Suggestions for helping daughter become more independent with appearance

[Anonymous]

I’m in the same boat with a 17 DD who will be leaving for college. I’m researching Stitch Fix to get her a few well coordinated core outfits. She can do the leggings/sweats a couple times a week. We’ll find her a hairstylist near her college as soon as she accepts.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I love the uniform idea!

To be honest, her "going to school" look sounds like most neurotypical teens right now. I see lots of pajama pants and messy hair when I drop my high school freshman off. Can she do a messy bun?

I'd hang two "nicer" outfits on one side of her closet. Even better if the pieces mix and match.

This is OP - Thanks everyone for all these suggestions! I think it's a great idea to send her off to college with a few outfits that she would use for certain occasions. I agree - her everyday look is fine right now as most of the teen girls are in sweats with ponytails and messy buns. I'm thinking for college (when she won't have me or her sister there to help her) we could get outfits that she can use for certain situations (interviews, night out with friends, etc). Her sister will be a big help with picking these out.

Her hairdresser suggested braiding her hair at night and taking it out in the morning idea to her, but she won't do it due to sensory issues (says it feels weird to sleep in a braid).

[Anonymous]

I am not neurotypical and have a uniform I like— dresses with pockets in a variety of colors and prints, black leggings that are super comfy (Felina leggings from Costco), black socks, and ankle boots.

It’s a great uniform for clothes where I’ll drop the leggings when it gets warm, switch out boots for sandals, etc. But a cardigan over a “summer” basic dress (from Costco or Land’s End or NY & Co) makes it into a winter or fall dress. I used that through college and now work. (I don’t like jeans or pants, so wear shorts and pants occasionally. When I do, they’re almost always linen or ponte pants.)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am not neurotypical and have a uniform I like— dresses with pockets in a variety of colors and prints, black leggings that are super comfy (Felina leggings from Costco), black socks, and ankle boots.

It’s a great uniform for clothes where I’ll drop the leggings when it gets warm, switch out boots for sandals, etc. But a cardigan over a “summer” basic dress (from Costco or Land’s End or NY & Co) makes it into a winter or fall dress. I used that through college and now work. (I don’t like jeans or pants, so wear shorts and pants occasionally. When I do, they’re almost always linen or ponte pants.)

I am neurotypical and this system sounds 100% sensible, comfortable, and efficient.

[Anonymous]

My teen is all about the ROUTINE and the UNIFORM. I think the set play helps him do it.

UNIFORM - He has one uniform he does for school, one when khakis and collar are appropriate and one if a suit is required (rarely)!

ROUTINE - He showers, brushes teeth & hair, uses deodorant and gets dressed. Keep it simple - Same 3 steps every time.