My daughter is going off to college and she needs to build her college wardrobe beyond sweats and athleisure. I used to dress her in matching outfits with her sister when she was really young, but she quickly became that child who only wore one outfit at preschool, and I had to buy multiples so I wouldn’t have to do laundry every day.
These days, both my daughters do not love to shop for clothes. It’s time for me to get them to embrace their inner fashionista to start to build a wardrobe for college professional events and interviews for their first jobs. I remember that middle school was the turning point when I wanted my daughters to be confident with how they looked. I had to convince them that shopping for back-to-school clothes can actually be fun and getting a new look is empowering. Here’s my advice on how to get your tween daughters to embrace their inner fashionista!
Use fashion magazines
It helps to take a look at fashion magazines and learn what tweens are wearing. You may not want to create the exact same look for her but it’s helpful in pulling clothes off the racks as the first pass in presenting options for your daughter to agree to try on or reject on the spot.
Go shopping together
Take your daughter to stores that sell quality clothing so you get what you pay for. Show her that when it comes to clothing, she should buy what she loves and not what is trending. Avoid buying things that she will never wear but is trendy. Instill in her the desire to buy pieces that will not go out of style and she will be able to wear for years to come, assuming she isn’t growing really quickly.
Choose well-fitted basics
One of the most important goals for tweens is to choose clothes that flatter their figure. You can have your teen try different types of styles of pants, tops, skirts, and dresses. If she has a short waist, try to keep it uncluttered to make it look longer. Dolman sleeves are perfect for girls with broad shoulders. Be honest and point out which ones flatter her figure the most. Then let her choose what she wants to own and let her decide what looks best on her.
Maintain a proportion
The clothes might fit well but if you do not get the proportions correct, you will still be off the mark. You must always choose looks that are well put together. You can wear a cropped jacket over a maxi dress or a cardigan over a skirt and top. Small additions to a basic outfit can make it look stylish and classy.
Choose versatility
Simple styles can provide a lot of versatility to your wardrobe. Jeans can go from day to night if it has minimal details and clean lines. Invest in a few basics that last all seasons like warm knitwear including cardigans, sweatshirts, and thin jackets. You can pair colored jeans with a basic blazer to create a sophisticated look. Wear it with your favorite heels and you are ready to paint the town red. Invest in pieces that will last longer and can be styled in multiple ways. I always encourage my daughter to choose one “statement” piece, usually outerwear that can make a basic outfit special.
Experiment with colors
Choose colors that go well with your skin tone. You can check if the color suits you by simply holding it up to your face in natural light. If it makes your skin glow, go for it. If it makes your skin look dull, avoid it. Do not be afraid to experiment with colors.
Accessorize
After you have built a wardrobe of stylish and classic pieces, you can show her that it is possible to use the accessories and embrace fashion trends through accessories. Finally, the best accessory is self-confidence and that comes from feeling comfortable in both your outfit and your own skin. Some of the most amazing people in the world are not those who dress extremely well but those that radiate self-confidence.
If you have the basics covered, you will never run out of fashion ideas for any season. A full-length mirror is helpful to check proportion. You do not need a new wardrobe every few months to become a fashionista. Remember, you can have fun with what you have if you have the right attitude and style. And a cool jacket or hand-dyed hoodie helps!
To examine any book more closely at Amazon, please click on image of book.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
My books:
Food for the Future: Sustainable Farms Around the World
- Junior Library Guild Gold selection
- Selected as one of 100 Outstanding Picture Books of 2023 by dPICTUS and featured at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair
- Starred review from School Library Journal
- Chicago Library’s Best of the Best
- Imagination Soup’s 35 Best Nonfiction Books of 2023 for Kids
Amazon / Barefoot Books / Signed or Inscribed by Me
Amazon / Scholastic / Signed or Inscribed by Me
