Tween evening dress

[Mammyofonlyone]

I need to buy my daughter a formal-ish dress for an evening reception we are attending in a couple of weeks and am really struggling. Everything I seem to find is quite casual (like a summer day dress) or full length/formal (more like a prom dress).

We have found one we both liked but it was q expensive in Ted Baker, and then would still need to be altered it fit. Although tall she is still very slim so even XXS can be a bit big.

The dress we saw and both liked was just above the knee, cream and pink/lilac floral chiffon with a few ruffles and straps rather than sleeves (she isn't keen on long sleeves).

I've looked in the usual spots (Zara, Mango, J-Lewis, etc) and can't find much. I know Shein can be popular but would prefer not to buy from there.

If anyone has any suggestions it would be brilliant to hear them.

TIA

https://www.monsoon.co.uk/children/childrens-collection/girls-prom-dresses/?start=40

https://www.debenhams.com/categories/kids-girls-dresses

https://www.chichiclothing.com/collections/girls-dresses

https://www.next.co.uk/shop/gender-oldergirls-category-dresses-0?p=1#1267.199951171875

https://www.marksandspencer.com/l/kids/occasionwear/fs5/girls?page=2

Have you had a look at Vinted? This type if dress isn't worn often so are likely to be in great condition for bargain prices.

Pink Ted Baker dress 11-12 years

Blue Monsoon dress 12-13 years

My DDs sang and played in orchestras so had a few - monsoon is the best option in person now (Debenhams used to be good), charity shops are often good.

I have bought DD a couple of sort of skater style dresses from Amazon. The one was plain black for a funeral. The other one was purple and we then added some beading to it. I note however that she is a bit younger so a 10/11/12 year old might want something marginally more sophisticated!

I'd still take a look on Amazon though as you might find some useful ideas.

Can you link to the Ted Baker one you found so people get a sense of the sort of style she likes?

Also, check out New Look dresses

I like this one

Thanks for the suggestions, I was looking for something a little less formal/prom like.

This is the dress she spotted:

www.tedbaker.com/uk/p/Womens/Outlet/Clothing/Dresses/SUTTONN-Twist-Neck-Frill-Detail-Mini-Dress-Light-Yellow/268296-LT-YELLOW

Would anything in River Island Kids fit or is she too tall?

I quite like this one

https://www.riverisland.com/p/girls-yellow-floral-halter-neck-dress-451374

How old is she? It's a tough age - adult stuff cna be too big, kids stuff is to babyish. Have you looked at Urban Outfitters/ They do xxs and depending on style, some of it might work. For boys, DS has been able to wear some of their stuff since he was about 11. Although I concede is is very tall.

We went with a a jumpsuit. It was much easier to find something age appropriate that wasn't frilly.

Are any of these any good? All Ted Baker in similar styles.

Dress 1
Dress 2

Dress 3

Slightly more wallet-friendly.

Quiz has some lovely ones.

Zara has fabulous and very affordable clothes for girls this age

same style? worth a punt maybe

www.vestiairecollective.com/women-clothing/dresses/ted-baker/yellow-polyester-ted-baker-dress-43296214.shtml

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/325633735758?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=ri7AhY3GTum&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=pf0yLuOqQZa&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

The Ted Baker dress she chose is nicely done; shame it won't fit!

Urban Outfitters is a bit more 'urban' and the one I thought she might like is sold out in XXS. They have these:
https://www.urbanoutfitters.com/en-gb/shop/light-before-dark-astra-asymmetrical-mini-dress
https://www.urbanoutfitters.com/en-gb/shop/uo-quartz-lilac-paisley-flocked-mesh-midi-dress

According to their size guide, UO size XXS is the same as Ted Baker's size 0, but Ted Baker's more likely to come up large while UO's usually small. I guess it depends how much slimmer she is?

Have you tried Lipsy?

https://www.next.co.uk/style/ls413763/q42729#q42729

https://www.next.co.uk/style/ls418792/q82818#q82818

Lipsy Girl available via Next. Lots of choice for that age group.

You've probably seen this. They have it in Size 0 (79cm chest).
https://www.tedbaker.com/uk/p/Womens/Clothing/Dresses/LAURIIN-Sleeveless-Floral-Ruffle-Detail-Midi-Dress-White/274664-WHITE

Another recommendation for Lipsy through NEXT. Have very tall tween and she has a few nice “occasion” dresses from there!

I would raid vinted or eBay, as you can get some real bargains for barely worn clothes. My nieces have been doing this for a number of years and are now teens....
I remember struggling at that age too but there wasn't such a second hand market as there is now!

Some of the Lipsy stuff in next girls might suit? Buy Girls' 10 - 11 Years 11 - 12 Years 12 - 13 Years 13 - 14 Years 14 - 15 Years 15 - 16 Years 16 - 17 Years Lipsy Dresses Online | Next UK

https://www.fscollection.co.uk/products/floral-print-halter-neck-tie-back-mini-dress-in-blue?variant=41054245879901&currency=GBP&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&utm_campaign=gs-2021-11-03&utm_source=google&utm_medium=smart_campaign&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw5v2wBhBrEiwAXDDoJRXSoWbESM78gQMzUHUBrlSVII-rU8gFRmWAIl3BtXKOaJoXxCy7gBoCSOAQAvD_BwE

shop.mango.com/gb/teen/dresses-and-jumpsuits/asymmetrical-ruffled-hem-dress_67006760.html?c=46&utm_source=product-share&utm_medium=social

Thank you for all the suggestions so far, we will go through them tonight and see how we get on. It really is such a difficult age!