Author: Orla Doherty

Suits have unfortunately received a bad reputation for many of us, being more of a workwear requirement than a fashionable wardrobe choice. Thanks to retro styling, though, there are plenty of suit options for men and women with all the chic they once had.

This Jet Setter Suit by Mode Merr is an irresistable option for fifties and sixties fashion lovers, treading the line between sex appeal and sharp professionality well. The dress is made from stretch cotton lycra, with the skirt section made from a light grey mini plaid. A matching cropped jacket with grossgrain tie neck is cute and covers up just enough.

Get this online from Mode Merr for $136 for the whole outfit.

Find out more from the website

Suit style outerwear has been a popular choice in women's wardrobes since the fifties, with the blazer being the most versatile style from decade to decade. This Preppy Blazer from Dorothy Perkins is a perfect option to take the suit style into everyday while retaining plenty of retro appeal.

The navy and white colour scheme works effortlessly to create bold lines and a clean-cut style, making this perfect for a variety of looks. Whether it's an Upper East Side New York chic or even worn as a boating jacket, the jacket has classic and up-market written all over it

It's new in at Dorothy Perkins now, priced at £40.

Find out more from the website

Another dedicated retro brand to add to your directory, Dixiefried Clothing routinely strike gold with their vintage look threads. With plenty of 1950s influence on show, their flair for pin-up chic is evident once more in this new Cutie Pie Dress.

Taking a daringly tight wiggle dress shape, the details are perfectly measured to create an authentic pin-up aesthetic. Leopard print detailing at the bustline and waist of the dress help to accentuate the waist and cleavage, while a stretch sateen fabric both sucks you in and shows off your curves all at once.

It's available online in the UK from Hollywood Flame for £65.

Find out more from the website

Another retro fashion influence that never seems to stop coming back into mainstream fashion, military detailing is guaranteed to be making waves on the high street again at the moment. Good news for lovers of sixties influence, this Naval Jacket by Red Herring is one of the best.

Avoiding the sometimes cliched military trench coat look, this jacket plumbs the rich seam of naval influence to combine two big retro hits – nautical and military looks. The well-tailored cropped shape provides both structure and femininity in one, while brass buttons and matt navy fabric are instantly recognisable retro points.

It's available online from Debenhams now for £30.

Find out more from the website

Peace signs are another item of sixties and seventies iconography that has become something of a cliché over the years, being used as a catch-all symbol for hippy culture. When handled with some subtlety, though, there's still a certain retro appeal, as shown in these Roberto Cavalli earrings.

There might be something slightly off-message about paying designer pricetags for such a symbol, but a sly wink to sixties counterculture might just be up your street. This pair are made from gold-tone brass and studded with Swarovski crystals throughout.

They'll set you back £387.50 from Net-a-Porter online in the UK.

Find out more from the website

If you've ever clapped eyes on one of the myriad 80s teen flicks that still do the rounds on your telly, you'll no doubt have noticed America's fondness for the puffball prom dress at the time. A uniquely eighties take on an original fifties dress shape, the puffball dress is back in the mainstream.

This Bustier version from La Redoute is a great option for those wanting to imitate the style, keeping it classic and versatile in all black. The bustier top, complete with sweetheart neckline, is in perfectly keeping with the era and has the option of being strapless too.

This dress is available online from La Redoute for £29.

Find out more from the website