. . . BACK TO REALITY

If you have aspirations to be like Blur or Oasis, one small way you could achieve this is to wear this jumper. It's a "high" V-neck, as opposed to a "low" V-neck. It's a small detail, but one which makes the difference between being cool and being a train-spotter. Blur and Oasis are regular sporters of John Smedley knitwear and chances are, if you see a picture of Damon or Liam wearing a V-neck, it's this one. This shape is also gently reminiscent of the 1960s, a big fashion story this winter (again). Unlike some fashion fads though, this jumper won't embarrass you next season. The John Smedley label is 200 years old this year, and like many traditional labels of late it has been hijacked as "trendy". You may find V-necks cheaper, but never as well-made as a John Smedley. AB

! John Smedley high V-neck in 100 per cent merino wool, pounds 60 in a wide variety of colours, sizes S-XL from S Fisher, 22/23 Burlington Arcade, London W1; American Retro, 35 Old Compton Street, W1; and leading independent retailers nationwide. Telephone 01629 534331 for further stockists and mail order.