Kids clothes are so boring!!

[SpangleTwangle]

I've got 2 kids to buy for, one 12 year old daughter who is very much all about comfort but loves colour and pattern, and another 9 year old daughter who loves fashion/looking stylish and likes things a bit quirky. They both take ages 11-12 or 12-13

I honestly am really struggling to find nice things. It doesn't help that my 9-year old is very tall and therefore age 13 in the leg but she's as slim as a slim 9-year-old in the waist so I find a lot of stuff fits badly.

I usually buy 2nd hand/vinted but tried to get them a couple of new summer tops recently and just to see what was in the shops.

This week I've tried next (disappointingly dull in the older ages, overpriced for what it is, not as many natural fibres as there used to be) River Island (honestly uncomfortable looking, lots of synthetic fabrics, loads of it seems a bit "old" for their ages) H&M (Boring boring boring!!! So beige, so little fun, like kids are tiny office workers) New Look (Boring, too old for their ages) Marks (so little choice!!)

Any ideas where to look? I want kind of stylish but funky, smaller/slim fit sizes, graphic tee shirts, colour, pattern, fun!!

Thanks!

Sounds like you need Gap from 20 years ago. (unhelpful).
I found most stuff From Next by being picky. Lots of over designed polyester dross but they always have some decent basics.
Have you tried Uniqlo! They can be good for fabrics and style.

Primark and supermarkets? Supermarkets are good for 100% cotton t shirts. My favourite t shirt is from Sainsbury's.

E.g. Asda

https://direct.asda.com/george/kids/outfits/cherry-soda-t-shirt-and-striped-cycling-shorts-outfit/GEM1464095,default,pd.html?cgid=D25M2G1C27

https://direct.asda.com/george/kids/outfits/pink-ramen-t-shirt-and-striped-trousers-outfit/GEM1439294,default,pd.html?cgid=D25M2G1C27

(not sure why that posted twice)

Zara have the nicest children’s clothes on the high street in my experience. They wash well as well.

Their latest collection has some bright basics - https://www.zara.com/uk/en/kids-editorial-12-l2043.html?v1=2425963

These are cute: https://www.zara.com/uk/en/washed-effect-star-wide-leg-trousers-p05879700.html?v1=545451548&v2=2637283

I have boys but if I’m buying high street clothes it’s almost always from Zara, and a few pieces from Next.

These are also really comfortable, fun and come in lots of different patterns:

https://www.next.co.uk/style/su753990/y17030

I’ve been thinking about buying some for my boys even though they’re in the girls section!

Oh I tried Zara but I was put off as it was at the end and I was bored/it was busy. I like what you posted.. I'll look again.. I'm not keen on Primark but will give supermarkets a look- I've found Sainsbury's Tu is often too big/shapeless for my kids...

They have very little stock in Zara stores and it’s always super busy. I only ever shop online and then return in store if necessary.