This post is brought to you by one mom of a tween who’s searched EVERYWHERE for really cute, appropriate eleven-year-old girl clothing. I hope my searches can help someone else out there as well!
Ebby Lee, about two days before her virtual middle school life began, decided she needed to really go through her closet and get rid of everything that looked too elementary. She was super sweet, coming from a wanting-to-fit-into-middle-school-kind of way. Isn’t that what middle school is all about? Blending in…or at least that was my main goal when I entered middle school.
Needless to say, we’ve been on the hunt for some clothes that aren’t too elementary but also aren’t giving off the high school vibes either. We’ve been laser focused for those tweener-type clothes perfect for the middle school days. And I’m happy to report we’ve found some cute things! So happy, in fact, I’m hoping to help you as well. 🙂
In no particular order…{Edited to add-I had these in graphics with photos but they would not publish correctly. Boo! I’ll try to add pictures over on Instagram today!}
I'm going to be circling back to this comment section later today!!!
Ebby Lee is going to be STYLING!!!!
I always had luck at Gap and Old Navy growing up! Affordable and good quality!
Good luck!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
I remember that being a tough age to find appropriate clothes! My daughter is 15 now but when she was newly in middle school I think we had some luck with Aeropostale. They had some 00 and 000 sizes and XXS sizes that fit her, and she was pretty petite. Their clothes were pretty affordable and she felt they were “older looking” (and I didn’t find them to be too grown up!) Good luck!
Yes to Dillard’s! I forgot to mention that. They have a couple of brands that are so middle school friendly!
American Eagle and Arie are my go today for my tweens/teens. The sizes go down 000 and xxs. They also come in short which helps with the length. AE is our go to for jeans.
You were right to head to Dillard's. I remember being so frustrated that the girls section said sizes 7-16 with nothing larger than a 10/12. I skipped straight to the misses section of most stores. Altar'd State is another good option. American Eagle for jeans. We found a lot at Old Navy, Fransesca's, even Talbots for basic (or seasonal) tee's. Good Luck!
My daughter is in 10th grade now. I remember that same struggle when mine started middle school. We found Kohl’s junior section the best! She still shops there for a lot of her clothes. Mostly a size Small or Medium now for her. We have several near by, but also have shopped online. It’s a hard transition when past the girls section. I also remember getting a few XS items from Old Navy that worked well.
Check Kohl’s! So much variety and fits well for teens.
My girl is a little older at 14, but we have struggled too. American Eagle is her fave but sometimes shirts there are too cropped for me. Sweaters from there last year were great! And always the AE Jeans. Also Altar’d State especially for things a little dressier!
We have great luck with American Eagle! Nice quality and affordable. It is the only jeans my girls will wear.
Gap online has a new "TEEN" line. There are a few "crop tops" but lots of cool and appropriate. THey are sizes 8-16.
My daughter really likes Forever 21. She’s pretty tall though and fits in women’s. But it’s reasonably priced.
I have a 12 year old daughter and a 9 year old daughter. My girls are a little more sporty in their style. I wish they would wear cute girly things… but majority of their clothes are from Athleta girl, American Eagle has XXS sizes online for my 7th grader. Also I have found some really cute stuff online that they both like at Abercrombie Kids.
I'm in Canada and H&M is very popular here for kids and teens. Not sure popular H&M is in the US but may be worth a look. Have you looked at Abercrombie & Fitch? I wish we had it here!
I agree that Dillard's was always a win for us during the teen and tween years. And I will also add that not all Dillard's girls/junior departments are equal. My daughter (now 18 and in college) and I narrowed our favorite shopping site down to the Dillards at the Galleria in Houston, even though it was a bit of a drive. She bought all of her homecoming and prom dresses there too. Hope this helps.
Have you tried American Eagle? We have had good luck there.
https://tangerineonline.com/
Local boutique here in Baton Rouge, but it has what you are looking for.
https://tangerineonline.com/
Local boutique here in Baton Rouge, but it has great tween clothing.
Abercrombie is our go too. My daughter has always been tiny and that is the only place we can find clothes that fit her well AND that she approves of!
I am a middle school SPED teacher and it is interesting how many issues we have when kids move up from 5th to 6th grade in clothes.
In my parts, Old Navy, The Gap and Kohl's are popular with our kids.
I echo the comments about Aeropostale. I have three girls (12,16,16 and a 17 year old son) and the youngest is tall and thin. Aero's triple zero pants (who knew!) fit her to perfection. They were also on sale several times in August… bogo or a percentage off. We don't have a great mall option as the stores are closing and our malls are turning into corporate space. I have good luck with Old Navy, Gap, Target for the youngest. The older girls like thrift stores, Aero, Gap, Nordstrom Rack and their brothers oversized sweatshirts.
I agree… American Eagle… but some of it is still a little big for my daughter. We have bought A LOT from Abercrombie Kids… I usually wait for a good sale. Most of her summer wardrobe was from there as for many jeans and shirts for fall! It is her favorite… Check them out!