The holiday season is upon us, and everyone is scrambling to find the perfect presents for the people on their lists. With a little help from employees at Ladue-Frontenac area stores, I've determined the 10 must-have apparel items to keep everyone on your gift list looking good.

Top 10 Apparel Gifts for Women, Men and Teens

1. Distinctive jackets for women
2. Cute cocktail dresses for young women
3. Warm jackets and coats for men
4. Sleek blazers for young men
5. Colorful accessories (purses, clutches, shoes, etc.) for women and young women
6. Fun jewelry statement pieces for women and young women
7. Cashmere sweaters for men
8. Anything floral (jewelry, shoes, prints on clothing) for women
9. Boots for young women
10. Elegant tuxedos and suits for men

Now that you've got the general ideas, let's take a look at some of the specific clothing and accessories you can find in Ladue-Frontenac area stores.

At MACS Designs, sales associate Robin Jonas (who was also my model at the store) first pointed me in the direction of some cute and colorful umbrellas ($28 each). Then she modeled a black ruffled jacket ($528) and some crystal earrings ($44) to give a little sparkle for the season. Next up, she wore a gorgeous off-white coat with intricate detailing ($173).

As a look for younger women, Jonas wore a cute hot pink cocktail dress ($106) and added some great accessories with a black flower necklace ($42) and a pair of black cowboy boots ($290) from the store next door, Giddyup Jane.

At Sam Cavato Menswear in Plaza Frontenac, sales manager Mari Jo Winfrey and sales associate Marty Hicks (who also did some modeling) helped me out. Hicks wore a red Wellensteyn jacket ($280) and a pair of Zengna sunglasses ($345), which Winfrey said would be perfect for a ski trip. For a more formal look - perhaps for a New Year's party - they had a tuxedo ensemble put together that included a Jack Victor tuxedo (jacket and pants for $1,110), a shirt ($185), a pair of Magnanni shoes ($250) and a tie and cummerbund set ($345).

At Saks Fifth Avenue in Plaza Frontenac, I got some assistance from marketing director Colleen O'Neill. For younger women, she pointed out a very fashionable black and white cocktail dress by Alice and Olivia ($484). For older women - perhaps even a businesswoman - O'Neill recommended a blue ensemble by Akris Punto that included a jacket ($1,495), pants ($395) and a tank top ($345).

For men, O'Neill recommended some cashmere sweaters ($248-298) that would make great gifts. She also said that the velvet blazer ($798) that is part of the Saks Fifth Avenue Crown Collection would be a great gift for young men.

At Mister Guy Men's, creative director Nick Catanzaro focused on the gifts to keep the men in your life warm. Catanzaro modeled a black wool Schneiders coat ($895), while general manager Doug Winship modeled a black Façonnable jacket ($495). They also have scarves and gloves available to accessorize the coats and jackets they sell.

At Codi, the Boutique, manager Brittany Hennessy recommended a lot of jewelry. First, she pointed out three bracelets: a gold floral one ($65), a silver floral one ($55) and a cluster pearl one ($185). Then she suggested some matching jeweled necklaces ($245-285) and earrings ($95).

At Essential Elements, owner Liz McGee helped me find the right items that would make perfect gifts for women of any age. She sells a variety of beaded clutches ($87-140) that would be great for a casual look or a formal look.

At Graphic Traffic in Plaza Frontenac, manager Erica Browning first suggested a distinctive red poncho, which sales associate Sue Wancel modeled for me. Browning then pointed out a purple and black ensemble that included a multi-colored scarf ($115), a purple-hued animal print jacket ($128), a purple flower brooch ($46), black pants ($175) and a black camisole ($48).

At Kate Spade in Plaza Frontenac, the team of employees, including manager Megan McKenna and supervisor Jordan Gerlach, worked to get a great casual look together. They started with the silver Nicole jacket ($695) and a pair of Broome Street jeans ($195), and they wound up adding an off-white Elyse top ($195), red Kamille shoes ($320), a yellow Melinda bag ($425), a stunning Champagne Spray necklace ($198), a large Ice Queen ring ($160) and some Cila sunglasses ($148). That may sound like a lot, but it really wasn't; the look they pulled together was a little funky while still managing to be fashionable for most women.

These items won't be at these stores forever, so be sure to stop by and pick up these great gifts for the people you love this holiday season.