Where to shop - 9 year old

[PipPippin]

I have bought most of my younger DDs clothes from Boden over the years. I have loved the bright cheery styles and quality. She's worn that and hand-me-downs forever.

She is now a bit 'cool' for Boden and I agree it can look a bit baby-ish so I want to start looking at other brands. It is her 9th birthday soon and she loves clothes, she is very arty and creative so rather than just go with Primark/New Look etc I want to encourage her sense of style and interest in making up outfits. Her older DC is kitted out in Decathlon and is sporty and couldn't give a monkeys about clothes which is totally fine. We are all different :-)

Anyway where can I shop? Budget wise I don't want to spend more than Boden but i buy a lot on Vinted anyway but I need some brands to search for?

Her style is relatively girly, she likes vintage looks but also likes to make a dress look cooler with trainers / denim jacket etc etc. She is small for her age so will be in age 8-9 at most.

I have looked at Reiss but it's all rather plain. She currently has an H&M kilt set which she wears all the time but any other ideas for brands? The New Look style baggy trousers and crop tops is not really her scene. I want to buy her more interesting 'looks' but can't think wear to search.

Zara. They have a good selection of clothes that are a bit more stylish, and can be used to create outfits, for this age.

Yep was also going to suggest Zara. I get pretty much all DD’s stuff from there (and vinted because it keeps well!)

Occasionally M&S have good older girls stuff.

I was in one of the largest branches of M&S yesterday and impressed with their clothing for Spring, including in the children's section. Might be worth checking out.

H&M or River Island might be worth a look?

We moved onto Abercrombie & Fitch (especially the sales) as well as Zara etc.

I see that Mintie at Mint Velvet and Jigsaw junior are no more sadly. Maybe on vinted?

I agree Zara can be good. Mango also do children's wear online.

Monsoon sometimes have stuff but in recent years it has got very 'nylon-y' and frilly.

River Island has some good items every so often. If you keep an eye out you'll find a few cotton or other natural fibres items made in 'Commonwealth countries ' rather than China which is great.

She's not far off the 'Hollister/ Abercrombie phase, then it will be Urban Outfitters ( clothes that look like they're made for aliens with random extra arms and extra neck holes etc) and all downhill from there

@EvelynBeatrice your comment has made me laugh. Urban outfitters summed up perfectly there! It’s all a bit odd in there now I find. I used to like it (20 years ago).

We've picked up a few nice things in Kids Whistles - they stock it in John Lewis online too.

DS and nephews are big Urban Outfitters fans - definitely popular with the young teen crowd around here! But I tend to focus on sweatshirts/hoodies and t-shirts as otherwise it gets a bit messy.

Having said that, the homeware stuff is often cute and I've picked up lots of bits there for me, DD and DD's friends (online - I went into one store, once, and nearly passed out from the sensory overload).

My 9 year old has grown about a foot in 3 months. I'd go Primark and h&m because the rate of height change is ridiculous at this age.

Apropos of nothing really, I kind of miss the days of annoying my teens by asking who had brought the torch when we headed into Hollister …😁 the shops nowadays seem to be lit normally and no longer scented strongly with their fragrances …