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Summer dresses for teenagers - HELP ME!!

53 replies

stinkingbishop · 15/06/2026 19:05

I have two gorgeous DTDs (14) and want to get them both casual, short summer dresses that are easy to slip on when we're on holiday after a morning by the pool to head off for lunch. But not just beach cover-ups - nice enough to wear into town. They're being useless at finding stuff themselves, despite my being willing to pay. So I am reduced to trawling Hollister, Mango, Bershka, Stradivarius, Pull&Bear etc online.

Herein lies my problem. I grew up in Scotland and, frankly, was still in a jumper come July. So I am clueless. Because all the dresses are spaghetti straps, or halters with low backs, so strapless bras are out...What bras would they wear??? Most of the models are flat-chested and I think are going without. But I don't think mine could/would. They're both really petite frames, but C cups.

Am I missing something??

Or can anyone find me something flippy and pretty and breezy that has a strap/sleeve, and a neckline that would cover a normal bra? I could probably persuade them into short jumpsuits/playsuits, which might be easier.

One suits pinks/greens/reds/oranges; one is more blue/silver/white.

Please save me. Otherwise we're staring down the barrel of an 8 hour trip into the nearest city, trailing round everywhere, all getting increasingly narked off with each other 😆

OP posts:
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5
Justlurking8 · 15/06/2026 19:09

I think New Look has a great range of summer dresses suitable for teens, lots of colours and styles.

https://www.newlook.com/uk/womens/clothing/dresses/summer-dresses/c/uk-womens-clothing-dresses-summer-dresses

Gonnagetgoingreturnsagain · 15/06/2026 19:09

https://www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.1291739001.html

EnFlique · 15/06/2026 19:10

Have you looked at New Look’s 915 range? There are lots of different styles. My 15 year old DD was in her element there a couple of weeks ago.

mutandmud · 15/06/2026 19:11

stinkingbishop · 15/06/2026 19:05

I have two gorgeous DTDs (14) and want to get them both casual, short summer dresses that are easy to slip on when we're on holiday after a morning by the pool to head off for lunch. But not just beach cover-ups - nice enough to wear into town. They're being useless at finding stuff themselves, despite my being willing to pay. So I am reduced to trawling Hollister, Mango, Bershka, Stradivarius, Pull&Bear etc online.

Herein lies my problem. I grew up in Scotland and, frankly, was still in a jumper come July. So I am clueless. Because all the dresses are spaghetti straps, or halters with low backs, so strapless bras are out...What bras would they wear??? Most of the models are flat-chested and I think are going without. But I don't think mine could/would. They're both really petite frames, but C cups.

Am I missing something??

Or can anyone find me something flippy and pretty and breezy that has a strap/sleeve, and a neckline that would cover a normal bra? I could probably persuade them into short jumpsuits/playsuits, which might be easier.

One suits pinks/greens/reds/oranges; one is more blue/silver/white.

Please save me. Otherwise we're staring down the barrel of an 8 hour trip into the nearest city, trailing round everywhere, all getting increasingly narked off with each other 😆

Otherwise we're staring down the barrel of an 8 hour trip into the nearest city
Where do you live?

Do they want wear dresses? Or do they prefer shorts and tee? At 14, I don't think most girls love fashion advice from mum. Can't they look online themselves and be told chose your holiday clothes?

EstrellaPolar · 15/06/2026 19:12

It’s okay to wear a bra with spaghetti straps. I live in a “beach holiday location” abroad and youngsters also wear them, not just us oldies. Unless the cut is too low, I would think it’s ok to combine those.

stinkingbishop · 15/06/2026 19:14

Justlurking8 · 15/06/2026 19:09

I think New Look has a great range of summer dresses suitable for teens, lots of colours and styles.

https://www.newlook.com/uk/womens/clothing/dresses/summer-dresses/c/uk-womens-clothing-dresses-summer-dresses

There's some really good ones here, thank you!

OP posts:
VividDeer · 15/06/2026 19:16

Following. I have anout a 50% success rate choosing dresses my dd will wear.
Didn't know about new look teen range

stinkingbishop · 15/06/2026 19:17

mutandmud · 15/06/2026 19:11

Otherwise we're staring down the barrel of an 8 hour trip into the nearest city
Where do you live?

Do they want wear dresses? Or do they prefer shorts and tee? At 14, I don't think most girls love fashion advice from mum. Can't they look online themselves and be told chose your holiday clothes?

I mean the shopping itself would take 8 hours!

Yes, you'd think being told 'find what you want online and I will pay for it' would have galvanised them. But it hasn't. I would SO much prefer them to choose themselves, but I think if I just left them to it, then it wouldn't happen till a few days before we left...so I am resorting to trying to find a selection, and them to choose from that.

God this was much easier when they were 7!!!!

OP posts:
stinkingbishop · 15/06/2026 19:18

This is actually the only dress before this thread that had gone in my basket!

OP posts:
stinkingbishop · 15/06/2026 19:20

Gonnagetgoingreturnsagain · 15/06/2026 19:09

That's gorgeous! Unfortunately only available in large sizes. They're XS/S/size 8.

OP posts:
mutandmud · 15/06/2026 19:24

The suggestions on this thread are perfect.

Gonnagetgoingreturnsagain · 15/06/2026 20:00

stinkingbishop · 15/06/2026 19:20

That's gorgeous! Unfortunately only available in large sizes. They're XS/S/size 8.

You might find it in store.

Stowickthevast · 15/06/2026 20:43

Mine always go for Hollister ones. They've generally got built in shorts and pockets which are both pluses.

Bearness · 15/06/2026 22:33

My links above are ideas from my teen. With regards to bra straps, I think most don’t care at this age if you can see the bra straps…..

AuditAngel · 15/06/2026 22:35

I have girls of 19 and 15 with almost no bust/small bust and they both wear exceedingly bright bras with the straps on show. They never match what they are wearing and tell me that is the look!

butidid · 15/06/2026 22:37

Bra straps not an issue, they just have then showing. Likewise v short skirts, they wear little shorts under them