Country boy

If, this time last year, you were packing your Vilebrequin trunks for a four-day whiz to the Virgin Islands as a pre-Crimbo pick-me-up, you won’t like the new trend in winter minibreaks. Thanks to nouveau thrift and eco-terror, the British country-house weekend is back. Sadly, they are no longer Gosford Park-style extravaganzas. My last invite led me to a bijou cottage in Norfolk, owned by a pair of thin-lipped hosts desperate to get the last wince of pleasure out of the place before the bank foreclosed on their second mortgage. If you aren’t sinking all your money into a country pad, however, you might still afford a few items to look dapper on gloomy days, like Daniel Craig’s Lord Asriel in The Golden Compass (pictured). Only dealing with the gloomy hosts remains a problem.

E-mail styleman@sunday-times.co.uk

Snap it up

Don’t bother with Christmas shopping. Lock and load for the sales

Topman

Best for casual Philip Green’s flagship men’s brand specialises in basics with a twist, such as this wide-check shirt, right, down from £28 to £12. December 26.

New & Lingwood

Best for shirts and shoes Fantastic discounts from the Eton College outfitters include calf-leather brogues, down from £429 to £299, and classic shirts for £59. December 12

Zara

Best for accessories Zara prides itself on being cheap all year, so expect bargains in the sale. The workman’s belt, right, £19, will be reduced by 30%. December 27.

Gap

Best all-rounder How the Next sale used to be: unmissable. With up to 30% off, grab loads of £30 cashmere jumpers and £5 T-shirts. You won’t need to shop again for a while. Date to be confirmed.

Dunhill

Best for tailoring With 40% off menswear and leather goods, James Bond’s former tailor is now affordable. Invest in a signature suit, down from £800 to £500. December 27.

Debenhams

Best for budget designers The J by Jasper Conran jacket, down from £90 to £27, is one of many great bargains. December 31, but keep an eye out for impromptu one-day sales.

Times recommends

• Are eldest children really a cut above?
• Peaches Geldof: censored
• Top 10 style-setting films of all time