How to Buy Women's Apparel

If you're hoping to buy the women in your life (like your sweetheart, mother or sister) clothing for their birthdays, use these strategies to ensure you not only choose the right apparel, but also impress them with how well you know their taste and personalities.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Do some research. Pay attention when you go shopping with her and remember her favorite sections, stores and styles. Check her closet and look at several pieces to discover her size. Consider what colors will coordinate with other items in her wardrobe. You can even buy the same item she already has in another color to ensure you're getting the right size and style.

2. Buy what you know she'll like, not just what you think she'll look good in. You want her to enjoy the gifts, not feel insecure that you don't like the way she dresses.

3. Consider buying an accessory, like a scarf, slippers or socks, then adding a gift card to her favorite store so she can pick out the actual apparel herself. It can be tricky to successfully pick out items like jeans, for example, that come in such an array of sizes, styles and fits.

4. Enclose a gift receipt so she can easily exchange the item. Encourage her to do so if you sense she doesn't like the piece. It's better for her to get something she truly likes than have something she'll never wear sitting her closet just because she didn't want to hurt your feelings.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't rely on the advice of the women who work in apparel shops when buying something for your girlfriend. If you need another opinion, ask one of her friends or family members to come to the mall with you instead.