Layer upon layer is the code by which Tokyo women live!

We are just coming out of the cold, sometimes snowy winter, so outerwear is on show outdoors most of the time. But when coats come off indoors — and on warmer early spring days — layers are the key.

When I say ‘layers’, I’m not talking thermal singlets either.

More like thigh length woollen printed shift dresses, knits, striped pieces; and the empire line minidress in jersey or wool, black or gray with polo necks and tees underneath. Worn with jeans or leggings, ankle boots or knee highs, this is an innovative way to keep warm without losing out silhouette.

Print wrap style dresses that you may not be able to wear alone ’til warmer weather, can be layered over opaque tights, skinny jeans and a long-sleeve tee, with coat or knit outside. Wearing a few floaty light pieces in cooler weather is very stylish. In Tokyo the neat size of the locals make this concept very successful, but you can work on the idea one layer at a time paying attention to your proportions.

If you’d like to wear chic layers too, maybe invest in a great minidress with a bold print and shorter sleeve, to wear with jeans and ballet flats or boots. Not too many trims, and keep denim darker and any further color restricted to accessories.

Try also:

• Some jewel colored and/or lurex thread tights, with basics like black or denim.
• A long-line knit cardigan over a shift style dress with white shirt.
• Solid heels or boots and an oversize metallic bag (great right through spring), gives the wardrobe a great lift.

Keep the layered piece a fairly classic cut as you don’t want to bulk up. Japanese fashionistas like to belt their trench or coat very neatly at the back, thus keeping the sash from swinging round and showing off the outfit underneath. If you like a longer padded coat then wear skinny jeans and longer fitted sweaters underneath, with textured scarves for a flattering contrast.

I’m enjoying a fantastic merino wool empire line dress from GAP, which ends just above the knee with a flounced hem detail, worn with leggings and pumps for the ritzy restaurant (which is not often enough!) or during the day with dark denim jeans and boots or ballet flats.

Learning to layer and trying combinations other than top-and-skirt or jeans-and-shirt is a great way to extend the possibilities of your wardrobe without having to buy a new item. You can lend a lot more life to pieces you do buy, especially if you live through severe temperatures variations, i.e. very hot to very cold.

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