Help me find a wedding outfit for my 12 yo DD

[Doublebubblegum]

We are off to a wedding in April and my DD needs to find an outfit to wear. Really struggling to find something to suit her from the usual places.

She's very slim - no curves - and wears age 11-12 clothes, or maybe XXS from the adult range.

We are way past flouncy dresses and pink (occasion wear was much easier when she was a lot younger and happy wearing a frilly dress of the type you can find anywhere!) but struggling to find something she likes. She's very casual (baggy jeans and hoodies).

There are a few older girls at the wedding so she wants to look 'grown up' - any ideas of where to look?

She likes blue, and would prefer to cover her arms if possible.

Thank you for all the suggestions. It is tricky - I feel lots of the dresses linked are a bit 'bridesmaid-y', have shown a few to DD and she's said absolutely not.

I've actually never been on Shein before but just been browsing and DD likes the style of these ones which she assures me is the sort of style 'everyone' wears but I don't know if these are wedding appropriate?! (Also freaked out by all the AI imagery on there!!)

Total minefield. I want her to feel comfortable, she's at the awkward stage.

Hi @Doublebubblegum - I love the skater dress style vibe in your pics. This kind of style looks great 😊

I think she can probably get away with those styles you've linked if that's what she feels comfortable in!
I know some of mine were listed as bridesmaid but I think they would work as long as the actual bridesmaids are in a different colour.

They’re awful.

Well they aren't my style either....but she hates everything else I've shown her 😬

My very slim DD aged 13 likes Zara kids or ASOS petite for smart stuff. It isn't too young looking but isn't spray on tight either.

She's 12 and choosing what makes her feel comfortable! She might change her mind when she tries them...or she might not!

I have a picture taken about 15-20 years ago of me (in my 20s) with younger teenage cousins at a family wedding. I'm in a knee length tea style dress, they are all in dresses similar to ones above. I've always laughed at it as I look like a school teacher with a group of pupils - but we all looked good and felt happy with what we wore!

How about the desigual dress I posted? I feel it’s quite “cool” and has sleeves

https://www.desigual.com/en_GB/25WGVK125029.html

Honestly at 12 I’d let her wear what she’s comfortable in - it’s such a tricky age and the body types are so varied. My daughter wore a sleeveless dress and jeans jacket with trainers to her p7 dance and about half the girls looked like that and the other half were in teeny tiny dresses with heels and fake lashes and such.

As long as it’s appropriate, within budget and she’s comfy I’d let her lead the way.

I missed this one! Will ask when she's back from school. I like this one but suspect the print is too 'loud' for her

I’m sure you’ll find a middle ground somewhere. It’s such a tricky age.

Ted Baker skater dress
www.next.co.uk/style/su821538/w94089?gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=7930345678&gbraid=0AAAAADm_5UWOHSdOdTuYGF3YACCE9nCKL&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIp9eA0d7xkgMVCZJQBh14GiwMEAQYASABEgIJ3vD_BwE

The problem with women's size 6 is the neckline. My dd is 11 but absolutely would not wear a V or plunge neckline. She can fit into size 4 or 6 but I find women's dresses don't fit her. Or are to low / tight in the wrong places. Monsoon, JJs house or River Island have more grown up styles but young girl fitted. Got a lovely River Island dress from Vinted.

There is no way an 11 year old tween would wear that 😂🙈

Which is a pity.

I was really going off smaller sizes.

www.newlook.com/uk/girls/girls-clothing/girls-dresses/girls-green-floral-shirred-rara-mini-dress/p/943867439

Would need a little cardigan or maybe a denim jacket over?

Is there a gap in the market here?

As others have said the plunging neckline and tailoring which assumes the wearer will have breasts to fill out the chest area, is unlikely to fit or look appropriate on a very slim 12yo!

Too pretty? https://www.very.co.uk/monsoon-girls-storm-flower-embroidered-dress-black/1601259142.prd I’m linking it anyway in case black appeals!😂

OP being 11 she probably wants something a little more 'on trend' as PP said. The risk is her having either the same dress as a small kid at the wedding. Most of these dresses on here are so kiddie-fied.

Id look at adult dresses in a petite range and show her those instead.

https://www.prettylittlething.com/petite-khaki-ruched-flowy-slinky-maxi-dress.html

https://www.prettylittlething.com/petite-chocolate-off-shoulder-maxi-dress.html

https://www.boohoo.com/product/coast-petite-3d-corsage-high-low-dress_bcc10571?colour=lemon

https://www.newlook.com/uk/womens/clothing/dresses/quiz-black-bardot-mini-skater-dress/p/939849601

https://www.newlook.com/uk/womens/clothing/dresses/quiz-blue-frill-cowl-mini-dress/p/939841740

If you size by the petite range, sizes 2 and 4 there isn't this problem. (Speaking from my own experience)

Please not Shein.

There are a few on Mango which might be OK for that age, or this one from Bershka. https://www.bershka.com/gb/asymmetric-mini-dress-with-ruffles-and-tie-detail-c0p212509271.html?colorId=800