Fashion: Find a Valentine’s gift that suits our style

many years ago, the partner of a friend of mine asked if I would accompany him to choose her some Valentine’s Day lingerie.

I did so, albeit reluctantly. It was a spur-of-the-moment excursion, so he had no idea of her size (a sensible man would have checked her underwear drawer first, looking for the stuff she actually wears, rather than the stuff lurking, unworn, at the back). I had to guess – and I wasn’t convinced that she would be delighted at the knowledge, if she ever found out, nor was I certain that she would like my choice for her (a cream silk cami set – play safe, I reckoned).

Anyway, the experience put me off the whole concept of lingerie as a Valentine’s Day gift. It’s just too fraught with potential for mistakes and misunderstandings.

Far better to give a gift card, perhaps wrapped in a pair of silk knickers. Rigby & Peller in Harrogate has gorgeous lingerie sets and and a gift card would also give the gift of a proper fitting, for which the company is famed. Having a bra in the correct size and style for the wearer can cure all sorts of back and neck aches and can make the body look slimmer, so it’s one of those gifts that keep on giving.

If you do decide to give lingerie, wrap it beautifully, in a gift box with tissue paper, and include a gift receipt.

Soozie Jenkinson, head of Lingerie Design at Marks & Spencer, says: “Lingerie isn’t the only option. This year, boyfriend-styled PJs in silk and satin are bang on-trend.

“Knickers make a very cheeky Valentines’ gift, from Brazilians to boy shorts, fun floral prints to bright colour pops.”

Silk dressing gowns and nightdresses will be welcomed by most women. They tend not to be the sort of thing we buy for ourselves but, if you are going away for the night and you present a silk wrap gown in a box, you can be guaranteed a smile, at least.

What we women really want is a gift that shows that you have thought about us. Don’t buy us jewellery if we don’t wear it, but if you really want to, please look for something unusual and special, like Whitby jet. Rose gold is wearable and romantic, so that would be a good choice, too. It needn’t be expensive, but should be chosen to suit us. A brooch might work, perhaps one that reflects something we like (horses, butterflies, bees?). Bags can work well, if you feel confident of her style – a blush pink bag is versatile, on-trend and romantic, so a winner.

If in doubt, go for a luxurious and expensive bath oil, to show that you appreciate our need to wind down.