If you were 18 would you wear any of these? 18 these days.

[Notaninterestingfact]

www.yoox.com/uk/Checkout/Cart

And this one.

www.yoox.com/uk/15232752WK/item#dept=women&sts=sr_women80&cod10=15232752WK&sizeId=3

You don’t sound very nice to her!
Why would you spend that much on a dress for an 18 year old, she probably wants a new outfit each time she goes out so will wear it once or twice. It would be better buying her a coat/ shoes/ jumper at least she will wear it more than a couple of times.
Why don’t you take her shopping and let her choose a few items.

My 19 year old would wear the Wednesday dress but none of the others.

IIRC when my DD was 18 she wore a MissGuided jumpsuit with strappy shoulders , a pink satiny slipdress (Urban outfitters ) or a tubeshirt, tube top and a blouse tied like a bolero.
They follow the fashion leads from friends .

The Missoni. No.5 I think, is lovely but it's a scrap of material for nearly 400 quid . Now I sound like my mother!

At 18 my going out outfits had to be as short and clingy as possible. Usually complemented by ripped fishnets and combat boots. Those outfits cover up far too much.

I think she’d get bored of the dresses and they’d date quickly.

If it were me I’d get a nice leather or vegan jacket or coat instead, preferably designer but doesn’t have to be.

When I was 18 I veered from wearing Robert Palmer little black dresses to clothes that covered me up (was size 8).

At first I thought you were looking to buy your daughter a real treat. Turns out you're really quite horrible about your own daughter and are trying to control and police what she wears. Poor girl

I dressed like your daughter at that age. I wouldn't have worn any of the dresses you picked I'd have thought they were frumpy. Her style will change in a few years mine certainly did. Maybe try chi chi, nordstrom or mango they tend to have stylish clothes a bit more covered.

Why is it disgusting not to want your dd to wear clothes which you’re afraid are going to attract the wrong kind of attention? The op sounds like every mother I’ve ever known, including me! Loves their dc fiercely, and wants them to enjoy
life while struggling to accept some of their dubious choices!

I think people are in a tizzy about your use of the word hooker, and other comments, op, as they are misogynistic, although I’m sure everyone understands what your misgivings are. I doubt that many among us have not felt exactly the same, whilst having to bite our tongue and make vague suggestions for alternatives, which are then promptly ignored!

I like dress 2. Or how about a designer coat to throw over the top of her skimpy dresses to keep warm till she reaches her destination?

I'm sorry but no 18 year old is going out clubbing in any of those dresses, they're awful

Number 2 - the givenchy is gorgeous and very easy to style. I would say that one is the safest bet and the one that she will wear the most as you could wear it more than once without it being obvious it's the same dress. X

Just read the rest of the thread! :O I thought your gesture was sweet and clearly well intended. Ignore the hate! I hope your daughter likes whatever you choose and if you decide against a dress then fancy shoes is always a good idea x

Number one and 2 I would say yes, the rest no

I agree with this too - and I’m glad I wore skimpy sexy clothes whilst I had the body to! Certainly wouldn’t get away with it now after 2 DC and years of pizza and neglect 😂
And back then nobody mistook me for a “hooker” either 😏

Absolutely this.
Ignore the vipers. They’re out in force today. I’m sure your DD will love whatever you buy her. I still love no.3 the most.
Did you google winklepicker goth yet, OP? 😆

Oh op I'm not going to be much help as I don't have a daughter and, when I was 18 myself, I mostly dressed in long skirts, clogs and a shawl. But regardless of your wording, I get where you're coming from and, as far as I'm concerned, any poster who doesn't must have been smoking too many Cool Mum cigarettes.

What you can do though is another matter. For what it's worth - probably nothing - I think the second link (Givenchy) is the best bet. But I know what I'd have done if my mum had tried to give me even the gentlest of steers at that age. I like the idea of buying her a coat instead but then, the last time I looked, teenage girls weren't wearing them either.

I think the only vaguely helpful thing I can say is that, within a few years, I'd moved on from dressing like a 19th century mill girl to Joan Collins in Dynasty. Hang on in there, this phase will pass.

They're probably for Wednesday fans

Buying clothes for an adult in order to steer them away from the styles they actually like is doomed to failure. They simply won't wear it, and the money will be wasted.

@TJ17 theres only a few years you get away with dressing like that I'm also glad I did. Its just part of growing up and self expression. I don't think anyone would thank me if I tried dress like that now 😅

You've been the only nasty one here.

My advice is to set her a budget and take her shopping for an outfit of her choice. She needs to like whatever you buy, and you will have a bit of opportunity to advise or steer her during the shopping trip.

My sister is 18 and I would say possibly number 2. None of the others

If her typical clothes are the Shein one you linked she won't want to wear any of those. Number 6 is the closest to her taste I think, dependent on the length. If its mid thigh it might be OK but if its longer she'll think it frumpy.

@Notaninterestingfact yoox isn’t a good place it’s the end of sale no-one wanted dead stock. Those brands aren’t aimed at teenagers. I get what you mean, better cut, material and design can make a big difference.

I would try Rixo, Retrofete and Reiss. Here’s links to some specific dresses that are in your daughter’s current style.

Retrofete sequin mini dress £203-£385 depending on colour www.net-a-porter.com/en-gb/shop/search/retrofete%20mich More Retrofete sequin strappy and wrap dresses here www.net-a-porter.com/en-gb/shop/designer/retrofete/clothing/dresses?orderBy=8

Rixo green sequin dress £295 www.net-a-porter.com/en-gb/shop/product/rixo/clothing/mini-dresses/samantha-sequined-crepe-mini-dress/1647597286056393

Reiss plunge line neck cut out mini dress £178 www.reiss.com/g841156s1/c82488#c82488 www.reiss.com/search?w=mini%20dress&af=gender:women&isort=score#1_183

The OUTNET is a lot better curated, go by their weekly drops, as the good stuff goes quickly and the undesirable stuff stays (and makes its way on to yoox…). Sales coming up soon so maybe you can ear mark stuff on Liberty, Net A Porter and MatchesFashion to see if price drops.