If you’re not quite ready to leap onto spring’s key trends, go back to black and white basics instead.

Appearing on the catwalks over consecutive seasons, monochrome is no longer a ‘trend’ but a staple, like trench coats or skinny jeans.

Gone is the retro play on the Sixties vibe, making way for a fresh, modern silhouette.

From off-duty casual to couture-like glamour, monochrome’s versatility makes it a major player in your wardrobe for summer or winter season.

If in doubt, work black and white and nothing else.

CHECK MATE With such a clean colour palette, you can afford to be more daring with your prints. Opt for a bold grid block look with BHS’ monochrome check woven insert Top, £20 (bhs.co.uk).

PRINT PLAY Working strictly with black and white makes layering simple. Clash together similar prints for a statement look, like Boohoo’s Isla Dogtooth Cardigan, £18, and Amelia Geometric Top, £14 (boohoo.com).

DRESS DUO Look out LBD, the LMD (Little Monochrome Dress) is just as chic. Pare a print down with deep black trims, expertly executed on Damsel in a Dress’s Hanami Print Dress, £149 (damselinadress.co.uk).

MONO TWIST Add an injection of flouncy fun to officewear with a monochrome contrast. Proving pencils don’t have to be kept on the straight and narrow, look to Iris & Ink’s Maribel Ruffled Crepe Skirt, £90 (theoutnet.com).

OPPOSITES ATTRACT The easiest way to make an impact is by teaming a black separate with a white separate for a yin and yang effect. Try Matalan’s monochrome double act Black Grid Top, £12, and White Skirt, £12, available March (matalan.co.uk).

PANEL PARADE If you’re dedicated to the monochrome cause, a coat is the way to demonstrate your commitment. Flatter hips, thighs and bottom instantly with the black panel on True Decadence at Dorothy Perkins’ Monochrome Jacket, £50 (dorothy perkins.com, right).

DOLLY DAYS Monochrome instantly looks playful in black and white Dalmatian-style spots. Step out in pedigree footwear with Topshop’s Matter Monochrome Dolly Shoes, £28 (topshop.com).

STRIPE CHIC Elongate your body with a shirt featuring vertical stripes in all the right places. Embrace black and white body flattery with Pied a Terre’s Stripey Shirt, £69 (House of Fraser).

CLUTCH CONTROL If you’re not convinced by a penguin-inspired ensemble, bag a subtle accent. Perfect for spring, grab Primark’s Straw Hardshell Clutch, £8, available March (primark.co.uk).

WHITE HOT Winter calls for black with white accents. Reverse the pattern for spring with white strides featuring flattering black go-faster side stripes, like Marisota’s Mark Heyes Illusion Trousers, £35 (marisota.co.uk).