‘95 Gift Guide A Gift That Can Be Worn With Love

Clothes may have the reputation as the ultimate Christmas gift cop-out, but - done right - apparel has the potential to be a welcome “just what I wanted” present.

It will take more than a run through a department store’s women’s floor, a little more time than a brisk shop-by at the tie counter. Buying clothes takes thought, with special attention given to personality, taste and closet space.

Here’s a quick guide for apparel this year. Remember to get the sizes of those on your list before you buy. Otherwise, your present is little more than a fuzzy gift certificate.

Practical: This category runs the gamut. Everything from sherpa slippers (around $15) to a pair of jeans. But be careful, because people tend to have specific tastes when it comes to everyday wear - especially jeans. Most women try on an average of 23 pairs of jeans (purely unscientific data) before they find the one pair that makes their legs look long, their hips slim and the rear end just right.

It may be safer to go for other denim items, such as vests, skirts, shirts and jackets.

Another essential for anyone on your list, the fashion guides say, is a white shirt. Sure that leaves things open a bit, but who on your list couldn’t use a new white shirt - from a T to a dress shirt? You can’t go wrong.

If that feels too simple, you can always dress it up with a tie or cuff links (for men) or a pin, scarf or vest for a woman.

Trendy: What’s hot this winter? For women, it’s glamour. Satin, velvet and patent leather are catching light and attention on the runways of New York and Paris; designers hope they’ll catch on elsewhere.

They are, but - as usual - on a smaller scale. Satin is shining as an accent on tops and bottoms; velvet can be found as trim on many types of clothes. You’ll find plenty of both as trim on sweater sets, which are still among the hottest fashion statements around.

Flippy skirts are still in, as are plaid ones. Those thigh-high socks are definitely fading from favor, so save your money.

For men, vests remain trendy, as do collarless dress shirts.

Frivolous: You might think watches belong under the “practical” heading, but watches aren’t just for telling time anymore. Everyone from Timex to Fossil to Joe Boxer has a new line of watches out and they’re aimed at the fashion conscious.

People don’t own just one watch; watches are more of a useful accessory these days. You can find them with colorful bands, day-glo lights and happy-face or argyle faces. At the Disney Store in NorthTown Mall, you’ll find the many faces of Mickey (and countless other Disney characters) on watches ranging from $20 to $130.

For impractical-but-fun gifts, give some thought to the recipient. Remember those lingering stares over a catalog or at department stores. What’s something she wants, but would never buy herself? Is there something he almost bought, but resisted the temptation?

Think jeweled handbag, or silk boxers. Consider a cashmere sweater or leather gloves. And if all else fails, there’s nothing wrong with a fuzzy gift certificate.

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