pub / going out outfit for 18 year old who lives in jeans and tshirts

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DD (18) is heading off to university. She asked me last night what sort of things she should buy in case she goes to the pub with her flatmates/course mates. I said I would look for some stuff and send her links. She is not a party girl at all, doesn't wear make up, has been to a few house parties, but never been to a pub. She wants something to wear so that in the first few weeks if everyone is going out, she can go along and fit in. I won't imagine she will be clubbing, she hates very crowded places with loud noise.

Normally she wears leggings and a baggy t-shirt. In the last year she has branched out to wide leg casual trousers, and some wide leg jeans. Still with cotton t shirts. She exclusively wears trainers, even to prom she wore trainers under her floor length dress. She likes soft fabrics, hates anything lacey or itchy.

She is size 10-12, 5'7" and has quite a large bust.

She doesn't like fast fashion (shein or asos) as she disagrees with the environmental impact of clothes that are only worn a few times and then fall apart.

I know she is 18, and at this age what mum suggests probably isn't helpful, but she did ask for my advice, and just wants a couple of staples in her wardrobe so that she can fit in. If anyone can send me a few links for websites that would have some appropriate things, I'll forward them on to her. Thanks.

Fgs take her to a pub.

Have your DD look at Lazy Oaf. Lots of quirky pieces there that she could mix with her jeans to upscale her normal jeans and T shirt look. Some really cute socks and T shirts in particular.

My 18 year old sounds very similar to your DD., I have just picked up some stuff from holster that she ordered… there and Urban Outfitters are currently her go to’s…. She wears a lot of baggy jeans and crop tops… also has some jean skirts for parties. She wears trainers a lot but also has timberlands and a pair of heeled knee high cowboy boots for ‘going out’

hope that helps..

It depends where she is going. Northern cities = making an effort. Everywhere else = jeans top and trainers. Shocking I know, but university cities have shops! She can make sure she has the basics covered, and enough to get her through a couple of weeks without doing laundry. Then acquire new stuff as she develops her own style.
My DD has a pair of jeans for every occasion and every pair of trainers. They all look the same to my untrained eye. Lots of little tops, and funky knitwear. No coats to speak of, and never worn on a night out. Cute cross body or shoulder bags for phone, keys and lippy. Uber on speed-dial.

She shops at Urban, Hollister in the sales, and stalks Vinted.

And by the end of term when formals/xmas bashes loom, she’ll know what she likes.

I think that top is nice, not old-fashioned at all. I’m 30 and quite into fashion.

When I was finishing university a few years ago, it had definitely moved from heels and dresses to jeans and trainers, even in nightclubs, among students. The world has become extremely casual.

I think when students go out to a pub, the majority of them are likely to be wearing jeans and tshirts! Some of the girls in leggings, very likely. I think she's all set for university life.

I was just about to say about tops this style! New look is great for T-shirts and tops like this and often have offers on like 2 for £14.
hollister is also a favourite of a lot of students, their jeans and tops/hoodies, wide leg joggers are all really nice material really soft.
Adidas trainers like Samba and gazelle are great too.
https://www.newlook.com/uk/womens/new-season/c/uk-collections-womens-clothing-autumn-edit
https://www.hollisterco.com/shop/uk/womens-new-arrivals

My son’s gf (slightly older at 22) where’s a lot of body suits with straight/wide leg trousers and trainers. She has some body con bits, but is much happier in trousers

She would like the top OP linked at the top from Next, she has a slightly “boyish” figure and looks really nice in stuff like that

I would suggest looking at Hollister, Brandy Melville, H&M and Subdued. They are the favourites here.

Jeans and a strappy or fitted top and a jacket. Have a look on freshers content on Tik tok. I remember my DD’s flat uploading one and they all had jeans and strappy black tops on. They tended to share tops. Lots of unis have second hand clothes fairs in freshers.

My nieces all seem to wear very loose low-waisted jeans or joggers with tiny vest tops, sometimes with a shirt over the top,with trainers.
If I were you, I’d give her some money to buy a clubbing outfit when she gets there- hopefully other girls will help her choose if she’s not sure.

H&M is probably a good priced shop for uni type outfits. Lucy and Yak if she is “artsy”.

If she is wanting to fit in then I would avoid anything from next. As others have said, urban, hollister and bershka tend to be the go to places.

i would just get her nicer things of what she already wears so that she feels comfortable. What trainers does she wear? Can you get her her some on trend ones?

Treat her to a haircut/trim (if she wants one) before she goes. And maybe look a some new jewellery or bag to help her feel a bit more current but still herself?

Agree the baggy jeans and tighter T-shirt thing, especially the white top and jeans above. As others have said, different uni towns have VERY different vibes e.g. Leeds slouchy in day but sometimes very dressed up at night, Exeter DEFINITELY not satiny strappy dresses and heels. I think look at some Instagram stuff from the uni in question then get some bits once there. It'll all be fine!

I’m always hearing this on here especially about Liverpool but I’m not sure it figures for students. Dd has graduated now but hasn’t progressed from student nights and still lives in Liverpool, she wears baggy jeans with crop tops or boob tubes and her older grotty trainers because she wouldn’t dare get beer spilled on her good ones. I agree there’s lots of theme nights or there’s a T-shirt to wear and they always seem to be swapping clothes too. A small bag is a good call and definitely take her to the pub and send her to the bar before she goes!

I hear Urban Outfitters is where everyone shops! Casual but stylish

I am similar to you DD but 40 years older.

My 'dressed up' look is the same trousers / jeans with a gypsy top. Comfortable but slightly fancier.

Same! Mine has never been clubbing but is looking forward to trying everything once she is away. She is autistic so does struggle with the sensory feel of clothes and won’t fit in a box for anyone - but she does want to look nice and wear the right thing. She’s same height as your daughter - a bit bigger clothes size 14-16 - I think maybe giving her a bit of money to go out and buy when she has a better idea of what she wants is what I’ll do. She’s going north where the girls have a reputation for it feeling the cold

Re clubbing, especially where my DD is, they only go to student nights during the week, and they do not go at weekends when prices triple and the clientele is regular people/hen & stag dos. Student nights are jeans & trainers, cute top, no coat (that’s what Ubers are for).