Make it monochrome

Monochrome is having a pure fashion moment (or three) this coming spring and its versatility in the face of all occasions is something at which to marvel.

Bold, graphic looks lend themselves so effectively to such a variety of styles, from the relatively casual to the fabulously formal and the oh-so-sensationally smart and sassy. It's no wonder the fashionistas are grabbing black and white piecess with eagerness and abandon. Frequently the fash-pack's colour of choice, black is also the default shade when in doubt, so there's a lot of it about and it's hard to stand out. But wearing it with a neat flash of white is an easy way of injecting freshness and style – I say this now, but it may reach the stage where catwalk front rows start looking like a waitresses' big day out.

Look out first for dresses that take basic black (a satin shift dress is ideal and don't be afraid of ones made up of horizontal pleated folds, as these are surprisingly flattering for both slim and curvy figures) but trimmed with white, as in a white collar and cuffs, or a white bib or, for evening, a white lace bodice top and black skirt, as demonstrated so beautifully by Helena Bonham-Carter at the Screen Actors Guild earlier this week. This is such a fabulous red carpet look, instantly bringing formal glamour to even the most idiosyncratic of dressers. A black with white dress is perfect for the office too and, if you want to add a flash of colour, go for a bright bag in red, green, patent blue or even yellowy. Not too much, mind. Just a flash.

If you like black and white patterning, look out for dresses that make real bold use of graphic design, using blocks and swirls to make interesting and often figure-enhancing looks, trimming hips and drawing attention to the centre line of the body by clever panel placing. You can do this yourself also with layers –- a long black dress with long white jacket or cardigan over, or vice versa.

Even simpler and just as effective is the white blouse with black skirt or trousers. For my money, the most wearable and elegant look is a long-sleeve silky white shirt teamed with slim-fitting skirt to just below the knee.

Black and white also works well for more casual looks with layering, but to get the look right, you really do have to go for structured shapes, as in proper trousers and jacket styles, perhaps with a white shirt or top worn outside trousers. Jeans and T-shirt won't cut it.Animal print also works very well in monochrome, but look out especially for unusual pattern, such as the giraffe print seen here.

When it comes to black and white, simplicity is best. Bold, effective and totally knock-out.

CLEVER CLOTHES TO FIGURE FIX

Marisota, the fashion website for real women, has brought out a body-sculpting range of clothes called Magi-fit, in sizes 12-32, using panels of elastane on trousers, skirts and dresses to slim the tummy area and contour the body without causing discomfort or restricting movement, creating an instantly trimmer silhouette. Skirts start at 22 and evening dresses at 55, on www.marisota.co.uk.

RED FLASH: Black jacket, 70; knitted cover-up in red, 36; white cotton top, 18; bootleg trousers, 45; pumps, 25. All Long Tall Sally.

BOLD GRAPHIC: Black and white asymmetric wide-neck long sleeve tunic dress, coming soon from a selection at Jaeger.

PROPER PRIM: Black and white belted shift dress, 259, available in sizes 10-22 at www.Elgance.co.uk.

SIMPLE ELEGANCE: Frill front sheer blouse in cream, 34; pencil skirt with satin panelled waist band, 40; necklace, 22. All at longtallsally.com, phone 0844 573 6885 or in stores.

CONTOURED CHIC: Black and white cap-sleeve shift dress, 125, at Alexon, at Alex & Co in Harrogate, Harveys in Halifax, Browns in York and stockists on www.alexon.co.uk.