Author: Orla Doherty

Some accessories can suffer from their own practicality, making us favour the bland goes-with-everything route of black and boring. Eschewing such banality, an umbrella with some design flair can go some way to making grim weather much more pallatable.

This Rainy Days Umbrella by Radley plays on the brands common English heritage inspiration well, to create a cute, 60s inspired piece. The clear dome shape, trimmed with white to match the handle, is a great ode to mid sixties chic. The raindrop design is done in a bright pastel colour palette to create a chic, retro result.

Get this online from Debenhams now for £35.

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With the winter weather firmly taking over, it's time for dresses to switch from cotton to wool, which is great news for 80s fashion devotees. The decade's popular take on the jumper dress is having a revival this season, with this Red Flame Jumper from Dorothy Perkins showing plenty of vintage inspiration.

The jumper uses a fitted, longline silhouette based on the fifties wiggle dress shape. Since the 80s couldn't resist taking the fifties look and stamping it with something new, this takes in the accentuated shoulder trend of the era with a flambuoyant flame detail in the knit.

It's available now from Dorothy Perkins for £38.

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Knitwear has long been a staple for casual retro wear from across the 20th century, but arguably the most classic use of the cardigan was done by Chanel. Many copies continue to be made, and this pink A|Wear version is a great take.

Made in the style of the original but less seen pink version, this copies the classic Chanel cardi with a skinny fit, collarless high neck and contrasting black trim. Gold buttons and three interior pockets complete the look, made in a quality cotton for lightweight fabric that'll wear all year round.

Get it online from A|Wear for just £25.

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There was once a time when suits were a dedicatedly stylish wardrobe item, rather than a work-related necessity for most of us. Arguably the peak of ladies suit styling was the 1960s, and this Brora Checked Tweed Suit captures some of that chic.

The classic tweed fabric is in muted tones, making this one for daytime wear, but it isn't dull as a result. The skirt is a classic pencil shape, while the cropped jacket provides the 60s chic. The short A-line cut of the jacket, combined with no lapels and a high crew-neck style collar cut give a retro silhouette that remains undated.

Get this from Brora online in separates, the skirt costs £95 with the jacket at £195.

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Forties style headwear from hats to fascinators has undergone a slight boom among retro clothes makers of late, and the high street is getting in on the action too. This Abbie Feather Headpiece from Reiss is a great 40s style that both manages to make a statement while staying classic.

The feathers are mounted on a hair comb meaning it's versatile enough to use with any hairstyle, up or down. Black feathers accompanied by a delicate polka dot detail make this a great choice for those looking for some retro chic that doesn't go over the top.

Get it from Reiss for £25.

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