What Clothes Are Appropriate for Tween Girls?

There comes a time when your tween chucks the old Hello Kitty tops for something more fashionable. She's not 5 anymore, but she's no teenager either. The tween years, situated between 8 to 12 years old, is a tough time for fashion. Girls look up to teen idols like Miley Cyrus and Selena Gomez, who have been criticized for their risqué images. Twelve years old is not the time for your tween to start donning lower necklines and higher hemlines, but she can still be hip and trendy while dressing appropriately for her age.

Jeans and Pants

Long and comfortable jeans are staples in any girl's closet. Classic cuts will always be attractive and available for girls. High-waist jeans and shorts have also come back from the 1950s for the tween who wants to look more "cool" without showing off her butt crack. Skinny fit jeans and leggings are also reasonable, as long as a loose T-shirt or a skirt or pair of shorts is worn over them to cover the hips. Remember, though, that tween girls grow up quickly, so make some room for growth in the bottoms you buy for your tween.

Tops and Dresses

Form-fitting, not body-hugging, is what you're aiming for. When shopping for tops, blouses, and dresses for your tween, look for smaller sizes in the juniors' department instead of bigger sizes in the kids'. Your tween's clothes should have some "breathing space" in them without making her look like a shapeless sack. If she prefers clothes made from sheer fabrics, buy several tank tops or camisoles of various styles and colors that she can wear under them.

Accessories

This is probably one category where your tween may be allowed to splurge a little bit on trends. Accessories add personality to any outfit. In a time when your tween is forming her identity while trying her best to belong, accessories are a major fashion statement. Besides, trends such as funky-colored knee socks and jelly bracelets embossed with witty remarks are not very expensive. For shoes, comfort should be your first priority. Canvas slip-ons, ballet flats, and sneakers are the best for tweens. You can also buy a pair of flat sandals for her.

What to Avoid

Stay away from the Hello Kitty T-shirts and dresses with fancy ruffles and other embellishments. Your tween also no longer wants to carry her old plastic lunchbox with Barbie's face plastered on it. At the same time, it's not advisable to let her dress like a complete adult, either. High-heeled shoes are not healthy for her growing feet. Also, adult trends such as lace and leather have found their way into the tween department, but these are not suitable for a young girl. Anything that screams sex is never a good idea for your tween's wardrobe.