One of the classics of British design is the school uniform. Whether we love it or loathe it at the time we’re forced to wear it, it’s undeniably a retro stalwart. This Perfect Pinafore from M&S is a great ode to the classroom’s design classic.
Perfect for work or casualwear, this is just the right side of cutesy and combines a retro shape with modern tailoring.
It’s available online or in shops for £35.
The fourth instalment of Celia Birtwell for Topshop hits the high street and website on 11 August.
The prints featured in this collection include Gypsy Rose, Micklemas, Maison Marigold and Bluemoon. The dresses and blouses are similar styles and shapes to the previous collections, but new additions are a playsuit and jumpsuit in the Micklemas print. These have a decidedly 70s look and will take a bit more daring to wear than the other pieces.
Prices are a little more expensive than Topshop’s own range, with blouses costing £45-£55, dresses from £55, playsuits £75 and £100 for the jumpsuit.
Buying a winter coat is always an investment, so most of us err on the side of dullness to make sure it goes with just about everything. Avoiding all-over print doesn’t have to mean boring, though, with this Evening Stroll coat from Mod Cloth.
With a classic basic swing coat design, the daisy print buttons and cuff details make this a great sixties look fit for Carnaby Street in its pomp. The fitted waist and oversized buttons give this that cute dolly edge without being too girlish.
It’s available online from Mod Cloth for $114.99.
Many of the retrospective fashion pieces available at the moment are flash in the pan, but once in a while a real investment comes along. These RM Montparnasse and Gaite dresses (left to right) are two such items, thanks to Roland Mouret’s notoriously excellent tailoring and an eye for simple style.
With great craftsmanship, these seemingly plain dresses will flatter and become all year round favourites. With forties lines and silhouettes, they’re kept less achingly hip by their subtlety.
Unfortunately, this level of style comes at a price, with the dresses starting at £1210 from Browns.
In terms of online fashion retailers, ASOS have pretty much got the market sewn up, allowing us all to shop in the laziest way possible. Thankfully, they don’t just offer the pleasure of sitting on your bum while you buy their wares, they’ve just introduced the Almost Famous range.
While most of the clothing on the website would make most style lovers run a mile, this 70s-inspired ode to hippie folk style does contain some great items. With genuine looking suede jackets and print dresses in Autumnal hues, there’s a vintage look bargain to be had.
Fashion design is rarely quite so enduring as a classic coat. With shapes like the trench and parka constantly cropping up again and again, you can be sure that a well tailored choice will be in your regular wardrobe for years to come.
This Balenciaga double breasted check coat has something of the Sherlock Holmes influence, mixed with a very 1960s take on coat shapes. With a mid-thigh hem, slightly nipped waist and a cool collar shape, this coat mixes straight-laced style with femininity.
It’s what we often call an investment, meaning the price isn’t as pretty as the coat at £1475.
