select clothes that would flatter you for everyday wear. You don't have to become a fetishist and walk around like a light pink cloud. Observe women, store windows, read 17 and Glamour, and Cosmopolitan, and the paper. Watch for sales, and featured items. Recently my fiancee and I got some lovely cashmere sweaters, because I noticed in the paper that they were on sale. When I told her, she asked to meet me for lunch and we went to the department store. Don't be afraid to go into a ladies department especially with a woman. You don't have to be ashamed, lots of men help their wives select clothes, and there are a lot of us around besides. Help her look, search around, you might find just what you have been looking for.

Suggestion. Sears catalogues are great places to look, and get ideas, but its a good idea to go to one of their stores first and see if the item is like the picture, to avoid disappointment in the mail, check fabric, color, etc. Unless you are quite experienced, you can get fooled by a lot of the ad copy.

When single, and buying alone, I discovered that it is really quite easy to buy clothes, even in Women's shops. First and most important, know your size, you can't hold up the item to you or try it on, also don't shop anywhere where you are known or your aunt is the clerk. In any fairly large city there are many shops and stores. You wouldn't show any embarrassment if you were going to buy a sweater for your best girl, why for yourself. A rule to remember: The saleslady couldn't care less whether you ask for a 42 or a 36. She doesn't know you or your girl, and she just wants to make a sale. Also, you'll find that with a little charm, she will be right in there helping you and making suggestions. Women enjoy having a man select some of their clothes, and salesgirls seem to enjoy your interest. So when you go in and buy a blue cardigan, ask her if she has any suggestion for the rest of the outfit that you can tell your girl about. Nine times out of ten, she will not only suggest, but show it to you, and ask what size she wears, if you are on the ball, and know your sizes, she'll show you the whole ensemble, and, especially if she's on commission, really try to sell it to you. So then all you have to do is pay, and you walk out with an entire outfit, expertly selected and color coordinated, just for you. Simple!

Undies, lingerie, and such are another story. I haven't tried to buy a bra and girdle from the nice matron at the specialty shop, and I don't intend to try. This is a good mission to send your wife or girl on, or you can go the way I do. Once again know your size. Go to a self service