This is what DD wore to hers. Real casual but cute. http://us.asos.com/ASOS-x-Jackie-Halter-Neck-Dress-in-Fan-Print/16ffi1/?iid=5303210&clr=Multi&SearchQuery=Halter+Dresses&r=2&mporgp=L2Fzb3MvYXNvcy14LWphY2tpZS1oYWx0ZXItbmVjay1kcmVzcy1pbi1mYW4tcHJpbnQvcHJvZC8.

Could you give us a better idea of what "respectable for a promotion and a dance" means? Ordinarily I would think that if an outfit is suitable for a bat mitzvah, it's also suitable for a promotion and dance. Unless maybe the bat mitzvahs are all at Fabrangen?

lands end

ll bean

Would she do a shift like this?
https://www.madewell.com/madewell_category/DRESSES/casualdresses/PRDOVR~C5813/C5813.jsp?color_name=bright-ivory

Or a tunic?

https://www.madewell.com/madewell_category/DRESSES/casualdresses/PRDOVR~B9956/B9956.jsp

What about a fancier top on her skirts?

https://www.madewell.com/madewell_category/SHIRTSTOPS/tankscamis/PRDOVR~C4025/C4025.jsp?color_name=savannah-moss

What does SHE want to wear? I'd let her wear a skirt and top and comfortable shoes if she wanted.

If you want to look in person, I'd just start at Macy's or Nordstrom. If you're wanting to look online, Shabby Apple has very nice dresses that aren't revealing. I agree pairing with a flat sandal would be good.

Pick a dress with a v neck to minimize the broad shoulders. A pair of nice flat sandals would be very appropriate.

Help! I need suggestions for dresses/outfits and shoes for my 13yo tomboy DD, who needs to look respectable for promotion and a dance. Typically, her "fancy" outfits (for bar mitzvahs and such) consist of skirts, cute T's/tanks, and Converse. She's about 5'6" and 125lbs, and has broad shoulders (like her mom!) that she's somewhat self-conscious about so would prefer to steer clear of spaghetti straps. She also dislikes ballet flats and has zero experience in heels or wedges. I don't even know where to start...