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.

Similar option from H&M although I prefer the New Look one

https://www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.1281925001.html www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.1281925001.html]]]]

I would avoid anything with a v shaped/crossover neckline - if she has no boobs they just don’t look right IME

Good thing is you have time. If you’re near a big shopping centre go there, you can do click and collect eg at Next, try on then return in store. And order some for home.

Thank you for all the suggestions so far. I'm screenshotting to share with her later!

There does seem to be a gap in the market here doesn't there?? For something that fully hits the mark.

Clothes shopping with DD tends to be really hard work - she's already paranoid about being 'too skinny' and I'm so conscious of this, and not having her try on loads of outfits that she doesn't feel comfortable in.

Also now starting to wonder what on earth she'd wear on her feet.....!

Yes shoes are tricky!!

I would say dressy flat sandals but in April she might be chilly. Maybe little suede ankle boots?

Quite. My 5ft 8 sporty 16 year old with hips is a size 6. At 12 any adult clothing would have fallen off her.

Agree with the couple of previous posts. I wouldn’t place much hope in any dresses that are womens size 4, 6, XS, XXS. My DD is a little bigger than yours (age 13) but similar build (wears age 12-13) and she still cannot wear any adult size. Even some of the teen ranges, like Mango’s, would be too big (they start at 158 cm, that’s my height!)

Unfortunately I think you will need to look for things that come in age 12 (so kids’ range) but look teenage enough, which narrows it right down.

H&M and New Look are my go tos. I mentioned a few other brands in my previous post but can’t see anything suitable there at the moment, however they all seem to have new season stuff coming out around now, so keep checking!

I posted this earlier

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

nothing in brandy Melville only 2 slip dresses.

See to me that’s a bit babyish.

The JJ things are so bad! I posted the New Look one earlier. I think with a cardigan or maybe cropped denim jacket (maybe khaki or white) with Mary Janes or even clean white Converse it would be perfect unless the wedding is very formal.

I see lots of older teens wearing things like this in the summer.

https://www.debenhams.com/product/coast-teen-bow-back-mini-dress_bcc12358?colour=blush&size=9-10+Years&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22652050245&gbraid=0AAAAABevdS4XO5K3WxyNYJsjaWN070PQ2&gclid=Cj0KCQiAtfXMBhDzARIsAJ0jp3Ax3v7_DN1CTGQiHg_DHPFOv0MP1V8hjYZoa1880b8ay5tPtKde7DUaAs6NEALw_wcB

Summer yes but occasion. Not really. She’s dressing up.

I know what you mean but there’s a lot of this style around and in fashion with tweens at the moment! I think being tight and short turns it from babyish to preppy.

here’s a long sleeve HM option might be warmer for an April wedding.

Not sure why random Jack Nicholson gif appeared in my message, cannot seem to edit it out!!!

I don’t think a 12 year old needs an ‘occasion’ dress unless she wants one though, and she’s already discounted all of the more formal looking links.

That’s nicer. And I agree April can be chilly.

Yes I see what you mean. But maybe she wants to dress up for a wedding. Maybe she doesn’t care and is happier with casual. Like I say I was shy at that age and a teenager and wore mostly what my mum bought but my mum was quite conservative preferring French fashions.

Few River Island options

blue and white long sleeve- lovely although may be too girly for her?

maxi skirt and vest set, suspect too frilly

another smocked/rara skirt dress - to wear with a cardigan or jacket

One thought. You mentioned there are some older girls going. Can you find out what they are wearing if you know their parents? My DD would want to be in something similar if possible!

I agree. My daughter is quite slim and is only now able to wear adult sized clothes - they still often come down way too low on the chest as she's still on the smaller side.

It's really a tricky age for sure.

Footwear... honestly loads of the dressed up teens I've seen lately are just wearing nice trainers. Loads of converse at the dances.

My dd liked Disturbia at that age, and their size 6 worked on her skinny frame.
https://www.disturbia.co.uk/products/kora-floral-embroidered-cord-v-waist-mini-dress

https://www.disturbia.co.uk/products/poultice-embroidered-cotton-mini-dress

At a similar age my DD wore lovely pink satin skirt and blue and pink flowery top from Ted Baker
Now I type it it sounds childish but it certainly wasn't.
I think TB has gone but may be available online, she was a size 1

This might’ve been posted already as I haven’t checked all links posted but
https://shop.mango.com/gb/en/c/kids/girls/events_7a2e4ae3

I agree. My daughter is 12 and wouldn’t be seen dead in any of the above suggestions, they’re really babyish or just old fashioned.