Chava Rom
In the previous article, we discussed the psychological aspects. But what about practical advice?
How should you dress a teenage girl—what makes this subject difficult?
There are not many stores that cater to this age group. Children's stores no longer make clothes in these sizes, or the lengths are a little too short, while clothes in the adult departments do not fit a teenager's figure. Kosher clothing for teenagers in sizes 32 to 36 is a real find. You can try looking for small sizes in women's stores.
Pay attention to the style of these clothes, and avoid pieces that look more like a mature woman's clothing than a teenager's. Sheath dresses, formal jackets, and overly mature color schemes are unlikely to suit a girl.
The trend for long tunics—or, worse still, for wearing dresses that are too short over a layering skirt—is over!
Don't skimp—have a seamstress lengthen a short dress. The result will often be more interesting than the original. A ruffle or flounce in a contrasting fabric is very much in fashion right now. The same piece of fabric can be used to make a belt or a hair ribbon.
In the previous article, we considered how important it is for a child to be part of a group and to dress in a fashionable, up-to-date way. But the question remains: how can parents invest in worthwhile pieces without spending a fortune on a wardrobe?
Even if you decide to explore new trends and teenage fashion, I always recommend starting to build a wardrobe with basics.
What are these pieces?
Pieces that pair easily with almost any bottoms or tops in the closet.
Well-fitting skirts in neutral shades (blue, gray, olive, sand), in simple styles without unnecessary decoration. These might be an A-line skirt, a pleated skirt, or a half-circle skirt. When buying a skirt, pay attention to its length: it is better to turn up the extra centimeters than to throw away an item that will become too short within a few months. It is important to stress that you should not buy clothes for her to grow into. This will not make her look neat, and the clothes may wear out, tear, or get stained before the girl grows into them.
Include a couple of solid-colored blouses in simple styles and colors that suit the girl's coloring. Add a sweater or cardigan in a basic color, and your wardrobe foundation is ready!
A well-planned wardrobe foundation solves the problem of having “nothing to wear” despite an overflowing closet.
After the age of 14, when many girls have had their growth spurt, wardrobe basics can really help stretch your budget. After all, you can buy just one additional item, whether a blouse or some costume jewelry, and the pieces you already have will take on a fresh look.
You can stay right on trend by adding accessories to your wardrobe basics.
I advise parents not to skimp on accessories: they are an inexpensive pleasure and allow a girl to express her individuality. If fur is in fashion at the moment, you can add a fur charm to a bag, a fur headband or hair tie, or a fur pendant. If the clothes are understated and solid-colored, the look will not be overloaded.
If you have managed this part, the most enjoyable part now remains:
You can discuss different clothing styles and the messages they convey with your daughter. What does she like, which colors appeal to her, and what does she want other people to think of her? After all, shopping together can be a very enjoyable way for a mother and daughter to spend time together. It is a chance to get to know each other better. You can discuss the shopping budget in advance, agree on and plan what you will look for, or enjoy being spontaneous.
If your daughter wants to go shopping with her friends, that's great too! She is learning independence, discovering the value of money, and freeing up your precious time! In this case, it is also important to discuss your expectations beforehand about how the money will be spent.
And if she makes a purchase, be sure to praise her taste and tell her how beautiful she is!
After all, with a single word, we can ruin all the pleasure of a purchase and lose our child's trust.
Let your daughter use her imagination to alter clothes, and inspire her to make her own accessories. These skills will prove useful many times in life.