My cousin turns 20 this week. She is attending college and I have found out thru the grapevine that she would like a black coat. Her sister told me: Classic, somewhat casual, and chic. What that means, I have no idea. I haven’t the slightest clue about womens fashion, especially the younger generation. For that matter, I’m not even sure what’s in fashion anymore. The other option is boots. I’m told with a 2 inch heel. My cousin is sporty/casual, very tiny and petite. I’d like to spend anywhere from $80 to $200. Any info will be much appreciated.
Depending on what stores are available in the town she lives in you might look into a gift certificate for a store - someplace where she could maybe get a coat or the boots that she’d like - and then you know she’ll get something that fits and that’s what she wants.
For coats, though, I picked up a peacoat last winter at Dillards in black - the price at the JCrew link there is more than what I spent, but the style is basically the same (I spent less than $120 for mine). The peacoat is nice because it can be dressy or casual, depending on what you’re wearing with it.
Boot suggestions are tougher, because there are so many styles of boot available: Low Boot? High boot? Leather? Suede?
Clothes as gifts, especially for people in their teens or twenties, are very tough. Style is very important, and since women’s clothing is generally fitted, sizing is difficult too. I’d say you won’t have much luck getting the right size and style boots, so you’d better stick with the coat.
If you prefer to give a coat instead of a gift certificate, which I always think is nicer, make sure you buy it at a large chain store and get a gift receipt. Then you can include a card telling her you wanted to get her a coat, and she can keep this one or feel free to exchange it for one of her choice.
Black pea coats are always popular, and a safe bet. I’d choose one that goes just below the hip (the ones that go to just above the knee tend to be more formal, not her style) and make sure you get it in a small size (you don’t want it bulky).
Stores I would recommend would be the Gap, Banana Republic, Jacob, Medecino, or a department store. Anything with lots of selection if she wants to change it.
Peacoat it is. I’m giving up on the boots. Appreciate the advice everyone.