Style story: Black and white

Spring has well and truly sprung in fashion world. But if you're not feeling the pretty pastels, bountiful florals and clashing rainbow prints, it's a cinch to get through the season by relying upon the simplest of style equations: Black + White = Flawless Fashion Statement.

The focal point of the most elegant designer collections, Armani, Celine, Dries Van Noten and Gucci all shunned colour in favour of a classic monochrome palette. But forget about black and white being boring - this season's take on the very foundations of style, as defined by Coco Chanel, is diverse, directional and utterly delish. Adopt any one of the season's key trends, try it in black and white, and you've nailed a double style-whammy. Sleek tailoring? Check. Sports luxe? Check. Striking florals? Check. With the stars loving monochrome in every guise - and Chanel-chic a timeless sartorial statement - it's basically impossible to get this one wrong.