Fashionable Christmas Gifts

What do you buy the woman who already owns a battery-operated Christmas sweater with twinkling lights? Or what about the man who has more neckties in his closet tha
Santa’s has helpers? And what about the fashion-savvy kids on your shopping list? Is it Hot Topic, the Gap, Guess or Reebok?

For women, shoppers considering clothes should think of something like a stretch velvet mock turtleneck – practical yet elegant and luxurious. Or, consider a chic idea: a box of socks, tights or other hosiery. Socks come in all kinds of patterns and colors. Looking for luxury? Consider something she can sleep or lounge in, maybe something in satin charmeuse.

For the men on your shopping list, fashionable gifts don’t have to be expensive. There are all kinds of trendy gifts for men that cost less than $100. Holiday sweaters are a fashion staple for men that never go out of season. And pair of winter slacks that can be worn with a sport coat or a T-shirt are gifts any man would love to receive. Or, consider something a bit posh – a leather cigar case, cuff links, silk boxers, or the always popular French-cuff dress shirt.

Other key items include knit polo shirts, usually with a contrasting collar and often with a patterned body; lightweight zippered jackets; easy-fit slacks, often in khaki; and accessories associated with golf, such as patterned socks.

The sports of skateboarding and in-line skating have inspired the next trend - that of longer, baggier shorts. Essentially a casual look for younger men, these oversized shorts are likely to be teamed with colorful print shirts and athletic shoes or hiking boots. In dressier mode, look for the continuing popularity of the matching shirt-and-tie combination. It may sound like an old and corny idea, but when designers give it a twist, it's quite refreshing with deep colors and shiny fabrics.

Boys are still very much interested in team apparel. It seems that many of them, the bigger the logo, the better the Christmas. Remember, teens in general are brand-conscious. Kids who are into Disney can't get enough of Winnie the Pooh, Mickey and all those other enduring and endearing characters.