface, Abercrombie, worth a look.

minipie · 15/08/2021 16:57

Oh and White Stuff though maybe not young enough for her

BigWoollyJumpers · 15/08/2021 17:03

Short, curvy DD has a lot of stuff from Hollister "curvy" range. Their jeans and shorts are great for small waists, larger bum/hips. Superdry is also really good for t-shirts and pull on short jersey dresses, which are really flattering on hourglass figures. Anything jersey is your friend, as you can buy down a size, but it stretches over the curvy bits. Dungarees also always a good bet, as they are more generous in the bum/thigh, and you can cinch the waists in.

NiceGerbil · 15/08/2021 17:05

Miss Selfridge really nice think they got bought by boohoo so not sure what now

Really lovely flattering shorts for those more in and out

I'm an apple do rubbish for me but DD looks old school glam in their stuff

NiceGerbil · 15/08/2021 17:06

www.asos.com/miss-selfridge/miss-selfridge-popper-short-in-sage/prd/24398151

This sort of thing.

What is DD style though?

NiceGerbil · 15/08/2021 17:07

Also if she likes retro there's loads of dresses and things from smaller places.

Jeans sold in women's shops have been pretty horrible for everyone almost imo for ages

gunnersgold · 15/08/2021 17:32

When you say short , how short ? And what size ? I'm 5 foot and an hourglass size 10 so may be able to help .

TheTurn0fTheScrew · 15/08/2021 17:45

If her style is at all alternative she might like to look at Thunder Egg in Manchester. Their insta page shows the shop staff modelling the clothes, and so you can see how they look on a range of non-model women of all dress sizes, which really appeals to my teen.

Original poster
Umbongoumbongo999 · 15/08/2021 18:12

Thanks all. She is 5 feet exactly. She has a fairly ample chest but would definitely describe her as a pear. She has chunky thighs and a definite bum with a narrow waist in proportion.

Regarding her MH, she has been under CAMHS for the last 18m, working on the self harming behaviours and her underlying anxiety. The SH started around age 13, and I dont think it is a coincidence that she was growing out of her small and skinny childs body into her adult form.

Petite ranges for trousers/jeans are essential. She couldn't get away with standard length. She is not into combing through rails and is not a fan of primark.

Will have a look at the suggestions. She is ok with bright colours and bold prints and I think would wear printed shirts as long as not too fitted

OP posts:
cherrypiepie · 15/08/2021 18:43

Sounds like she has had a tough time.

What dress size is she? I keep getting mixed up with the size 16/age 16 (no idea why)!

londonmummy1966 · 15/08/2021 19:07

My size 18 daughter has had some good buys from H&M recently. I'm not sure if they do a petite range though Dorothy Perkins do. Uniqlo go up to a 16 and they are good for shorter people generally.

Maverick66 · 15/08/2021 19:44

First things first get her fitted for good bra.
When my dd was that age I got her fitted for Freya bra.
Did wonders for her confidence .....I'm assuming when you say curvy that she has a bust.

Original poster
Umbongoumbongo999 · 15/08/2021 19:52

Age 16, bout to start college!

I would say she is probably size 12. She has been wearing 10s in jeans/trousers but they are a bit tight

OP posts:
Oliveandsage · 15/08/2021 19:55

I came on to say Monki as well! I shop there, I’m a size 12-14 with a small waist but hips, thighs and big bum!

The quality is good, pricing is reasonable too. You can also buy the brand from ASOS

Original poster
Umbongoumbongo999 · 15/08/2021 19:56

Also, she REALLY hates Bras. I have bought her some wireless styles that are more like bralets in a C cup. She prefers her old saggy crop tops. As a result she has little support/shaping

I helped her sort her wardrobe out recently and there were several of the new bras still with tags on.

OP posts:
bookish83 · 15/08/2021 20:01

Could you take her to somewhere like John Lewis to do a personal shop? Or even one of the 'house of style' type things? Mainly just to help her see what shape suits her and give some confidence

I agree she probably needs petite! And generally I would say at her age to have fun with clothes but she sounds like she has had some issues that might stop her feeling like her looks are something to enjoy

I do hope you can help with even the bras tho. Saggy crop tops will sadly not help her Sad

HamCob · 15/08/2021 20:10

I'm a similar height and size.
Next do a very good petite range. They are my go to for basics such as Jeans, T shirts, jackets etc.
Oasis are very well cut for curvy/petite but tend to be quite feminine in style.

gunnersgold · 15/08/2021 20:57

She is my size and height , I like Levi's 501 's and wear t shirts and tops . Get her to m and s and try sumptuously soft bras . They are super comfy if you get the right size .

minipie · 15/08/2021 21:03

What are the crop tops she likes? There are various crop top type bras around - look at H&M and Gap.