"Dress to impress" dress code for 9 year old girl

[HornungTheHelpful]

My niece has to go to a "dress to impress" party for her posh 9 year old cohort. She is struggling a little at school at the moment and I would like to send her an outfit. Any ideas? She is very blonde and pale.

How does she usually dress? Does she prefer casual clothes or dresses? Her personal style is important because if she's wearing something out of her comfort zone, she won't feel confident.

Probably just means sequins.

'Dress to impress' at NINE years old? Whose idea is this party?

Sorry, no help.

I thought this post was going to be about expressing outrage and dismay at the theme. Sigh.

‘How does she usually dress’??

’her personal style’????

SHE’S NINE

My first thought when I saw the OP was the popular Roblox game 'Dress to Impress', is that what they mean as a dress code (seems to be a popular game with that age group!)?

Or generally just dress to impress as in dress in a cool outfit? In which case I would look to Taylor Swift for inspiration as again, popular with the age group. A sequin playsuit/jumpsuit or a slightly cropped boxy top with a long tube skirt or cargo trousers.

She doesn't really have one. Her mother is not the most distinctive dresser (think modern equivalent of tweed and wellies) and is mad on pre-loved, so all of the children seem to wear very brightly coloured, clashing stuff. But I don't know if that is her choice.

I avoided saying this - but agree. I don't think anyone would be fussed by it if she weren't struggling already and not wanting to give the kids something else to have a go about

Ridiculous and horrible theme 🙄 impress who?!

That aside, I would think glitz is the way to go.

If she prefers trousers, this is v cool and should suit her colouring. Avoid black.

https://www.riverisland.com/p/girls-gold-sequin-vest-top-and-trousers-set-448640

I think it is just "dress to impress" but I will check re Roblox as my sister will be completely unaware of its existence 🤣 so thank you!

I don't mean it the way you think I do. I have boys, and their personal style is hoodies and joggers. If they're in shirts and jeans, they hate it! They get really fidgety, and it's just not their vibe at all. If this little girl is struggling at school, it's probably best for her to wear something that makes her feel confident and comfortable. My little sister would cry when she wore dresses as a child—I loved dresses in comparison.

Thanks - I get what you mean. If I'm honest, she usually looks like she has been through someone's old dressing up clothes. Which is sort of why I wanted to help

It made perfect sense to me. At my DC's y6 leavers party there were girls in jeans and tees, others in ball gowns, others in LBDs, others in colourful jumpsuits.

Does she even want to be friends with these kids? They sound mean.

And?? My 4 year old has her own style too (sequins mainly and dresses every day if she could). Definitely her style because it doesn't come from us! I think it's an important point that the girl should feel comfortable in what she's got on.
I do agree with the PPs that 'dress to impress' feels an uncomfortable theme for 9 y/os though. Their style should be about what makes THEM feel good, not what impresses their peers.

At nine I'd let her have fun. She can wear the party dress of her choice with as many or few frills and sequins as she likes. Or jeans and a fancy top if that's more her thing.

Give it a few years and it will be all about belly tops & mini skirts. If she's still young enough to enjoy a swirly skirt I'd go with it before she gets too cool for such things.

I'm not a usual on the S and B board but have a 10 yo DD who plays Roblox. Depending on if your sister allows your niece on Roblox it might be worth finding out if that is indeed the theme. Might help your niece if she knows a bit about it to help her feel included. I might be wrong about the Roblox link though!

My niece loves River Island, and she sways between football kits and dresses, depending on the occasion. (She's 11) They have some great sets that might make this easier! https://www.riverisland.com/c/girls/sets-and-outfits

www.next.co.uk/style/su246183/n21518#n21518

Sparkly bomber jacket over pretty much anything.

Dress as a nurse ? That’s impressive

My daughter went to a party a few weeks ago and the girls are all in a clique without my daughter. We clearly missed the memo about having a sequin jacket! So I'd say that those are popular for that age as this was a 9 year olds birthday.

Agree, it’s awful. At nine they shouldn’t be worrying about their appearance 😢 This will be all for the “Insta”. I wouldn’t want my daughter being around people with these values.

Thanks - I've asked. I suspect she will not have a clue about Roblox so if it is that I will get one of my kids (sadly two of whom are roblox mad) to give her a tutorial.

When's the party OP? You may have time to order from Vinted and get a bargain.

How do they sound mean? 🤔

Dress to impress sounds like a fun theme I think. A tulle dress or sparkly/sequin trousers with a plain top, and glitter eyeshadow.

OP can you ask her what she’d like or ask her if she knows what the other girls are wearing? Probably best to include her in the selection process as she might have an idea about what sort of clothes will be ‘cool’.