Best Vintage Buy

Teal satin cape sleeve blouse

FROM: Asos.com

PRICE: £28

COMMENT: Unusual, with its Victoriana-style cape sleeves, and fabulous pleating detail all over, this high-neck blouse would suit black tapered trousers or skinny jeans.

SUITS: Slim to medium

KEY ACCESSORY: Diamante clutch bag, £25, Asos.com.


Best Elegant Buy

Cream feather print shell top

FROM: Principles

PRICE: £45

COMMENT: With its retro-style print effect and pleating at the bottom, this sheeny top is perfect to wear with trousers
or drop-waisted bubble skirts.

SUITS: Slim, neat figures.

KEY ACCESSORY: Croc pushlock clutch bag, £15, Jane Norman Collection.


Best Folksy Style Buy

Printed halter-neck top

FROM: Republic

PRICE: £19.99

COMMENT: Don't just team with skinny jeans, as this gorgeous little top would look amazing with black or gold neat flirty skirt or shorts, oozing folksy class.

SUITS: Slim, good arms.

KEY ACCESSORY: Gold chainmail clutch bag, £18, Dorothy Perkins.


Best Versatile Buy

Bronze pleated one-shoulder top

FROM: Principles

PRICE: £49

COMMENT: One shoulder is on-trend, and this bronze top is so neat and stylish, ideal for dressing up or down (flirty skirt
or skinny jeans). Great colour, too.

SUITS: Both slim and curvy.

KEY ACCESSORY: Pink satin ruched bag, £45, Dune.


Best Flirty Buy

Pink/black bow-front top

FROM: M&S

PRICE: £25

COMMENT: This bright, simple blouse will give a pop of shocking pink to a party outfit, but avoid over co-ordinating pink and black unless you want to look like a bunny girl.

SUITS: All shapes and sizes.

KEY ACCESSORY: Pony skin clutch bag with patent strap,
£50, Faith.


Best Classic Buy

Floral sequin bolero

FROM: River Island

PRICE: £39.99

COMMENT: This can be worn fastened as a top or unfastened as a jacket and either way it has a lovely vintage opulent look to it. A timeless key party piece.

SUITS: Slim to medium.

KEY ACCESSORY: Bronze copper snake Maggie clutch, £595, Mulberry.