Buying clothing for someone else can be a daunting task. It is normal to have concerns about whether they will like what you buy or whether or not it will fit. But it doesn’t have to be difficult if you stick to some basic guidelines. First, make sure it is something that is high-quality. Something like cashmere or a high-quality cotton is a good material to look for. Also, make sure it is something that is versatile.
Sweaters, jackets, and shirts they can layer with other items are often great choices. Next, consider the details. Something that they can add to their own base items to make it unique and remind them of you is always a nice gift — think scarves, hats, gloves, and other accessories. Looking for more inspiration? With Mother’s Day right around the corner, here are some items you can count on to help her put together an outfit she’ll want to wear.
Dresses are easier to buy for someone else than pants, as pants have so many intricacies that can make one brand or style feel much different from the other, even if they’re the same size. Something like a jersey dress is easier to choose for her, since it can fit a range of sizes and shapes. Plus, jersey dresses can be really comfortable and versatile, allowing you to dress them up with jewelry or just lounge around in on the weekend. Look for a flattering fit-and-flare silhouette with fabric that is soft yet somewhat stretchy. Although you can find jersey dresses with varying sleeve lengths, an elbow-length or short sleeve fit will be the most versatile. (Even with short sleeves, she can wear a sweater with it in colder weather.) Oh, and pockets are always a bonus!
Every day can feel luxurious with cashmere in her wardrobe. And a woman's cashmere cardigan is something she can rely on year-round. Even in the summertime, she can wear it with a tank top in her air-conditioned office or in a chilly movie theater. Since cashmere is so lightweight, she can simply wrap it around her waist or compactly fold it in her purse when she’s not using it. Look for soft, yet resilient, 100% cashmere in a color she loves, or play it safe in basic black.
When you think of flannel, a plaid button-down might come to mind. But there are so many other flannel shirt styles available that actually look more like dress shirts yet have the same comfy flannel feel as those plaid flannel shirts we know and love. The result is something she can wear to work, to dinner, or even tied around her waist with some shorts on a casual summer night to have available in case she gets chilly. A flannel shirt is a fantastic asset to any woman’s wardrobe.
Whether it's a raincoat, trench coat, or a cozy fleece, she can never have too many jackets. Give her a jacket that matches her style. Is she classy and business-like? Look for a waterproof trench coat for those spring and summer showers. Is she sporty and adventurous? An Adirondack or outrigger jacket with lots of pockets will be a great companion for any outdoor adventures. Is she a little bit of both business and adventure? Help her unwind on the weekend with a fleece pullover she can wear over leggings. You really can’t go wrong when you gift her a jacket. To help you choose, consider the type of jacket she typically wears, and maybe find one in a different color so she can pick and choose for a little variety in her life.
Something luxurious that she wouldn’t normally buy herself is always a nice gift. A silk scarf can be worn over her shoulders, around her neck, as a belt, in her hair, or even tied to her purse as a splash of color to her outfit. All you really have to choose for her is the color and pattern.
Who said pajamas aren’t outfits? PJs make great gifts, and they can be really fun to buy. Flannel pajamas are always reliable because they’re so soft and inviting, and she’ll get warm, fuzzy feelings every time she puts them on and thinks of you. You can even have them personalized with her initials or with an emblem that resembles her favorite sport, hobby, or pet!
As you can see, buying women’s clothing doesn’t have to be a daunting task. In fact, it really can be quite fun as long as you take some time to think about it. Stick to the basics — clothing doesn’t have to be extravagant in order to be special. Some of the most-loved pieces of clothing are the ones that are simply well-made and versatile. Remembering these tips will ensure you can gift your mother or daughter an outfit she’ll love to wear.