Creating the right outfit is often about trial and error, but there are fail-safe combinations that will almost always work no matter what your shape and size. The monochromatic look is one of these because it can hide a multitude of sins and flatters almost any body type. It brings to mind classic style icons such as Coco Chanel and Audrey Hepburn.
I saw Penny (below) in a 1960s-inspired monochrome one piece which, from afar, looks like two separate pieces. The length of her dress - cut just above the knee - doesn't overwhelm her petite figure, and the button bib front is an interesting detail. The dress is made from chiffon and silk, which adds texture and brings out the contrasting colours. To finish off the ensemble she has opted for a pair of sleek satin peep-toes that are edgy and feminine.
Ann (above, right) has gone for a more boyish look with her bleached skinny jeans and quilted leather chain-strap bag. These are balanced out by a puffy strapless dress worn over a white T-shirt to create a simple but cool look.
While going monochrome is easy, the key to your look is to personalise your outfit with accessories and details that show your individual style. It's easy to invest in quality black and white basics but go for more unusual items such as striped tees, or pieces with unusual details. The black-and-white power suit is cool, but forget the blazer and opt for a waistcoat and an ultra-tight A-line skirt instead. Also accessorise with chunky jewellery or a neon clutch for a night out. Or, choose a cute French-style beret and a trendy straw bag for a laid-back Sunday brunch.
Uniqlo (2/F, Miramar Shopping Centre, 132 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, tel: 2367 8887) has affordable basics in black and white such as the tank tops and T-shirts, as well as striped tees. I saw a black and white animal-print kaftan at ck Calvin Klein (shop 1037, IFC Mall, Central, tel: 2295 3016) that is nice for summer. For petite girls, check out the flattering sleeveless monochrome sweatshirt dress at Moussy (shop 502, Times Square, Causeway Bay, tel: 2890 6622). Accessorise with handmade straw bags featuring flowers and sequined details from Che Che (shop L1-38, Festival Walk, Kowloon Tong, tel: 2882 2979) or a lemon yellow exotic skin clutch from Fiona's Collection (G/F, Amber Lodge, 23 Hollywood Road, Central, tel: 2581 3968).