Here's a challenge for you fashionistas

[MsSassyBaskets]

Yeah, I would advise Forever 21 too, just because of the huge selection. Be brave! Urban Outfitters and Delia's are a couple more that have good selection for that age group and a bit of vintage sensibility. You might also check the sale racks at Anthropologie, Banana Republic and J. Crew. I don't have a lot of experience with ModCloth but it looks like a good idea. Target's good too!

ETA:

http://www.modcloth.com/shop/skirts/...skirt-in-honey
http://www.modcloth.com/shop/skirts/pimento-to-be-skirt
http://www.modcloth.com/shop/skirts/...pompidou-skirt

These look cute -- paired with colored, textured tights, a tucked-in tank top, and a long cardi?

[Curegirl]

I agree with Forever 21 because you can find things that are basic staples but won't break the bank. Also GAP for things like jeans and plaid shirts, which seem to be everywhere. Hollister, Abercrombie (sale section please), American Eagle.

[Vishenka69]

What about H&M? If you have one nearby I'd give it a shot too. Does the school allow cords on the "no jeans" trip? Also, black or colored chinos now come in almost same style/fits as the jeans, so it's easy to pick one that she already likes.

When I was 13, the grunge was huge and my mom was horrified by my hobo look. Although I think she was secretly happy that everything was baggy and a size too big.

[Sheherezade]

I'll have to find out about the cords. The instructions say "dress, skirt or dress pants". The reality is they will have a hundred kids away from home that end up wearing whatever they've packed. She also got a note about clothing for a field trip next week with the same instructions. I think they are clamping down on the hootchie mama skirts the girls all wear. They've also banned leggings without skirts and skinny jeans if they are in appropriately tight. I guess I should be glad I have a kid that's never worn that stuff. It would probably be a bigger argument to get her to change it if was a habit!

[GreyhoundsRUs]

Speaking as a former HS teacher, they may not want cords either - especially if they have rivets. Since there are so many jeans/jeggings styles out there, rivets are one thing some schools focus on as a marker of (gasp) jeans!

I would also maybe try NY and CO. They have good deals especially in the sale section - you can probably find a cute skirt there that's an appropriate length. They have cute block-print dresses there, too.

H&M is also a good option. They have cute stuff - and it's more European . I would also check out Design Mom blog - she just did a few posts on what her kids are wearing for back to school - I think you might find some inspiration there.

[v-girl]

My girls love Gap!

[Pollyanna]

I love Meenah's approach!!!

The reason I like high quality items is because they typically fit better. Take her to a variety of stores and see how great she feels about herself when she puts on a finely made piece of clothing vs the cheap stuff. Its like night and day seriously. Make a day of it and talk about dressing to feel good about yourself not just to fit in. If she feels awesome about how she looks she won't care what the other girls are wearing. If you struggle with clothes it also would not be a bad idea to set up an appointment with a personal shopper at Nordstroms (or other store) that can teach her how to dress her specific body type. Thirteen is a rough age as girls are still changing, their activity level may be decreasing so they are putting on a bit of weight, and then you are adding dating/interest in boys to the mix. Clothes may not make the man but they go a long way in boosting your confidence as you walk out the door.