Buying clothing for someone can be a difficult assignment. This is true even if you happen to know the person very well. This is because people can have very different tastes where fashion is concerned. However, there are a few things that you should keep in mind that will make your shopping experience go much better. You may be facing the daunting challenge of buying a gift for your wife or girlfriend. Needless to say, you want this to be a gift that she will never forget. Here are a few useful pieces of advice that you can use as you begin hitting the stores looking for that perfect clothing gift for the one you love.

1. Choose Something Timeless

Clothing tends to go out of style very quickly. All you need to do is look at photos of yourself 10 years ago and you will wonder how you could be seen in public in those clothes. Therefore, it is very important to focus your shopping on clothing items that will never go out of style. These items are timeless. Your wife or girlfriend will always want to pull it out of her closet and wear it regardless of the changes in fashion styles. Fur coats would be a good example of clothing that will never go out of style. You can go to a fur store to see the selection they have in stock.

2. Choose Something That Will Fit Her Current Wardrobe

Ideally, you should buy your lady some clothing that goes well with the clothing she already owns. This will lead to her wearing the clothing more frequently in the future. Obviously, this should be your ultimate goal. This means that you need to familiarize yourself with your significant other’s wardrobe if you have not done so already. Knowing the type of clothes she likes to wear will make it easier for you to find a clothing item that will adequately compliment her current wardrobe.

3. Choose Something From a Designer or Store She is a Fan of

Most women have a few designers that they admire when it comes to the clothing they buy. Once again, it is important to know what your lady likes. She is much more likely to enjoy your gift if it is produced by a designer she has bought clothing from in the past.

Converse Chuck Taylor All Star sneakers are iconic. Almost everyone can recognize them and countless people call them their favorite shoes, whether high top or low top — and for good reason. The sneakers themselves come in a rainbow of colors and variety of designs, so the styling possibilities are endless. Converse can be dressed up and dressed down, bringing a fun flair to all of your favorite looks. But when did Converse All Stars become a staple of women’s fashion?

The sneakers started as athletic shoes in 1917 — that’s 100 years ago! The shoes originally came in brown and black colors, and were primarily used in basketball. Sales for the athletic shoes were initially slow, until Charles Taylor of the Akron Firestones decided to back the sneakers. It was then that they went from Converse All Stars to Chuck Taylor All Stars, and the shoes became essential for basketball teams across the United States. The shoes were even worn in the Olympics and by soldiers in World War II.

Since their creation in 1917, All Stars have become popular off of the basketball court, primarily among artists and musicians. In recent years, we’ve seen All Stars on almost every celebrity, from Beyoncé or Rihanna to Katy Perry and Kristen Stewart. The popular sneakers have even been worn by First Lady Michelle Obama.

Though we see All Stars almost daily, it’s not certain how the shoes became so popular that they have become a staple in many women’s closets. To celebrate All Stars’ 100th anniversary, Couponbox.com created a graphic outlining the history of women and Converse, showing how the shoes have become a fashion icon for women all over the world.

Women in Converse

Nothing exudes elegance and sophistication like a floor-length dress. Many women fantasize about wearing a long, beautiful dress like the celebrities on the red carpet but don’t think they have any occasion to wear such a thing. The truth is there are countless opportunities to wear floor-length dresses. Here are five great places to flaunt it in a formal dress.

1. Date Night

Date night doesn’t always have to be dinner and a movie. Instead, try mixing things up by attending the theater, am opera or a ballet and dressing to the nines in a stunning floor-length dress. Those who prefer doing instead of watching might enjoy taking ballroom dancing classes. Celebrate the completion of the class by donning an elegant evening dress and showcasing your skills on the dance floor of a local bar or restaurant. The two of you will look good and feel even better after a dressed up date.

2. Charity Event

There are many different opportunities to get involved with local or national charities. Many of these organizations hold galas or other formal fundraisers. Attending such events is a great way to give back to the community, network and meet new people, all while wearing a glamorous evening gown. An added bonus: the expense of special clothing worn to charity events may also be tax deductible depending on the nature of the event.

3. Cruise

Every year, millions of Americans vacation on a cruise. While the dress code will largely be determined by the cruise line and its destination, the dinner dress code is often a formal affair. This is an opportunity to wear not just one gown, but multiple floor-length dresses. A seven day voyage might require as many different dresses. That’s something every woman can get on board with!

4. Wedding

A common misconception is that it is taboo to wear a floor-length dress to a wedding if the invitation does not specifically say “white” or “black tie.” Many different etiquette experts and national publications have dispelled this myth in recent years. As long as the dress does not resemble a wedding dress is style or color — think white or cream — it is appropriate for formal or even semi-formal nuptials. In some cases, a light chiffon gown is even appropriate a beach wedding.

5. Girls Night Out

Half of the fun of a girl’s night out is getting ready to go. Get glammed up and head out to a favorite martini bar or have a girl’s night in and take turns snapping and posting pics of each other on favorite social media sites. Other ideas for a glammed up GNO include:

• Wine tasting event
• An Oscar party, complete with red carpet entrance
• Casino night

Any occasion can be a special occasion when dressed in a flowing floor-length gown. With the right silhouette and a few must-have accessories it will certainly be a night to remember. You don’t have to spend a fortune to look like a million bucks either; there are a number of affordable evening dresses to choose from.