Category: Women’s Fashion

Much of the time, big name designer dresses are so flamboyant and 'cutting edge' that it's hard to see the justification of spending so much money. Thankfully, classics have come back into favour in recent years, making an investment in style much more worthwhile.

This Felipe Oliveira Baptista dress has something of a 1940s feel to it, which is rare as a point of inspiration for design houses. The Button Front Dress is simple, classic, and perenially stylish. With a navy blue shade and contrasting gold buttons, this could easily pass for vintage.

The looser fit suggests a silhouette predating the sexier 1950s pinup style, while the pencil skirt and cinched waist still create a flattering look. The dress is available online from Browns Fashion for £810.

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Fancy some affordable 1920s style, but don't have the occasion to wear a flapper style dress? There's been a wealth of twenties and thirties inspired high street fashion this winter, but all of it seemingly designed for the party season. This Marks and Spencer Pure Wool Cloche hat fills the gap for twenties style that's wearable almost every day.

The hat uses the classic bell shape of the cloche simply and effectively. In an all weather grey, it's that little bit more versatile than an all black version. The addition of a black bow is cute and chic, adding some delicate femininity to an otherwise plain accessory.

Purchaser reviews have rated this a great fit with fantastic looks, all for just £15 from M&S.

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Low and mid heel shoes are a great route to retro style and Monsoon are eschewing the towering heels of other high street shops to give us some great options. These Rudy shoes are one of the many lower heel designs in a retro theme.

Perfect for 1940s looks, these stitched leather heels are simple and classic. In a muted olive green shade, with chunky ankle straps, they're perfect day shoes for vintage looks. Finished off with a classic buckle and wood effect heels, these shoes make a wardrobe filler with lasting looks.

Get them from Monsoon for £55.

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Valentino has long been a brand associated with high glamour and big bucks. Though it reached its peak in the 1980s, the brand has a history of classic style taking precendence over current trends and their new designs remain steeped in vintage style.

This dress from their new collection has a definite fifties feel. With a kneelength skirt and a wide boat neck, there are references to both a fifties and sixties high glamour aesthetic. A modern, understated touch is added with frilled sleeves, while the block colour keeps it classic.

Available in both red and black, this dress is online to buy in the UK from Matches Fashion for £1286.

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If you like the designs of Orla Kiely and Cath Kidston, but can not stretch to their prices, then This is Glint have some Retro-Patterned Wallets in similar styles at a fraction of the price.

There are five designs to choose from; blue flowers, orange and brown floral, Kidston-like spotty red, and paisley in green or blue. They measure 20cm long and have compartments for coins and cards.

Priced just £6.95, they can be bought online from This is Glint.

Urban Outfitters have something of a habit of misusing the word vintage. This Vintage Cruise jacket is actually brand new, but thankfully remains most certainly retro.

The cropped jacket taps into a nautical theme in a way that's more chic than cheesecake. Reminiscent of classic Chanel, the monochrome colourscheme and sharp tailoring give this an edge. It remains cutely retro, though, thanks to the cropped sleeves and bodice. Details like the cuff piping and double breasted buttons take an ordinary white jacket that vital step further in style.

Get yours from Urban Outfitters UK for £60.

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