Author: Orla Doherty

Autumn's arrival means coat shopping is a must for almost everyone, and while classic black might be tempting, taking a chance is worth it at high street prices. This Hello Captain Coat from Topshop combines the goes-with-everything appeal of a black coat, with a little bit extra.

The use of contrasting white accents works perfectly to create a nautical look, which isn't overdone. Double breasted metallic buttons and a simple a-line cut mean this is versatile and subtle enough to wear every day, but still makes a chic retro statement.

Get it from Topshop now for £70.

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Coast are well known in the UK for their dresses for special occasions, often more suited to bridesmaids than bar-hopping. This Pinky Shift Dress is a rare design from them that has a very wearable retro feel.

The shift dress shape is done well, with simple and uncluttered lines leaving a bright fuschia pink to do the talking. The use of a high neck, almost capped sleeves and the slightest of figure shaping at the waist means the fit is demure enough to pass as a sixties ode, while the shade will certainly turn heads.

At coast now, this one costs £85.

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The twenties and thirties were known for luxury in fashion, with no amount of embellishment too much for this most decadent era. Recent reproductions have been spot on with such detailing, but always take the form of dresses.

If you're looking for a more everyday approach to some flapper-era style, this Heavy Metal Vest Top is worth a look. With the loose fit under the arms and around the bust that was so popular pre-WWII, the shape is ideal in a sheer black fabric. The metallic detailing on top takes a graphic, fan shell design that's instantly art deco. The top manages a faithfully vintage look that's equally striking and modern right now.

Get it from Urban Outfitters in the UK for £55.

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For glasses wearers there's no accessory more worth getting just right, given its permanence in your wardrobe. For retro devotees there's becoming an increasing level of choice in frames, and they're suitable for every bank account.

These Edith Reader Glasses from Fred Flare have an unmistakeable vintage chic thanks to their sixties look frames. The rounded shape combines with a slight cat ear and straight cut edges to pack some real retro punch. Finished off in a mock tortoiseshell, this is a pair worth paying to fit your needs.

Get them online from Fred Flare for just $11.

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While a lot of the 80s reproduction fashions on the market at the moment represent the most modern fashions of the time, there are some of the less mainstream looks of the decade available too. This Wool Quilted Mini Dress by Opening Ceremony is a great example of the era's take on fifties design points, a popular designer trick.

Taking a quintessential fifties dress shape, complete with sweetheart neckline and circle skirt, it adds some definitely 80s influenced style points. The structured cups at the bust, along with the quilted fabric, add that late 20th century modernity that makes this dress a lot less ordinary.

It's available online from Browns for £505.

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While there's pea coats and macs galore on the high street to satisfy your need for 60s-look outerwear, another well loved shape seems to be coming back into favour. The cocoon coat, or bubble coat, keeps cropping up, and that's no bad thing for sixties sartorialists.

This version from Oasis is a simple and stylish high street version, getting it right just where it's needed. The cut is instantly vintage look, while oversized buttons and wool felt fabric are smart touches. Left unfettered by over the top detailing, this looks classic enough to last, while still keeping that modern edge the cocoon coat did so well first time around.

Get it from Oasis now for £95.

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