by Cynthia Nellis

Clothing gifts top everyone's holiday list, but clothes shopping for someone else can sometimes be a chore.

Learn how to shop smarter, including how to determine sizes, ways to save time while shopping and how to click straight through and start shopping with our "Top Picks."

Before You Start Shopping

• The best way to find out a woman's size is to ask her. Even better: get her measurements to compare to the store's size charts. Here are general size charts for women (individual manufacturers will vary).
  More to know Before You Buy Her Clothes .
• If you don't want to ask in advance, estimate and buy a sweater or other knit top that comes in forgiving small, medium, large, etc. sizes.
  More about Buying a Sweater.
• For the fashion-conscious woman, you'll need to study up on what's trendy before hitting the stores.
  Current Trends
• If you're short on time, utilize a personal shopper, catalog or other time-saving shopping method.
  More ways to Save Time Shopping.

Shop for Popular Fashion Picks

One of the easiest ways to shop for fashion gifts is to use the internet. Click through to these Top Picks of fashion buys by category.

Shop by Designer or Label

• Dooney and Bourke Gifts for Her

Dooney & Bourke has many loyal customers who love the look; this handbag maker has also kept its product line fresh and fashion-forward (you just have to see the bee-print wristlets, which are perfect for younger girls on your gift list!)
• Fendi Gifts for Her
  Luxe leathers, status handbags, cool shades, designer label: what's not to love about Fendi? For the lady that loves Fendi, there's no better gift this holiday season than something from her fave label. Choose from bags, apparel, sunglasses and more.
• Juicy Couture Gifts for Her[/b[\]
  If there's someone on your gift list who craves the charmed life, buy her Juicy Couture this holiday. With its signature dangling charms and sassy slogans (featured on everything from undies to T-shirts) Juicy is the perfect lifestyle brand for the modern girl.

Trendy Items

• Skinny Jeans
  The hottest trend of the year is skinny jeans. Buy someone you love a pair of figure-flattering skinnies; we'll show you how.
• Sweaters for Gift-Giving
  Sweaters make most holiday gift lists; follow this guide to make sure your sweater purchase includes some of the most popular styles and colors.
• One-Size-Fits-All Gifts
  Don't know her size? Try these cool fashion gifts that fit everyone, from a fashion history DVD to adorable cell phone charms.

Bargain Looks

• Designer-Inspired Bags Under $75
  Get the look of a high-end bag on a budget.
• Budget Leather Jackets
  Don't blow your budget on pricey leather jackets! With our recommendations you can get the look of luxe suede, shearling and more for less.
• Fashion Lookalikes
  Not to be confused with a fake, the fashion lookalike merely takes its inspiration from the original. Find out which classic styles you can take home for a bargain.[/link]
• Career Looks on a Budget
  Working women will appreciate office-ready fashion this holiday.

Luxe Looks

• Ultimate Fashion Gifts
  Why settle for lookalikes, when only the best bag/watch/coat/shoe will do? Use this list of fashion classics as a reference.
• Cashmere Sweaters
  The ultimate sweater makes the ultimate gift. Women love cashmere!
• Designer Leather Jackets
  Splurge with a high-end leather jacket that she'll wear for years to come.
• Lingerie for the Fashionista
  Find sexy gifts for the lingerie-lover.
• Fur Pieces
  Buy her a glam fur piece -- real or faux -- this year.