Today is Dec. 16, which means there are only nine more shopping days until Christmas, and New Year’s Eve is right around the corner. If you are like me, you haven’t begun your Christmas shopping, so let’s get started.
Men, when we are talking about fashion choices for your female counterpart this Christmas, remember these three rules.
1. If you are going to buy her some clothes, boots, shoes, etc., make sure they are consistent with her current wardrobe. Spend some time going through her closet, looking at the labels closely. If you find Kit and Ace, Dior shoes, and a couple of Alexander McQueen dresses, do not head down to the mall to buy her a Champion sweatshirt and some mittens.
This will only lead to the worst Christmas morning experience you’ve had since that time when you were seven and your reclusive uncle showed up uninvited, drank all of the rum punch and broke your new Super Nintendo when he landed on it after passing out.
Obviously, there is nothing wrong with a Champion sweatshirt. In fact, I have one myself. Just make sure it will be something she wants. Keep it simple; if she’s into working out, get her some work out gear. If she likes to laze around the house on the weekend, get her a cozy robe.
2. Sizing. When you are rooting around in her closet looking at labels, also take note of sizes. Again, Christmas morning will be no fun if “Santa” leaves a size 4 under the tree and she’s a size 8.
3. Don’t project your fashion style on to her. Just because you love the Vancouver Canucks/Seattle Seahawks and dress exclusively in your favourite team’s garb, unless she has shown much more than a passing interest, do not get her a sports team toque. And never, I repeat, never buy her a jersey of any kind.
To be fair, all of the above advice is transferable; no guy wants a couture brown vest, if all he ever wears is New York Mets clothing.
My must-have Christmas item, that is sure to be a hit for any man, woman or child, is the Stutterheim raincoat from Sweden. Let’s face it, Richmond can get its fair share of rain. This jacket will keep you dry and looking fashionable.
Now, let’s talk about New Year’s Eve. This is the one date of the year that, even if you are staying in with your loved ones or hanging with friends playing cards (no cheating this time, Liz), you should dress to impress.
Nothing’s wrong with sitting on the couch, watching the ball drop in your suit and sparkles. My advice, take it easy on the booze and enjoy Jan. 1, fresh and ready to take on the New Year in style.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, everyone. See you in the New Year with more He’s got Style articles.
Rob Akimow is the Richmond News’ director of advertising.
