The word "vintage" seems to be bandied round like billio these days, whether it's referring to leftover bits from your ‘80s wardrobe, or the slick ‘40s style adopted by many a red carpet-trotting celebrity. If you're at a loss at how to put together a retro look, this book is a stylish guide to the shapes, patterns and fashions of the last 70 years, as well as doubling as an attractive coffee table tome. Designers such as Vivienne Westwood, Mary Quant and Biba are featured.

Very Vintage: The Guide to Vintage Patterns and Clothing by Iain Bromley, Dorota Wojciechowska, and Raven Smith, £18.99 from Amazon.co.uk