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Holiday Gift Guide

How to Buy Fashion Gifts

By Cynthia Nellis, About.com

Clothing gifts top everyone's holiday list, but clothes shopping for someone else can sometimes be a chore.

Learn how to shop smarter, including how to determine sizes, ways to save time while shopping and how to click straight through and start shopping with our "Top Picks."

Before You Start Shopping

  • The best way to find out a woman's size is to ask her. Even better: get her measurements to compare to the store's size charts. Here are general size charts for women (individual manufacturers will vary).
    More to know Before You Buy Her Clothes .
  • If you don't want to ask in advance, estimate and buy a sweater or other knit top that comes in forgiving small, medium, large, etc. sizes.
    More about Buying a Sweater.
  • For the fashion-conscious woman, you'll need to study up on what's trendy before hitting the stores.
    Current Trends
  • If you're short on time, utilize a personal shopper, catalog or other time-saving shopping method.
    More ways to Save Time Shopping.

Shop for Popular Fashion Picks

One of the easiest ways to shop for fashion gifts is to use the internet. Click through to these Top Picks of fashion buys by category.

Trendy Items

  • Sweaters for Gift-Giving
    Sweaters make most holiday gift lists; follow this guide to make sure your sweater purchase includes some of the most popular styles and colors.
  • One-Size-Fits-All Gifts
    Don't know her size? Try these cool fashion gifts that fit everyone, from a fashion history DVD to adorable cell phone charms.

Bargain Gifts

  • Trendy Coats Under $100
    Don't blow a bundle on your next coat. You can find great coat values if you find inspiration from our shopping suggestions of where to buy a great down coat for less than $100.
  • 20 Gifts Under $20
    You don't need to drop a bundle to get a great fashion gift. In fact, we've found amazing deals -- from bags to sweaters -- all for less than $20. So you can indulge the fashion lover on your list (and still have a bit left to splurge on yourself!)

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