Forties style is the perfect choice for pairing demure chic and sex appeal, and this Slip Dress by Stop Staring! has the balance down pat.
Made from a soft stretchy lycra blend, it hangs perfectly over curves, while the cleverly tucked bodice adds sleek style. Hinting at a retro lingerie look with the lace neckline detail, this dress manages to look daring while still covering up.
Get it online now from the Stop Staring shop for $130.
It’s time to eek as much as possible out of the summer while it lasts, and there’s no better way than a retro playsuit. While there’s been plenty of eighties editions on the high street, this fifties style might be more up your street.
The Sweetheart Sunsuit from Friday On My Mind is exclusive to Dollydagger and comes in two colours. Both the red and navy versions feature this polka dot print, and cutely kitsch styling. A sweetheart neckline, halter and loose fit shorts make this easy to wear and perfect for a curvy 50s look.
Get it online from Dollydagger now for £42.
Shirt dresses are a staple item that works for a great variety of retro era looks, but this Sugars Shirt Dress from French Connection is instantly recognisable as 70s inspired.
Great composition combines a simple high collar shirt shape with feminine touches like bell sleeves and a flattering belted waist-band. With a simplistic 'ethnic' style print in burnt, earthy hues it's a perfect take on the seventies palette, but with a touch of sophisticated glamour.
It's available now from French Connection UK for £65.
Looking for somewhere new to add to your list of retro fashion stores? There are the tried and tested reproduction brands we all keep in mind, but for something new for the guys and gals, check out Rainbow Retro.
This small scale eBay business sells great looking retro fashion from dresses to jackets and accessories. Not just a collection of fast moving vintage pieces in unreliable sizes, this shop features some stunning new pieces that look every bit as striking as their original counterparts.
Check it out online at the eBay store.
Looking for a miniskirt that's a little less ordinary? There might be swathes of minis out there in the more well documented sixties style, but for something more remarkable and unusual this Jonathan Saunders Marble Print Skirt is ideal.
With a striking print that's a mesh of psychedelic pattern and more subtle colour palette, this provides a high end look to the quintessential mini. The shape is perfect, with a high waist and the hem hitting the mid thigh making this wearable while still risqué.
Get it online from Browns for £380.
Some of the most striking styles of the 1950s were the most daring and risqué, and that extends beyond the clothing to accessories like these Timeless Twist Court Shoes.
In a kitschy pastel blue that's instantly fifties-look, these sassy high heels have great vintage inspiration all over, from the crossed fabric vamp to the curvy ankle. With a daringly high heel, these provide the perfect addition to an amped up pin-up girl look, without looking too over the top.
Get them online now from Oli for £39.
