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

Maybe have a look at bridesmaid dresses?

Also are you near a city / town with a Jewish population? Bat Mitzvah's happen when girls are 12 so I imagine there are shops that cater for girls that age.

https://www.barmitzvahdirectory.co.uk/suppliers_category/batmitzvah-and-party-dresses/

Try Pixi Girl. Dd wore this jumpsuit to a formal occasion and looked great.

https://www.pixiegirl.com/dark-navy-lace-wide-leg-jumpsuit-p

Have you looked at Abercrombie? They do XXS and have three lengths you can choose from.

https://www.abercrombie.com/shop/uk/p/high-neck-chiffon-mini-dress-54603826?categoryId=84562&faceout=model&seq=01

I know exactly wht you mean!

The Monsoon style dresses too fussy and kiddie.

My DD12 wears a lot of Hollister... they're very small cut she's xs even though really slim.

https://www.hollisterco.com/shop/uk/womens-dresses-and-rompers

Try New Look (has a trend section too), Quiz or Cider.

Quiz has never failed us yet. My dd had various formal dresses and jumpsuits from there and has just seen another for an upcoming wedding.

Mango have a nice but fairly small teen collection, including an events section. Here are a couple of examples (2 dresses 1jumpsuit) but worth a general look - a couple more nice jumpsuits and also some nice separates.

When my DDs were younger teens, we had some success with New Look teen range (they have a big range so you have to trawl through to find). Also Hollister and Topshop (although appreciate that it not an option anymore). Abercrombie kids goes up to around age 17 and we got a couple of more grown up style party (not not prom style) dresses there, although they don't seem to have that kind of thing currently

Asymmetrical ruffled hem dress - Teenage girl | Mango Teen United Kingdom

Halter long jumpsuit - Teenage girl | Mango Teen United Kingdom

Printed asymmetrical dress - Teenage girl | Mango Teen United Kingdom

Oh, i forgot the dreaded Brandy Melville. It is mainly separates but they usually have a few dresses. Mainly cotton summer dresses admittedly, but they do occasionally have something that might work for a more formal event.
Here are a couple from current selection on website. Maybe too casual but they add new stuff fairly often

Robbie Dress – Brandy Melville UK
Colleen Slip Dress – Brandy Melville UK

Thank you, the search continues

If you're still looking, have you checked Lipsy Girl (via the Next website)? They have a variety of occasion dresses.
www.next.co.uk/shop/gender-oldergirls-category-dresses/brand-lipsy?p=1#0

https://www.debenhams.com/product/cutie-london-ruffle-detail-mini-dress_p-e06820fb-ecaf-4b4c-95ad-5714490691cb?colour=Cream&size=12&sv1=affiliate&sv_campaign_id=626889&awc=22735_1715763562_9e9c46f955acb8f10fbbe6f71a49a309&utm_medium=affiliates&utm_source=awin&utm_campaign=UK_626889&utm_content=Comparison+Shopping+Service+%28CSS%29

Is the evening event a wedding, or some other special occasion? What are you wearing?