Sitting with a martini on Peel Street, I started thinking: how can people look their best during an economic slump? Strategising is the name of the game for those who need to look good on a shoestring, just as it is in business.

Going to designer outlets is a good solution; if you're not a red-carpet regular, I doubt you'll be scrutinised for wearing last season's collection. With the right connections, you can steal an invite to sample sales.

Otherwise, there are only two words for you: 'buy' and 'smart'. There are what I call 'wild cards' in fashion - items that one can integrate into a wardrobe without having to wear designer kit from head to toe. As a mere mortal, I have long mastered this game.

Starting from the top, a hot shirt takes you a long way. Go bold - Kenzo bold, with a shirt that mixes floral prints with an origami motif and Mandarin collar (above, with a Hugo Boss hold-all, another wild card that stylish men should consider).

With a hot number like this, it's hard to go wrong. Adding a pair of hot jeans will maximise the effect, and it doesn't matter if it's just a relatively affordable pair from Zara or H&M.

If you're not quite that bold, at least consider investing in a Christian Lacroix shirt with a subtle mix of checks and polka dots and a faux cape effect. It may cost you HK$2,990, but a shirt like this instantly upgrades the value of everything else in your wardrobe.

And every man should also have a collection of khakis. This ubiquitous fashion is like the little black dress for men; they can carry a man from work to cocktails, and they can also be part of a casual weekend look.

My Paul Smith khakis - even at more than HK$2,000 - remain the best investment I've ever made. An in-house tailor will alter them for you for a perfect fit and as long you don't let yourself run to fat, these pants will be your best friend forever. I can match them with anything from Zara or Giordano and I still look like a million dollars.

This season, take reference from Agnes b. (above), which has khakis both rolled up for a yachting look and with a windbreaker and funky T-shirt for the gentleman. Or go to Shanghai Tang, which juxtaposes bold floral patterns with a pair of nicely fitting khakis (bottom right). The other wild card is a smart jacket - the slim fit type, best illustrated by D&G's style with an anchor pattern for a playful look, or something lower key in dark grey, which you can wear with dress trousers for business formal or with a pair of jeans for smart casual.

If you can only think of one element in fashion, think low, all the way down to your feet. Hot shoes mean hot looks. As long as you're not wearing supermarket white underwear on top, you'll be just fine. There are men who make Hanes look hot, but if you have that gift, at least wear something with more colour.

I have been wearing white loafers and they carry me from casual strolling to cocktail functions. But I know how much Hong Kong men love their sneakers, and if you have to wear sneakers, at least consider something colourful and fun, like a pair of blue Reebok Mile Highs (left) with nicely contrasting red laces.

Shopping list

Armani Outlet, 22/F, Horizon Plaza, Ap Lei Chau

Agnes b., IFC Mall, Central, tel: 2805 0678

D&G, IFC Mall, Central, tel: 2805 0577

H&M, Queen's Rd Central, tel: 2110 9546

Joyce Warehouse, 21/F, Horizon Plaza, Ap Lei Chau, tel: 28148313

Kenzo and Christian Lacroix shirts and Hugo Boss holdall from Seibu, Pacific Place, Admiralty, tel: 2971 3888

Paul Smith, The Landmark, Central, tel: 2523 5868

Reebok, Ocean Terminal, Harbour City, TST, tel: 2736 7010

Shanghai Tang, 12 Pedder St, Central, tel: 25257333

Zara, Pacific Place, Admiralty, tel: 2918 1099