Mono mania

black and white is branching out this spring to bring not only the bold and simple minimalism we expect of it, but also featuring rather more whimsical blended and shaded looks, in floral and kitsch prints or a variety of lace – which means an unprecedented variety of monochrome-based ensembles, all easy to create and pull off with style.

This explosion of black and white is excellent news for our wardrobes as it brings such scope for capsule collection building (I do so love a capsule collection),with much potential for mix-and-match, all from just a few key pieces.

Take a monochrome floral print blouse or shirt, in chiffon if you like, and team with black or white skirt or trousers – a sleek, white pencil skirt would work beautifully, especially with a chiffon floral blouse tucked in but billowing gently over a high waist. Slim-fitting trousers, meanwhile, work well in both black and white, but try a cropped style (perhaps once the weather picks up) to wear with ankle boots, or with chunky, strappy platforms (black and white with a flash of colour, perhaps on the heel, is a good choice for this spring/summer).

Then there are this season’s statement graphic black and white pieces in broad stripes and medium to large checks, so look for long and sleek or knee-length and full skirts, and for checked cropped pencil pants, to team with black on the top half, or maybe white. Texture is everything, and silky, fluid fabrics work best, especially if you look for a long, white silk skirt (slashed to the thigh, if you like) to team with a waist-skimming, short-sleeve, high-neck T-shirt, for pure and simple monochrome elegance.

On the High Street, Next in particular has embraced the monchrome look for this spring, with some striking pieces that offer a modern classic take on the trend. The retailer opens its new Leeds store in Trinity Leeds tomorrow, following the closing of the Albion Street branch last weekend (the new one is double the size of the old one). Meanwhile Coast also opens a new store in the new Trinity Leeds centre, with an interior designed by Lee Broom, the British Design Award’s designer of the year.

Check out Hobbs for pure monochrome genius with its strapless dress combining big black and white spots with black and white stripes, for a look that’s hard to ignore and yet does not shout unnecessarily.

Look out too for fun retro-inspired prints (sail boats especially) in black and white for clean cotton prom dresses, dirndl skirts and crisp short sleeve shirts – perfect for summer. Take note of geometric and geo-floral prints, and hazy prints, especially on biker jackets and panels on tunics, while monochrome floral prints feature on tailored pieces for special occasion wear. Add a flash of rich blue or emerald for a touch of luxe.

Twitter: @yorkshirefashQ