Window shopping first is the way to go.

• Position: Fashion

Shopping for a fashionable gift need not be difficult, especially since accessories such as handbags, scarves, and standout jewelry are trendy this season, points out Margaret Fette, a lecturer on retailing and owner of The Tailored Fit. The key, she says, is to pay attention to the receiver's style and fashion interests. Fette recommends going window shopping with your gift recipient "Basically, step into their world. When somebody pays attention to you and puts an effort into buying a gift the receiver will be a lot more touched by that than by a gift card."

Fette offers these lips:

* Always buy merchandise that can be returned--and look to get something practical for winter. Almost everyone can use long sweaters (not pullovers, though), an extra pair of gloves, ankle or knee boots and a scarf. "Even a conventional person would have fun with winter scarves?

* Be careful not to overwhelm--or underwhelm. "Pay attention to proportions," Fette advises. 'You should not overwhelm the petite person and you shouldn't underwhelm the large person." Some textures and patterns work on every body. "In general, textures such as knit scarves are huge this season. Herringbone patterns, textured wools, classic tailoring, pleating, and gathering are not too exaggerated--they really are perfectly pronounced."

* Stay away from small and delicate jewelry pieces. "Stand out pieces are in right...