Keep Her in Mind When Choosing Gifts

Experts agree that most men haven’t a clue when it comes to buying clothing for their wife or girlfriend.

The best way to figure it out is to “really, really look at her,” said Penny Newman, a wardrobe consultant at Nordstrom’s South Coast Plaza store. “Look at her for three or four days in a row, from morning to night. See what she really wears.”

Or, find a salesperson with the right chemistry. “We usually try to get to know (her) through his eyes,” said Clothestime District Manager Laurie Trejo. “Describe her figure, tell us her eye and hair color. We want to know her occupation, her lifestyle . . . where you expect her to wear the clothing.”

If you’re uncertain about the dress size, look around the store for a woman with a similar build. Or, use the saleswoman as a benchmark for height, weight and physique.

Experts disagree on whether to go up or down a size when there’s uncertainty. Clothestime, which sells junior fashions, advises guys to go down one size. Nordstrom recommends the larger size, Newman said, “because no one likes to have to squeeze into something.”

Don’t buy cutting-edge fashions if she’s supposed to wear them at an office. Ignore your desire to buy tight-fitting garments if she’s always wearing looser, flowing fashions. Remember that most stores have taken the guesswork out of buying by creating ensemble outfits that easily incorporate dozens of accessories.

Always check return and alteration policies. Many stores will wrap gifts and, as a last resort, almost all offer gift certificates.

Finally, the experts said, remember to keep the receipt . . . just in case.