This versatile fashion style is equally at home in a formal setting with suits and tailored skirts as it is on the street in patterned T-shirts and black jeans. And it is easy to wear, allowing you to make a big impact with the smallest of details.

The classic monochrome fashion style is black and white, although designers like Ralph Lauren and Stella McCartney are pushing the boundaries with single colour creations in burgundy and emerald blue that combine materials and textures to stunning effect. The key to making it work is boldness. Who needs Technicolor when you’ve got the infinite possibilities of texture, shape and surprise to play with? Monochrome puts colour in the back seat to push other dynamic design tools into the spotlight.

The result is a fashion style that can be whatever it is needed to be - sophisticated, sexy, fun, street cool or boardroom savvy.

Monochrome puts surprising textures, like faux leather and metallic finishes, into surprising shapes. Expect shimmering parkas, matt black skinny jeans and the odd unexpected pleat or two. Vibrant patterns of stripes, swirls or checks meet with solid slabs of black and white. T-shirts feature stark graphics to offset a pair of black jeans. Dresses incorporate different textures to catch the light in magical ways. And smart formal wear looks simply stunning when it’s all in black.

The power of monochrome lies in its simplicity. It’s a minimalistic canvas on which the lightest of touches can have a big effect - a single splash of colour, a cheeky polka dot on a pocket handkerchief or a strategically placed zip can all bring red carpet quality to the most basic of outfits.

The trick is to do it subtly and sparingly. Add a dash of surprise and freshness with a coloured belt or scarf or dare to offset the monochrome with shoes or a bag in a contrasting colour. Play around with lengths and shapes - a slightly overlong jacket, trousers cut a few inches short or an oversize parka coat - to bring an extra dimension of fashion style to your single colour outfit.

Layers also look great in monochrome, especially when they’re offset by contrasting textures like suede, patent leather and faux fur. It’s a perfect opportunity for showing off that long swirling coat or seriously cool leather jacket you’ve had hanging in your wardrobe for months.

With monochrome you can be bold without going over the top. Wear your favourite piece of bling jewellery with confidence - when you’re wearing black you can get away with a big chunky ring or overlong earrings. And don’t be shy when it comes to shoes - stripes, funky heels, outrageous platforms and punk boots will all look great as the finishing touches to your monochrome outfit.