A Guide for Men in Women's Retail
Tips for Guys Who Buy Clothes for Their Lady This Season
It is not a simple task, but many men accept the challenge. Did you know that more women (62 percent) than men (49 percent) purchase gift cards for their husbands/wives?
As a sales associate at popular women’s clothing store, one has experienced two types of male Christmas shoppers: the guys who pick out complete outfits for their wives/girlfriends, and those who opt for the gift card. While both gift ideas are sure to please her, nothing will impress her more than picking out some clothes that she actually likes and will wear.
Take on some research
Before you go wandering around the mall, find out what stores she likes and take time to visit their website. Most major clothing retailers have complex websites where you can view different articles of clothing and order them in various sizes and colors. If you see some items that you think she will like, print out the description and bring it in to the store.
Take notice of her colors
Not everyone can wear yellow. Take a look at the color family that she often wears or that she has an abundance of in her closet. If she usually wears blues and greens, those hues are probably good colors for her skin tone. Usually cool-colored skin tones look best in hues like blues, greens, and purples, and warmer skin tones look better in bright reds, oranges, and yellows. Most every woman looks good in black.
Take notice of her size
Of course you should know her size before you go shopping, but keep in mind that sizes may vary from store to store. To avoid having to return the items you buy, see if you can take a peek at a tag from a shirt or pant that she has from the store you will visit. This way you can be certain of her size and not have to worry at all about fit.
Mannequins and Sales Associates
Every woman is different, but a great way of finding out what’s in this season in the woman’s world is asking a sales associate what items have been selling well. The faster it is flying off the shelf, the greater the chance that she will like it. Also, associates will put together mannequin displays of outfits that “go.” True that a mannequin is a size four, but at least it gives the option of seeing which colors, patterns, and textures the store is putting together for this season. Also, associates in most stores are willing to assist you if you have any questions about what goes together. Don’t hesitate to ask.
Her actions speak louder than words
What does she really need clothes for? Does she spend a lot of time at work and ineed some fresh business professional attire? Is she in need of business professional clothes that travel well, or does she have time to dry-clean? Does she complain of not having anything to wear when the two of you “go out?” Does she enjoy camping and being outdoors on the weekends and need a Colombia fleece or a new pair of ski pants? Take into consideration the places she spends most of her time and you will get a sense of the type of outfit she will need.
Lastly, have some faith in yourself. Too many times the “wandering man” is seen during Christmas throughout women’s clothing stores in America. You know what she likes better than most people, so prove it to us.
