Its all about ZARA....

A few weeks ago, a reader wrote me asking if I had suggestions on where to find professional attire for teenage women.

When she mentioned the black bottoms and white top required for band (although it could just as easily have been choir or orchestra or any number of things), I recalled many a stressful shopping trip. I was a similar high-schooler, active in many different organizations, several of which required "business casual."

The trouble is that business casual does not exist in stores that cater to teens. It turned out to be fortunate for me that I could wear women's sizes in high school, but brands that do sell professional clothing can easily look frumpy on younger women. The fit and style just aren't right for teens or 20-somethings.

The alternatives, though, are ultra-casual options. If you are lucky enough to find a suitable pair of black trousers, they may sit too low on the hips, or a skirt that's otherwise appropriate for debate team may be a touch too tight.

I'm sure things have changed a bit since my days of flared, low-rise black pants, Rockwood Summit Falcons polo shirt and platform Sketchers, but I'd like to think I'm not too far removed to share some advice. Here are my tips for what to buy and where to get it.

1. Expand your horizons. Wouldn't it be wonderful if you could get everything you needed from one store, and every single piece would be affordable and fit perfectly? Well, that's not the way it works, and if it were you wouldn't need me. This is a case in which it's critical to step outside the stores you're accustomed to frequenting. A high-school girl's favorite thing to do -- get out of her comfort zone. But really, in this case it will be worth the trauma.

2. Shop brands for women that have a younger feel. Stores like Gap, Madewell, H-and-M and Zara are skewed toward the more fun, trendy side of things, but their primary audiences are old enough that they still carry professional options. One of my personal favorites is the Bistro dress from Madewell. On the model, it looks shorter than you'd want for, say, speech and debate. However, since most girls are not 5-foot-11, it will have a flattering just-above-the-knee hemline for most. Paired with a navy gold-button blazer and nude pumps, the look is sophisticated and classy yet age-appropriate. For girls that are really lean, Zara runs small, so it might carry some good options.

3. Stop thinking you need a blouse and pencil skirt. The outfit described above is not your traditional business ensemble, but as office environments shift toward the casual, there's no reason for a band concert outfit to be stuffy. It's actually surprisingly easy to look professional in clothes that aren't necessarily billed as "professional." They have to fit properly, cover everything that shouldn't be showing, and look like you put in some effort, and that's about it.

4. Be prepared to spend a little more than usual. I guess this one is more for the moms reading. When you find the right thing and it's reasonable for your budget, albeit a little more than you would have liked to spend, buy it. You're not buying a ton of pieces, and it's extra important for these to look nice. One or two high-quality outfits for extracurricular occasions will serve well.

5. Don't rule out tailoring. Let's take that black pencil skirt. If everything is perfect but it's a touch too long and wide at the hemline, that's an easy fix for a tailor. Be sure to evaluate whether the cost will be worth it in the end, but this is a great solution for high school girls who can't quite wear women's sizes.

6. Finish it off with a classic white shirt and pumps. The white shirt is a high school activity queen's best friend, and instead of making it a chore, I vote classic oxford. Go for boy fit so it's slightly relaxed, and roll the sleeves. And make sure the shoes are business pumps -- wearing professional shoes rather than sky-high, peep-toe, platform heels will go a long way.