Final answer:
The associate should apologize for the inconvenience, offer alternatives or similar styles, check for stock in other locations, and suggest notifying the customer when the item is restocked, while ensuring the customer feels valued.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a customer requests a style of women's jeans that is out of stock in the color she desires, the associate's best response would be to offer professional and empathetic customer service. The associate could apologize for the inconvenience and then propose available alternatives, such as different colors or similar styles in stock. Additionally, they can offer to check other store locations or to place a special order if possible. It would also be beneficial for the associate to mention the possibility of notifying the customer when the desired item is restocked.
Using examples from provided text, similar to the attentive care the saleswoman showed by slipping the dress over the girl's blouse and ensuring it complemented her features, the associate should strive to make the customer feel valued and assist her in finding a satisfactory solution.