FANTASY SHOPPING . . .

There are a few things about winter that aren't so cool: one of them is the problem of how to dress smartly and stay warm - after all, not everyone can wear a baggy jumper to work. If you insist on wearing sheer tights and high heels your legs will end up looking like slabs of corned beef and you will be miserable. But here is the answer, a suit of splendid proportions that is not totally and ridiculously expensive. In a fabulous stripy wool, it is as comfortable as a favourite pair of pyjamas but much more striking. With a poloneck sweater underneath and a nice warm coat on top, you'll look a million times more stylish than the corned-beef babe freezing to death at the bus stop.

Aquascutum navy and white striped wool jacket, pounds 395 with matching trousers, pounds 150 in sizes 8-16, obtainable from Aquascutum,100 Regent Street W1, telephone 0800-282922.