Author: Orla Doherty

The rainy season has started in earnest 'round our way, so any excuse goes to cheer up the gloomy skyline. An attractively retro styled umbrella is just the ticket, throwing in enough practicality to be a guilt-free purchase.

This Floral Dome Umbrella from Urban Outfitters features a classic dome shape, complete with hooked handle, that's sturdy enough to withstand the inevitable windy spells. The floral print in a choice of vibrant spring shades captures some mid-sixties feeling, adding some much-needed brightness into the winter wardrobe we're all still forced to wear.

Get yours online from Urban Outfitters for £20, available in a choice of four colour combinations.

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Capturing the essence of a girlish look, without looking too childish, still proves one of the most lasting hallmarks of a mid-sixties look. Embodied by the mod-adopted dolly dress, the effects of Quant and Co reach into many sixties looks.

This Frill Collar Dress by Dahlia taps into that girlish feel, providing a dress for those wanting just a dash of sixties influence. The frilled collar combines with capped sleeves and a high neck for a retro neckline, while a gently pleated skirt is a lasting classic. The floral print prevents the dress from entering the mod arena, but the sixties influence is clear to see.

Get it online from ASOS for £60.

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If you find, like most of us, that designer fashion pricetags are more than a little bit hard to excuse, accessories can be a great choice to splurge on. With a well-chosen item you'll wear for years to come, there's every excuse to splash out.

This Lola Frivola Headband by Benoit Missolin is an ideal investment for many a retro lover, combining a classic birdcage veil with the easy-wear use of a headband. The oversized flower in monochrome colours provides a daring addition, while the spots throughout the veil are timeless.

It's available online in the UK from Browns for £165.

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While a simplistic shift dress with classic lines is a definingly sixties look, the style didn't disappear with the turn of the decade. Rather, some well placed detailing can be the perfect way to retain a seventies chic with ease.

This Zania Dress from Monsoon combines a timelessly well-cut shift shape straight from the 1960s with some exotic detailing. The result straddles the styles of sixties and seventies high class design well, creating a tribal-influenced look that capitalises on the 70s obsession with North-African influence.

It's available now from Monsoon for £60.

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The fifties prom-style silhouette has become a high street staple over the past couple of years, with the shops now branching out into variations on the dress style. This Flocked Lantern Dress from Oasis takes the appeal of a prom-style and adds vintage-inspired structure to create a classic look.

The ivory fabric's stiff structure compliments the lantern skirt-shape, adding a more demure dimension to a traditional circle-inspired shape. The black floral is reminiscent of a later, sixties look with all the class and structure of the time.

Get it online now from Oasis for £75.

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As playsuits pervade the high street, it can be tricky to find those with faithful retro reproduction credentials. This Stripe Playsuit from Topshop has just enough vintage inspiration to provide a wearable option, while still ticking all the right boxes for fifties fashion lovers.

The nautical influence is instantly evident thanks to wide stripes and gold button detailing. The loose jersey fabric allows for a casual fit, while a scoop neck and dropped waist add a much-needed femininity to the style.

It's now available from Topshop for £40.

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