The "new nostalgia" is strikingly evident on the catwalk, as designers seek to evoke the reassuring certainties of the past amid shifting economic times.

"Shoppers do seem to be turning to us for traditional investment purchases with a nostalgic twist," says Natasha Adams at Laura Ashley. "Our cord shift dress is selling particularly well, indicating the return to classic dressing, as are our Victorian-inspired frill collar and ruffle front blouses."