Formal wear for a 10 year old girl?

[PineConeWar]

We've been invited instructed to attend a formal evening meal in the spring. Our lives are very far removed from such affairs and I don't have a clue what counts as (British) formal any more. Posh restaurant wear for us would be jeans and a collared shirt without tie. This is what DH and DS will wear.

But I've no idea what I or, more importantly, DD should wear. She won't wear dresses. She is not into frilly, floaty or impractical things although is partial to a bit of sparkle. Can't wear polyester. I have no idea what style of things to look at. What do you all advise?

Maybe a jumpsuit? Or navy trousers and a blouse?

I'm not sure jeans and a tieless shirt counts as formal Tbf. They might look lovely, but also v put of place.

Is anyone else you know going who's been before?

Agree with pp, something like a jumpsuit and strappy flats for DD?

Yes I was going to suggest a jumpsuit too.

How formal is formal because jeans don’t sound formal to me - sorry. I’d think it meant a suit.

A jumpsuit would be good for your daughter or trousers and a nice top. She doesn’t have to wear a dress.

Something like this?

Are you able to name the restaurant or event so that we can gauge the "formalness"?

How formal is formal because jeans don’t sound formal to me - sorry. I’d think it meant a suit.
Honestly don't know. Probably the organiser will also expect a suit but DH won't wear one, and if DH isn't then DS won't either. DS has never had to wear any "formal" clothes or shoes, and has only ever worn trainers and jeans.

My DD won’t wear dresses, for a recent family funeral she wore black dress trousers, a grey shirt and a blazer (linen, not a school blazer).

I'm the rebel in the family, AuditAngel and at the last family funeral I wore black jeans and a blouse. I was frowned at, but no comments were made. I can't afford to spend lots on something that would literally be worn once and I wouldn't be able to re-sell because no one wears those kind of clothes where we live. DH works in a lawyers office, they usually wear jeans and t-shirts, put on a shirt (no tie) if meeting clients.

If it’s at a restaurant I’d just check that jeans and no ties are allowed.

For your daughter trousers and a top or a jumpsuit would be fine. Kids are allowed to be more casual anyway, but your husband might piss people off -

Chinos or similar would be smarter than jeans if he has them.

If it’s at a restaurant I’d just check that jeans and no ties are allowed.
OMG I had completely forgotten that there are restaurants that have this rule. Thank you for reminding me, I definitely will check once I know more details.

DS has jeans and joggers/tracksuit. He can't do up buttons!

Thanks for that Sleeping she might actually wear something like that.

I think if dh and ds are wearing jeans, and dd wants to wear jeans, then she should too.

If the organiser is expecting men in suits your dh should wear one. Suits can be bought cheaply. He can always EBay it after. Your ds can wear school trousers and shirt if necessary.

And if it's a no jeans place, there's what I was planning to wear out of the window 😂

I was in John Lewis the other day with my 10 year old and they had loads of jumpsuits in the sale so maybe check that out?

If I buy something for a formal do I ebay it after on the basis that I'm unlikely to wear it again. Reduces the cost that way.

I don't really get why you're asking about formal wear for your 10yo dd when you, your DH and your son are all planning to wear jeans.

Formal wear is really not jeans. 3/4 of you should not be turning up in jeans, even dark ones.
Proper tailed trousers are more appropriate.

If I buy something for a formal do I ebay it after on the basis that I'm unlikely to wear it again. Reduces the cost that way.
I have a friend who bought her Dc clothes to wear to a wedding back in the UK and she cannot sell them here because people don't dress their Dc in those kind of formal clothes.

DS and DH can wear a shirt of the type that can be worn with or without a tie. That's not really an option for DD.

If you are not willing to adhere to the dress code, perhaps you shouldn’t go.

It would be rude to come to an event dressed inappropriately, particularly if it is an event you’re not paying for.

Why can't dd wear a blouse or shirt too?

Why can't dd wear a blouse or shirt too?
I can't find any that aren't with frills or massive collars or puffy bits. Else they're the type like checked casual shirts (not a fan). I wondered what other 10 year olds would wear in this situation.

(In case you hadn't guessed, I've no clue about fashion and putting an outfit together. Seems harder and more important to get it right for her than for me!)

Any smart skirt or trousers would be fine for your daughter. I'd pick something she could wear again, personally, rather than a jumpsuit - unless you need to entice her to wear it.

Any smart skirt or trousers would be fine for your daughter.
But what does that look like?!

These are probably her smartest trousers - she has last years version which are a slightly darker denim than this.