Diamonds are a girl's best friend. Or simply, apparel and accessories are a necessity. And that's why it's on the top of the teenage holiday wish list, accounting for 78 percent of expected purchases. Top brands include Victoria's Secret, Urban Outfitters, Abercrombie & Fitch, American Eagle Outfitters, Sephora, Forever 21 and H&M.

"I like The Buckle, but I prefer gift certificates because I'm really, really picky," said Brianne Bowker, a senior at St. Mary's High School.

Perhaps gift certificates are the more prudent choice for teenagers, as they account for 64 percent of the expected purchases. The National Retail Federation expects to sell $25 billion in gift certificates this holiday season.

"I like buying personal gifts better," said Michelle Neumann, a senior at Century High School. "But I might add a little gift certificate in with the gift."

The teens the Tribune talked to and various Web sites, including Bogue.com, said the top trends of winter 2007 are:

1. Black or white dresses with knit tights

2. Long cardigans and chunky knits

3. Leopard-print accessories

4. Short ankle boots

5. Metallics

6. Oversized bags

7. Anything in black

8. Hemlines below the knee

9. Hats - from berets to beanies

10. Wide belts at the waist, reminiscent of the '50s

Key colors this season are gray, earthen browns, red, purple, deep blue, black and white, gold, silver, olive green and khaki.

Aside from everyday apparel, and with the upcoming snow, snowboards and accessories are also a popular demand among teens.

"I want to learn how to snowboard this winter," Brianne said, "but all that gear gets really expensive, so if someone bought it for me as a gift, that would be awesome."

- Samantha Stockman