The Impossible-to-Dress Tween

Holiday inspiration for that tough-to-dress-age

While we’d love to keep them in smocking and Peter Pan collars forever, chances are your preteen has other ideas. With holidays jam-packed with all different types of celebrations, I’ve rounded up some tween dress-up favorites for every scenario. Attitude elimination not included:

Gingerbread Making, Nutcracker Viewing, or Afternoon Tea

• Festive Red and Green Skirt

  

  
  On-trend with bows and sweetly seasonal.

• Green Skirt
  Try an out-of-the box shade of green - perfect for the land of pastel sweets!

  

• Smocked Skirt

  

  
  Timeless and versatile, this skirt pairs perfectly with a white blouse or simple sweater for a polished look.

• Accessories to Complete the Look
  Add these red patent flats here and a red velvet bow for a festive finish.

• Tartan Touches

  

  
  For older girls transitioning to women’s sizing, this tartan skirt with a matching blouse makes a chic holiday statement.

The Pageant Dress

Nothing says “Deck the Halls” like a picture-perfect dress for school performances or holiday parties.

• Long-Sleeve Holiday Dress

  

  Sweet and festive without the overload of tulle

• Designer & Dupe Options

  

  Both equally demure and holiday-ready—great for those who love versatility.

• Bouclé Dress with Statement Buttons

  https://rstyle.me/+LUFE48FNu9mLSXSKCpNc1Q
  Classic, polished, and Chanel-inspired, available in black or blue.

For the Big Night

When it’s time to shine, these standout dresses bring the wow factor:

• Puff-Sleeve Dress
  With a straight silhouette, this dress feels mature yet sweet—tried and tested with rave reviews

• Silver dress

  a dose of shimmer at a great price point

  

• Plaid & Bow Dress

  

  A sophisticated yet youthful option with festive charm.

• Jacquard Dress with Crystal Buttons

  

  Luxe fabric and sparkling details make this a standout holiday piece.

• Tinsel Dress by J.Crew

  Festive enough for Christmas, versatile enough for New Year’s Eve.

• Tartan Maxi Dress

  

  A rare find for this age—elegant and timeless for a “special” holiday look.

• Statement Sleeve Red Dress

  

  Sweet yet bold with its dramatic sleeve details

• Sequin Holiday Dress

  

  Bring the sparkle with the Mistletoe Sequin Dress—fabulously fun.

For a Warmer Christmas

If you’re heading somewhere sunny, these light and festive options shine:

• Embroidered Frill Dress

  

  
  Breezy and beautiful from Marlo Kids Worldwide.

For the Bow Lover

If bows are your daughter’s favorite accessory, these options are must-haves:

• Bow-Front Dress
  Available in red or pink, perfect alone or layered over a black bodysuit.

  

• Sequin Jacket with Bow Details

  

  
  Adds instant glamour for the girl who loves to stand out.

• Bow Cardigan
  A wardrobe staple to get her through all the holiday festivities

  

• Velvet Dress with Crystal Bow Checks every holiday fashion box

  

  Whatever you choose, make it a fun experience by shopping together and letting her express her personal holiday style. Happy dressing!