Tips for picking clothing gifts

How many times have you opened a present on Christmas Day only to be confronted by a sweater in a hideous colour or a blouse that is several sizes too small? Giving an article of clothing for Christmas can be tricky -- especially when you have to take into account each person's style. You want the gift recipient to celebrate your exquisite taste, not head directly to the return counter on Boxing Day.

"Clothing is one of those really tough things to give and receive," says Joanne Blake of Smart for Success in Edmonton. In a recent MochaSofa survey, more than 75 per cent of people voted that they would only buy clothing as a gift for close friends or family.

With those statistics in mind, we asked two personal shoppers for advice on selecting an article of clothing as a gift.

Most common mistakes
Before you step out the door, make a list of possible gift ideas for the recipient and then consider those choices carefully. Sarah Collins, owner of Shop by Sarah in Toronto, says there are three mistakes people constantly make when buying clothing as a gift:

• Buying the wrong size.

• Purchasing something that is trendy but not practical or appropriate to their body type or lifestyle.

• Choosing an item of clothing that is itchy -- many people are sensitive to angora and wool, so find out if the recipient can tolerate these fibres beforehand.

Perfect clothing gift ideas
There are a few safe bets when it comes to choosing an article of clothing. Both Blake and Collins agree that accessories are the best gifts -- they can still be unique and personal, without you needing to find a size. Here are their suggestions:

• Belts. Look for something that can be worn with jeans or that can dress up a pair of black pants.

• Handbags or leather briefcases. Go for a small evening bag in a neutral fabric for the more conservative woman and a funky fabric carryall for your trendy friends. "It's a great gift, since one size fits all," says Blake.

• Cold-weather accessories. You can't go wrong giving a luxurious scarf or warm gloves, says Blake. Find out the colour of the recipient's coat and then look for a colour that might complement their outerwear. Try injecting some glamour into a neutral coat with a burgundy scarf.

• Funky socks. Either with a pattern or without, they always look great with jeans or leather pants.

• Sleepwear. "Yummy pyjamas or bathrobe and funky slippers are always appreciated, especially in the cold winter months," says Collins.

• Sweaters. Blake says a sweater is the easiest article of clothing to buy for a person. “It's a piece that you can buy to update someone's wardrobe,” she says. Blake suggests finding out what your recipient can wear in terms of fibre -- wool, cotton or cashmere -- and then choosing a style. "Try a sweater with simple lines, maybe with a cowl neck, and in a neutral colour."

Finding the right size
Blake says communication is extremely important when selecting clothing as a gift. If you are unable to find a person's size through other means, ask them directly. Some other sizing suggestions:

If you know the store the recipient shops at, call and ask the sales clerk if she happens to know your friend's size. Some department stores even hold gift nights for men who want to choose clothing for their partner or spouse. The store will have everything on hand that your partner might want, from sizing to colour preference.

Ask a close friend or family member for the recipient's size. Make sure she looks at an actual clothing label rather than guessing.

Have the recipient accompany you on a day of window-shopping. Observe what she likes and then visit the store at a later time to purchase the gift. Or, browse through catalogues with your spouse or friends to see what they like -- it's a great way to get a sense of someone's style and taste.

Photo: Purple pailette evening bag, $14.99, from Winners. Multicoloured wool scarf, $24.99, from Winners.