Under Cover Operation

From knowing her size to shopping in the right places, with a little bit of homework buying lingerie for your other half doesn't have to be a cringe fest, writes Ciara Elliott

After Dark - Elle McPherson, Brown Thomas

After Dark - Etta at Myla, Brown Thomas

Cute Cami-Sets - Karen Millen

Cute Cami-Sets - Pour Moi

After Dark - Agent Provocateur, Brown Thomas

Cute Cami-Sets - Marks & Spencer

Cute Cami-Sets - Enamore

Cute Cami-Sets - Knickerbox and branches of Ann Summers

Retro Bows and Lace - Karen Millen

Retro Bows and Lace - Myla Brown Thomas

Retro Bows and Lace - Dorothy Perkins

Retro Bows and Lace - Knickerbox

Retro Bows and Lace - Prunella, Myla, Brown Thomas

Save your blushes from the shop assistant's stare this Christmas by following these three cardinal
rules for a successful shopping experience:

1. Preparation

In order to avoid emulating a scene from Friends (the one where you awkwardly mime her cup size to a squirming sales assistant), you have to know her sizes in advance. Whether this means jotting down stats from her underwear drawer or sneaking a bra in with you, there really is no use in pitching up without her vital statistics.

2. Organisation

Before you head out into the lacy minefield think about the shop or shops to target. A department store is great for down-to-earth advice as well as having the vast selection of brands. High street chains might deliver better prices but often scrimp on fabric and finish. Specialist boutiques are more expensive and tend to be smaller, quieter and more intimate. Don't be afraid to ask for help and don't feel intimidated.

3.Presentation

Never underestimate the power of good gift-wrapping. Fine lingerie is one of those luxury purchases right up there with Tiffanys, and there is a reason why women love that black and pink Agent Provocateur bag so much: we are all little girls at heart.

After Dark

1. Blue silk, €155, Agent Provocateur, Brown Thomas

2. Black silk and cream lace cami, €145, Elle McPherson, Brown Thomas

3. Black baby doll dress, €395, Etta at Myla, Brown Thomas

Cute Cami-Sets

1. Brown satin cami, €29.95 and boyshorts, €32, Karen Millen

2. Purple set: Top, €21, knickers, €11.50 Pour Moi at www.figleaves.com

3. Silk cami and briefs, €22, Marks & Spencer

4. Cream cami with red ribbon, €66 and knickers, €44, Enamore at www.figleaves.com

5. Snowflake camisole and briefs, €15/€8, Knickerbox and branches of Ann Summers

Retro Bows and Lace

1. Floral knickers and bra set, €59.95/ €29.95, Karen Millen