Dressing in layers adds interest and dimension to your outfit. Layering doesn’t need to be complicated or sloppy. It can be as simple as:

• Throwing an above-the-knee-dress over a pair of jeans and adding a cropped cardigan
• Adding a waist belt to a blouse, shirt or dress
• Popping a cropped jacket over a tailored shirt or tunic

Layer with style and practicality by finishing off any of the above combinations with a contrasting camisole underneath and a coat on top. Easy as pie!

Creative layering from Max Studio and Urban Outfitters.

You may have noticed the emerging “boyfriend jean” alongside the abundance of skinnies in stores at the moment. What a breath of fresh air! Boyfriend jeans are in keeping with this season’s androgynous trend.

There are two ways to look good in baggy and wide-legged boyfriend jeans:

• Casually with converse sneakers, a fitted knitted top and slouchy hobo.
• Smart casually with pointy toed heeled pumps, sheer top, cropped jacket and oversized tote.

Play up that boyish vibe and give these jeans a bash if you’re looking for an alternative to your bootcuts and skinnies. Remember to add those girlie touches through your accessories.

Boyfriend and wide-leg denim jeans from Gap and Old Navy.

Capes are the latest in coat styling this season. Although their lack of structure can be unflattering, they look sensational on the expectant mother. This roomy extra layer seems to do nothing but flatter a mother-to-be’s forever-changing shape.

Specialising in maternity wear, Isabella Oliver, “designs clothing for pregnant women who love clothes”. Her items are sophisticated and elegant and are well worth a look. The cape below is from her collection – she describes it as “a modern alternative that gives you the warmth without the weight”. It’s a super winter coverup and certainly an item that the expectant mother will grow into with comfort and grace.

Most international fashion brands are represented in the Hong Kong retail sector. While it might seem silly to shop in stores that you can freely peruse back home, this can actually be a very good idea. Here’s why:

• The stores have different merchandise – chain store fashion buyers buy in different products for different regions to meet the specific needs of the local target market. For example, there is a much bigger assortment of business casual and party wear in Hong Kong stores because of smarter and stricter dress codes.
• There is a wider variety of merchandise – the assortments in stores are not only different – there is often also more variety and a better range of sizes. Unless you live in New York, Milan, Paris, or London, Hong Kong is likely to have more options in your favourite brands than the stores back home.
• The products are often cheaper – stores in Hong Kong are often on sale. Whether it’s a swanky Hugo Boss shop, a fabulous Japanese department store, or a flirty little Chinese boutique – there always seems to be a bargain available. In Europe the brands are seldom on sale. American retail stores are much better about offering their customers “a deal”, but can’t compete with the deep discounts and frequency of Hong Kong sales.

Make sure that you look up familiar stores and brands when you visit Hong Kong – you won’t be disappointed.