Smart outfit (not dress) for black tie event - for teenager

[PlinkPlankPlunk]

Can any MNers help with suggestions, even of places to look, for either a very smart jumpsuit, or trousers and a top, for a skinny 15 year old?

She is attending a black tie event and absolutely refuses to wear a dress. She does have a pair of smart black trousers which would be OK if we could find a really excellent top and shoes (sandals?); or would go with a jumpsuit if we could find one that’s smart enough without being “middle aged party luxe “ iyswim

Neither of us really know where to look! She’d prefer a dark colour but would consider any colour if it was the right style/fit. Probably a size 6 and petite length if possible. Not body con or big puffed sleeves. Thank you!

Loads of promising results searching for 'petite black jumpsuit UK'

Thanks @Palavah we’ve found a few on Next and JL but wondered if there were obvious “go-to” places for this sort of thing.

I’m not sure I really know what counts as black tie these days (particularly if not a dress, and for teenagers!)

What’s your budget?

What is the event? I ask because i am wondering how seriously the 'black tie' bit would be taken?

Boohoo and Pretty Little Thing is my teens go to for evening wear.

Boohoo has loads. I know you said dark colours preferred but this is lovely, esp for a petite size 6

www.boohoo.com/slinky-asymetric-wide-leg-jumpsuit/GZZ04886.html?color=209

Otherwise try Silk Fred, they also have loads

Black petite one:

www.boohoo.com/petite-v-bar-bandeau-wide-leg-jumpsuit/GZZ06376.html?color=186

Red:

www.boohoo.com/petite-wide-leg-belted-tailored-jumpsuit/GZZ02913.html?color=157

Lots on Asos including evening-type things. I think Next and JL are probably a bit old.

www.asos.com/missguided-petite/missguided-petite-satin-cowl-neck-wide-leg-jumpsuit-in-black/prd/201034862?clr=black&colourWayId=201034864&cid=7618 Although not sure how the neckline would work in practice.

Ah yes, hadn’t thought of BooHoo. There are loads of nice pastels (she may be persuaded).

I’d be happy to spend up to about £100 if it looked like she’d wear it again and again; substantially less for a one-off, although we do have a chain from handing down clothes so I wouldn’t be too fussed.

@Skelligsfeathers that’s a good question; it’s a joint schools thing and won’t exactly have an entry policy but everyone else is apparently wearing long dresses. She doesn’t mind being different but I think won’t be happy if she’s not dressed up to an extent

www.asos.com/asos-design/asos-design-strappy-back-peg-jumpsuit-in-black/prd/21745281?clr=black&colourWayId=60219325&cid=7618

A young colleague (21) wore this to a recent work event and looked lovely. Not sure how formal she wants to be, the print makes this a little less so

Thank you everyone. Some excellent suggestions but turning out fruitless as she’s now refusing to look at anything and crying at the injustice of it all.

I’ve politely mentioned that perhaps therefore the best options are either not to go, or to brace herself and wear a dress (or one of many outfits already viewed) Apparently both those things would be apocalyptic. Teenagers, huh?!

What sorts of clothes does she wear day to day? What us her style?

Does she not want a dress because she doesn’t like how dresses look or because she likes to wear trousers for sensory/movement reasons? Would she like a jumpsuit that looks kind of like a fancy black tie dress? Or would she like something more like a trouser suit style?

How about a tux style trouser suit?

www.asos.com/asos-design/asos-design-velvet-suit-with-obi-tie-in-blue/grp/68138?clr=blue&colourWayId=200910859&cid=13632#200910858
Velvet suit? Probably with an actual shirt or some other top underneath, unlike the asos styling. 😂

www.asos.com/asos-design/asos-design-moulded-hip-suit-in-blue-check/grp/72530?clr=blue-check&colourWayId=201030123&cid=13632#201030121
Definitely a love it or hate it kind of style but I think this counts as black tie for a teenage school event.

www.asos.com/asos-design/asos-design-jersey-sequin-suit-in-rose-gold/grp/73377?clr=rose-gold&colourWayId=200772141&cid=13632#200772131 Shiny jacket over a black shirt+ trousers or jumpsuit

www.monki.com/en_gbp/clothing/jumpsuits/jumpsuits/product.halterneck-jumpsuit-black.1069781001.html
www.revolve.com/more-to-come-gloria-flutter-jumpsuit/dp/MOTO-WC4/?d=Womens&page=1&lc=29&itrownum=7&itcurrpage=1&itview=05
www.debenhams.com/product/nasty-gal-embellished-colourblock-plunge-wide-leg-jumpsuit_bgg02773?colour=hot%20pink