Looking every inch the sex kittens we know we are is not so easy when we’re in the depths of Beijing’s winter. Layering with jeans over leggings over tights, doesn’t exactly give us the curvaceous figures we were hoping they would, but instead leave us looking like the gigantic marshmallow man from Ghostbusters movie.

‘Is there any way that I can keep myself warm and still be able to move my limbs freely?’, I hear you cry. Well, after strenuous research, which included shopping a lot, trying on many combinations of different clothes (and buying some), and then standing outside for lengths of time wearing them, I can in all seriousness tell you that…No, there really isn’t. However, if you’re going to have to wear half of your wardrobe in one go, you can at least invest in some new attire that will differentiate you from the crowds of other marshmallow people.

Nautical Blazers

Gotta love nautical; it looks fresh and clean, and great on everyone. The nautical look was big at the beginning of Autumn, and is still a big look now. Best thing is, most of the Autumn ranges are now on sale, so you pick up a nautical blazer for a fraction of the original price. I recently saw some cute little schoolboy-type blazers in the Zara sale. Button it up, and team with a chunky knit scarf, and you’re good to go.

Chunky Knits I know you’re probably sick and tired of buying new knits, wearing them once and then shrinking them in the drier on the first wash, but they’re comfortable, warm, and more importantly, they hide the extra pounds that you accumulated during the winter hibernation. So that settles it; chunky knits are here to stay, at least until you’ve had time to hit the gym and can feel your hip bones again.

Over the knee boots Every girl should own a pair of thigh high boots, even if you only wear them once a year – at Halloween. They’re sexy, versatile and very, very suitable for wading through 60cm of snow.

Ripped Tights Yesssss, our tights are laddered for a reason, don’t you know? Save money on throwing out your stockings every time you ladder them, because this season they’re not just acceptable, they’ve very stylish.

Khaki Green Mac’s

UK brand Topshop insiders predict this as being the big hit for Spring. Buy your khaki jacket now, before the prices are budged up. Before you know it, winter will be over and you’ll be looking for something other than your dressing gown to wear.

Nikki Aaron