The American tradition of wearing holiday knitwear, pins and neckties seems less popular this season. There isn’t an abundance of these items in department stores, and I’ve seen fewer men and women wearing holiday sweaters and ties on the street and at Christmas functions.

Perhaps the look has taken a retail back seat because the sales weren’t strong last season. Perhaps the current economic climate has put a damper on the Christmas spirit. Or perhaps it’s a Seattle thing. Looking at CNN’s iReport on Christmas sweaters, the tradition appears to be alive and well in some places. Are people wearing holiday apparel and accessories in your neck of the woods?

I’ve found that going up a size in hosiery is often a good idea if you’re regular height or taller. For example, if you usually wear a medium, try a large. Or if you’d normally fall into the “C range”, size up to “D”.

Going up a size reduces the stretch, making colors more even and reducing pattern distortion. It also lowers the risk of laddering and increases the longevity of the hose, which is particularly good if you prefer the better quality, more expensive brands.

Saggy hose is unsightly, so don’t go up more than one size. If you are petite the stretch is already less than average, so you may not need to size up at all.

Quilted puffer coats, or parkas, are the way to keep warm when temperatures plummet. You won’t look like a marshmallow in this style of coat if you’re mindful about fit, style and shape. Here are some guidelines to help you pick the perfect puffer:

• Keep it tailored: It is ESSENTIAL that a puffer is tailored in the torso, fitted in the shoulder and streamlined against the hips. The fit must come in at the waist and at the base of the back. A slightly A-line silhouette is fine, but a straight silhouette is better.
• Select a flatter puff: Some puffers are more heavily quilted than others. The flatter the puff the more streamlined you’ll look. Bypass overly puffy coats because those look unattractive.
• Choose a flattering length: Extra-long puffers that finish halfway between the knee and ankle are super warm, but don’t look fab. You look like you’re wrapped up in a sleeping bag. Try to keep the length at the knee and no longer (in extreme cold, your knee-high boots can keep you warm from the knee down). Shorter styles that finish between the top of the hip and the middle of the thigh are great lengths too.
• Stick to vertical seaming details: Stay away from puffer styles with horizontal stitch detailing. This draws the eye from side to side. Look for vertical stitch detailing instead. Angular or chevron stitching is just as flattering because it draws the eye to the waistline.
• Choose down quilting: Less expensive puffers are usually quilted with polyester, which won’t keep you warm. You’re after a down coat for maximum warmth and coziness.
• Choose hoods and shawls: Hooded puffer coats are extremely practical. (I’ve found that wearing a hood is warmer than wearing a hat). Hoods trimmed with faux fur are especially attractive and add a soft playfulness and interesting texture to your look. Puffers with insulating shawl collars instead of hoods make a nice alternative when worn with a hat and scarf.
• Prioritize two-way zips: A puffer that un-zips a little at the bottom while the top stays zipped allows freedom of moment. This makes sitting down and walking with a  bulky coat comfortable and easy.

Winter chills have hit us a little earlier and harder than expected this year. Bundle up in style with a streamlined puffer coat. They are a very worthwhile investment if you have icy, snowy Winters.

Three shorter, tailored puffer coats with vertical and angular stitching. Two of them have belt features that add extra waist definition, and the cropped black style has a convenient two-way zip. The cream puffer looks particularly après-ski with its removable faux fur neckline trim.

Three long tailored puffer coats with vertical and chevron stitch detailing and practical side-entry pockets. Two of the styles have detachable hoods and one of them has a pretty faux fur trim.

I have three puffer coats in different lengths and colours. A cropped black style, a fancier mid-length gold style and a long cream version. I’ve had the black cropped style for five years and it’s still going strong. I can’t imagine my Winters without them.

The recession may be in full swing, but that also means great deals at retail. As affiliates to some of the major fashion brands and retail chains we get notified about online sales and promotions. Here are some of the interesting ones:

• Gap: Check out Gap’s holiday sale with great deals up to 40%. Hurry, your favorites are selling fast.
• Liz Claiborne: Liz Claiborne Holiday Clearance Event—save up to 80% while supplies last. Plus, free shipping with orders over $125!
• Lucky Brand Jeans: Get 50% off any item with any regular price purchase at LuckyBrandJeans.com, now through Dec 24!
• Saks Fifth Avenue: ONLINE EXCLUSIVE: Get a free gift card worth up to $250 with your order at Saks! Use code HOLIDAY8. This offer is not available in stores. Valid 12.18.08–12.21.08.
• Shoe Mall: 20% off Everything at ShoeMall and FREE 2-day shipping! Exp. 12/19

Online shopping isn’t quite as festive, but it is one way to avoid the crowds once you’ve had your fill of the malls. Happy shopping!