Fashion: Back to the future with a ‘60s rework

What goes around, comes around – and, when it comes around to 1960s’ fashion, that can only be a good thing.

For this autumn/winter. designers have plundered the style archives and the funky wardrobes of previous generations of hipsters, taking plenty of notes and even more inspiration for 2014.

They have taken a particular note of shape, especially the mid-thigh, gently tapered A-line skirt, a line that works so well with knee-high boots (which have also been revived for this season).

If there is one key piece from the Sixties’ trend to invest in for this autumn/winter, it has to be a skirt in this short, neat, A-line shape, preferably in one block colour (mustard, conker brown, rich navy, teal blue and apple green are all good Sixties’ revamp shades) and in a dense-ish fabric such as wool or serge (a twill fabric with diagonal lines, also high quality, woven wool cloth) so that it keeps its shape and falls properly.

Team it with same colour shirt, or with a waist-skimming tailored T-shape top.

After this, go for a high-neck tunic dress, either sleeveless or short sleeved. There are some beautiful pastel silk styles with embellished collars (see the New Look image on the front page), and these are bringing a beautiful option for autumn/winter parties.

But also look for geometric patterns such as Pop Art circles and ziz-zags. Alexander Wang has designed blue and grey mesh zig-zag tunic mini dresses with a futuristic edge, although those of a curvier shape might like to take a look at Valentino’s red, black and white circle pattern plunge V tunic dress with long sleeves and a fit-and-flare cut – far more flattering.

The shirt dress is another brilliantly wearable option for this autumn/winter, so look out for ones in a dense floral pattern, perhaps in brown or green, to belt either with its own same fabric tie belt or with a leather coloured one of about 5cm in width.

It’s important that the look for this autumn/winter is not merely a straight rehash of 50 years ago, so hair needs to be contemporary (on the catwalks, it’s been long with a fringe, or tied back with centre or side parting).

To this end, there is a strong mixing of the Sixties with the Nineties, teaming A-line skirts with blouson zip tops and sweatshirts, adding trainers and chunky ankle boots, all to keep it fresh and contemporary. This is not a museum piece trend (although vintage shops and fairs should be your first port of call).

Knits are also getting in on the Sixties act, with cute retro Aspin chalet chic looks, which will start to come into their own nearer Christmas. There is also a strong futuristic vein to be tapped, with iridescent shine fabrics, especially in petrol purple tones – fabulous for nights out and very cool special occasion wear.

So dip in. Go back to the Sixties your own way.

Twitter: @yorkshirefashQ

Top: Check jumper, £12; matching mini skirt, £10. Both at Primark for winter.

Middle: Grey faux fur coat, £64.99; pink satin dress, £59.99. Both at New Look.

Pixie Lott at the Issa catwalk show at the Queen Elizabeth Hall during London Fashion Week. Gareth Fuller/PA Wire