Black & White Fashion Trend for Summer 2012 - monochrome chic

If you work in an office, or have a dress code to adhere to at work, this trend is for you.. black & white comes in all shapes and sizes this season, from fun & busy prints (like this zebra tiger dress by McQ), to very chic and minimalist color block styles. This is a very easy trend to add to your wardrobe - as a starting point, pick up a sharp little white top, and pair it with black trousers for a very office-appropriate look. Just make sure you add a splash of colour somehere  - a bright pink pump, or a colorblock handbag, or something as a simple as a neon summer scarf.

However, if you don't have new season separates (to put together yourself), there's a good chance your favourite designers have already combined black & white for you! Check out some of the dresses below - DKNY's Two Tone Linen Blend dress actually looks like separates, but it is indeed a chic little dress. Or how about a fabulous Diane von Furstenberg print dress? It combines quality with style, and you will wear it for many seasons to come.

Clothing aside, if you're looking for an accessories update, black and white can add a fresh look to the current colours already in your wardrobe. Consider a black & white print statement shoe with your pink, orange or bright blue denim. Or a monochrome handbag paired with a bright blue dress. While black and white paired with red has been around for a while, look for new colours - a yellow top, white pants and black & white handbag. Or a purple pump with a black and white striped dress... see how easy it can be?