Do you regularly do the rounds of your local shopping centre, high-street fashion strip or fave online stores? Well, chances are you’re all over the hottest trends for Spring/Summer 2013 – you know, dazzling metallics, transparent textures, figure-hugging suits, geometric prints, plus cropped tops and cut-outs, just to name a few.

Before you say it, yes, we did leave one of this season’s biggest fashion fads off the list. Why? Because this easy, effortlessly chic, everyone’s-doing-it trend is going to be oh-so major over the coming months that it definitely deserves more than just a passing mention.

So, what is fashion’s latest love? Monochrome. Black and white. Ebony and ivory. Call it what you will.

Although we heart colour as much as the next person, sometimes it’s nice to get back to basics, because: a) you won’t waste precious time each morning fretting over whether your outfit ties together tonally; b) this two-tone combo looks killer on everyone; and c) doing your laundry has never been easier – chuck on a load of whites, then one of blacks, and – voila! – you’re done!

This season, monochrome has had a modern makeover. No longer is black and white reserved for minimal and masculine looks, alone. Instead, designers are using a softer touch when it comes to this high-impact colourway – silhouettes are becoming more relaxed; sharp, clean lines are making way for ruffles, volume and ruching; basic patterns are being replaced by playful (and often elaborate) prints; and textures are getting lighter and infinitely more luxe.

If you’re stepping out in monochrome from top to toe, the key is to mix things up with pattern and texture. Pair heavier fabrics like leather, wool and denim, with lighter textiles like silk, jersey and chiffon so you don’t look too top or bottom heavy. And why not try rocking clashing prints? Polka-dots or stripes teamed with a pretty floral pattern would be our pick.

Missing your signature splash of colour? Fine, go ahead and add a pop of your favourite hue to your ensemble. If you want to stay on-trend, greens, cobalt, yellow and other sun-kissed shades are where it’s at this season. Or stick to neutrals, like tan and beige, if you want to take the edge off your black-on-white outfit, but don’t want these secondary tones to steal the spotlight.

From a cool, map-print sweat to striped cropped jeans, tribal-print shorts to chic summer dresses, here’s our edit of 20 must-haves for your monochrome wish-list.