Author: Orla Doherty

A large number of people dedicated to retro sartorialism stick with one era and do it well, but for some of us it's hard to narrow our wardrobes down to just one decade or trend. This Sequin Palm Top from Marks and Spencer is a great choice for the latter, thanks to its combination of both fifties and eighties style points.

Playing on the 50s love for all things tropical and Hawaiin, the palm print and bold turquoise shade give a hint of rockabilly inspiration. Worn tucked into a high waisted pencil skirt, this top could instantly give a fifties chic. Worn as it comes, though, the draped jersey shape is unmistakeably 80s, providing a top you can dress up or down whatever era you're after.

It's available from The Limited Collection at M&S for £29.50.

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For retro chic there's nothing more effective than keeping your clothing choices simple and classic. Great Plains, as the name suggests, have got this design idea perfected with this Wool Cashmere Coat.

Letting the luxurious blended fabric do the talking is what makes this coat, with a stunning off-white shade unblemished by over the top detailing. A double breasted fastening works in synch with the high collar and slim fitting cut to create a sixties chic that has never dated and probably never will.

Get this online from Oli for £125, a bargain for such quality and timeless style.

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The approach to winter is probably not the best time to go looking for a linen dress, but when it's this cute and retro it's worth snapping up. This Linen Mini Dress by You is a chic little sixties inspired number rarely found on the high street.

With a well cut a-line shape, complete with a feminine waist accent and capped sleeves, the shape is perfect for a mid sixties style. A mini hemline is offset by a high neckline, while interest is added by the contrast tabbed collar, pockets and a rouched neck detail.

Get this online from New Look's Boutique brands section for £30.

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The 1980s gave us many of its own, original fashion statements, but one of the things it did with great flair was to take retro ideas and make them its own. The fifties revival of the time has made its way back into the high street with this Satin Prom Dress from Miss Selfridge's Petite range.

The dress takes a simple and chic satin prom shape from the fifties, complete with circle skirt and high waistband, and adds the punky feeling of the eighties. With netted underskirts on show, a shortened skirt length and a bold jewel colour, this dress perfectly captures a retro chic that's rarely seen.

It's available now from Miss Selfridge for £55.

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With so many options for sixties outerwear, some of the more adventurous choices are often forgotten in favour of the classics. Fabrics like faux fur are a great choice for a truly vintage look, and this Pixie Swing Jacket from Monsoon is a truly retro choice.

The swing jacket shape works perfectly with faux fur, using a subtle a-line cut to avoid overcomplicating the fabric. A high collar and single buttons give simple sixties touches, while the short length of the coat makes this easy to wear and ideal for a girly mid sixties look.

It's available now from Monsoon for just £65.

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