Shopping for clothes for someone can be very hard. I should know - I've been on the receiving end of many well-meaning but ultimately ill-fitting gifts. (Seriously, who thought a plaid flannel shirt would be my style? Hint: not me.) But it doesn't have to be this way! With a little investigation and some thoughtful consideration, you can pick out clothes your loved one will actually want to wear. Here are a few tips to get you started.

Do a Little Investigation

If you want to shop for clothes your friend or family member will love, the first step is to do a little investigating. Pay attention to what types of outfits they wear. What colors do they tend to gravitate towards? How do their clothes usually fit? All of these insights will help you figure out what the person likes to wear. You can also go window shopping with them to get an idea of their style. Pay attention to what types of clothes they gravitate towards and what kinds of stores they like to shop in. And if all else fails, you can always ask them directly! 

Think About Fit

Once you have a better idea of the style your loved one is into, it's time to start thinking about fit. This is especially important if you're shopping for jeans or other items that need to fit well in order to look good. Again, pay attention to how the person you're shopping for likes their clothes to fit. Do they prefer a snugger fit or a looser one? Are they into skinny jeans or wide-leg pants? Knowing these details will help you pick out items that they'll actually want to wear - and that will look good on them. 

Consider Their Lifestyle

It's also important to consider your friend or family member's lifestyle when shopping for clothes. If they're always on the go, they might appreciate more casual items that can be easily thrown on and don't require too much upkeep. If they're more laid back, they might prefer comfy sweatshirts and yoga pants. And if they're always dressing up for work or special occasions, they might appreciate some nicer pieces that can be mixed and matched with other items in their wardrobe. Whatever their lifestyle, there are sure to be clothing options that suit them perfectly. 

Shopping for clothes for someone else doesn't have to be a guessing game. By doing a little investigation, paying attention to fit and style preferences, and considering their lifestyle, you can pick out clothing items your friend or family member will love - and actually want to wear. So next time you're stuck on what gift to give, consider taking them on a shopping trip instead! They'll thank you - and so will their wardrobe.