Author: Orla Doherty

Sometimes chic and simple is all you need from a coat, and delving into the world of retro outerwear is the easiest way to achieve that versatility. This Double Breasted Coat from Chloe is a great choice for making an investment in quality, thanks to its universal appeal.

In a rich black wool, the coat is given some interest and sharp detailing with gold look buttons front and back. The double breasted cut, epaulettes and slim fit recall and sixties military style, taking a masculine theme and making it luxuriously feminine.

It's available online from Matches Fashion for £1392.

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While the party season approaches, little black dress of every shape and style are everywhere. But wearing black doesn't always have to mean blending in, with retro styles like this Crochet Neck Dress from Dorothy Perkins.

The dress shape is a great pre-war babydoll style, reminiscent of a thirties shape. Femininity is added with a belted waist, while the high neckline offsets a shorter hemline to keep the fashionably boyish shape. The graphic lines of the crochet design fit well with a deco theme, giving that extra sparkle to a relaxed retro shape.

Get it from Dorothy Perkins for £35.

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Of all the retro scenes that have undergone mainstream revivals, ska clothing has kept a relatively low profile. That makes it all the more exciting to see a reproduction design taking inspiration from this less plundered look, like this Specials Dress by Stop Staring.

While the dress shape is firmly grounded in a sleek fifties wiggle shape, it doesn't take away from the instant impact of the two tone check pattern. Providing an unusually vampy look for the scene, the dress is made from a stretch knit fabric for great fit that doesn't deny the sex appeal of ska.

Get it online from the Stop Staring shop for $158.

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Shoulder pads, handbags, mobile phones – everything was just that little bit bigger in the eighties, especially in women's accessories. These Square Stud Earrings from Urban Outfitters are a perfect example of the times when it works, creating an accessory that makes a chic retro statement.

The square stud, featuring coloured enamel and gold-look waved metal detailing, capture a Dynasty-style glamour that's unmistakeably 80s. Straight out of the wardrobe of Joan Collins, these earrings look authentically vintage in black, coral and cream shades next to a thoroughly vintage gold shade.

They're available new in at Urban Outfitters for £6 per pair.

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Got enough retro dresses to last a lifetime? Almost every one of the most convincing retro pieces for women comes in dress or skirt form, but for those of us who'd rather not bare our pins these Swing Trousers from Heyday are perfect.

In a great 40s style, these channel the early days of women's pants to create as chic and stylish a look as any dress. With a high waist, matelot style buttons for a nautical look and turn-ups, these are a great pair of formal trousers that are easy to dress up or down for effortless vintage style.

They're available from the Heyday website for £40.

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Much retro clothing keeps things classic by avoiding overt prints or very bold patterns. If you're after something to break up the block colours, this cute little Butterfly Tunic by Oli could be ideal.

The tunic shape is relaxed and easy to wear, but remains feminine and with a sharp sixties silhouette. A mini-length hemline and three-quarter length sleeves create that retro shape, made just relaxed enough for daytime by the fabric choice. The butterfly print is not quite authentically vintage, but captures the girlish whimsy of the mid sixties well.

Get it online from Oli for £38.

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