Present Perfect

Above: A dress for 25 December – Ann Louise Roswald

Buying clothes and accessories as presents does take careful thought, perhaps a bit of sleuthing and most definitely some beautiful wrapping.

Even a modest purchase can look much more expensive when it’s dressed up the right way.

Dedicated fashionistas can, it must be said, be hard to buy for. But they seldom limit themselves to one of anything they love, so buy them another, or something to complement a favourite. For example, a woman who invests heavily in handbags will love it if you lavish equal dedication on a gorgeous wallet or matching gloves.

Someone with a treasure trove of glittering jewellery will not be able to resist another gem. It’s trickier to buy for a lady who limits her selection of such accessories to a handful of pieces she wears almost constantly – but think of the joy of finding that one extra she will wear again and again.

Few women would turn down another watch, especially if it extends their wardrobe of timepieces or adds to their jewellery box. Look for unusual designs, diamanté dressing or watches that double as bangles.

Bags, belts, gloves, scarves, even shoes make good presents. Ultra-confident shoppers might even buy an entire outfit for Christmas Day and occasions in 2009…

But Christmas gifts don’t have to be costly or glitzy to have the right effect. They can be utterly practical and thoroughly enjoyable at the same time. What about a set of jimjams for bedtime or some ‘loungewear’ for relaxing at home when the cold weather really sets in?

And a woman who loves the great outdoors might well appreciate a new all-weather jacket, some cosy boot socks or maybe colourful wellies? Only you will know if she prefers perennial classics or would enjoy the latest look – either way this is a gift that must be built to last. Always think very, very hard before buying anything as personal as fashion for a woman. It’s never easy but very rewarding. Consider the difference between buying her a chunky knitted woollen scarf and a long, skinny cashmere version. Get it right and she will know you understand her; get it wrong and… oops.

Gift-shopping Tips:

• Keep the receipt and seal it in a pretty envelope

• The worst faux pas is to guess her size and get

it wrong

• Shop where she shops

• Remember individual boutiques have very different stock from high street chains

• Buy locally so returns/repeat purchases are easier

• Take care with wrapping. If you’re not good at the fancy stuff ask if the shop can do it for you

• Never underestimate the irresistibility of a wonderful fabric, especially one she will wear next to her skin

• Wrap gifts in layers, with rustling tissue or cellophane, inside a bag or paper tied with ribbon so there is a ceremony and a build-up of excitement as the contents are revealed.

Need advice on stockists?

Please note this editorial is a guide only and

we cannot guarantee that what is pictured will be in specific stores. All collections featured are stocked in or around Dorset. Need more information? Write to Fashion Editor Jane Garner, PO Box 608, Shrewsbury SY1 IWQ, call her on (01743 271615) or e-mail: dorsetmagazine@janegarner.co.uk