The Ultimate Shopping Challenge: Tweens
The years between 10 and 13 are tricky for girls, in all ways. Clothing-wise, they’re wanting to experiment with their own sense of expression and independence…and the push/pull can be hard. We want them to flirt with the coming phase, but not be inappropriate. The brands below allow some creativity and individuality, without crossing the avert-your-eyes line.
Topshop
The English are known for their fearless use of prints and quirky accessories. The offering is unabashedly trendy, perfect if you’ve got a budding street-style star on your hands.
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Topshop MOTO Square
Neck Denim Pinafore
Dress Topshop, $68 -
Topshop Ditsy Floral
Print Shirt Topshop, $68 -
topshop Pineapple
Crossbody Bag Topshop, $48 -
topshop FLICK Lace Up
Ghillie Shoes Topshop, $45
Nordstrom
This department store has an actual vertical devoted to Tweens, making it a great resource for mini-me accessories like purses, shoes, and party clothing. It’s also a solid go-to for school-appropriate jeans, tees, and sweaters.
Aritzia
An awesome line out of Canada, Aritzia is all about trendy pieces: Everything from faux fur coat, to flippy knit dresses.
Boden
According to our Fashion Director, the UK-based Boden looks like the shared closet of Ali McGraw from Love Story and Twiggy. For tweens this means cool, classically well made—not to mention, well-priced—coats, capes, knits, and boots.
Old Navy
Old Navy’s off-beat interpretations of everyday essentials are a favorite around these parts; the amazing price points make buying favorites in triplicate justifiable.
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Old Navy Sherpa
Lined Jacket Old Navy, $39.94 -
old navy Girls
Printed Circle Skirts Old Navy, $16 -
old navy Patterned
Twill Boyfriend Shirt Old Navy, $22.94 -
Old Navy Girls
Gray-Wash Super
Skinny Soft Jeans Old Navy, $26
Wildfox
If your kid insists on wearing sweats 24/7, Australian line Wildfox makes ones that aren’t just presentable, but seriously cute, too. The sweatpants, sweatshirts, and tees are perfect, and the accessories—sunglasses, specifically—are surprisingly great.
Zara
In short, Zara’s tween department is where you go for scaled-down versions of grown-up silhouettes.
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zara LARGE BLOUSE WITH
KIMONO SLEEVES Zara, $25.90 -
zara SHINY POCKETS JUMPSUIT Zara, $29.90
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zara BACKPACK Zara, $35.90
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ANKLE BOOTS
WITH BUCKLES Zara, $55.90
Benetton
It’s a total blast from the past for grownups, but the assortment of rainbow- colored separates has evolved to include cool military style shirt-dresses, charming ballet flats, and snuggly winter puffers.
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benetton SHIRT DRESS Benetton, $39.50
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benetton BALLET FLATS
WITH PRINT Benetton, $29.50 -
benetton JACKET WITH HOOD Benetton, $69.50
Urban Outfitters
At this point, this cheap and cheerful standby is available in a mall near you, making it a convenient destination for anything on-trend.
Stella McCartney
For the tween who can recite the lineup of the Paris runway shows and pull off the perfect OOTD, Stella McCartney-anything is the ultimate score.
American Eagle Outfitters
Though it feels like it’s been around forever, AEO does cool, off-duty pieces (military anoraks, easy dresses, jersey tops, and in-between size bras) really well. The best part: most pieces—jeans included—go up to size 18.
