: Fashion - Steal the Scene; FOR sheer drama, black and white films never go out of fashion and, this summer, fashion is taking a lead from that.

Byline: Eileen Taylor

If you remember the black and white Ascot scene in My Fair Lady, you'll appreciate just how striking this monochrome choice can be. With white for cool and black for chic, it is a timeless classic combination to make you stand out from the crowd.

Always popular for office wear, black and white means much more than business type suits and shirts this summer. It will steal the scene at a summer wedding, a cocktail party on a cruise ship or a summer ball. But it can also look different for swimsuits and separates - and will be a great foil for a tan.

Choose shirts, tunics, sleeveless tops (especially teamed with white or black capri pants) and ultra feminine dresses. You'll find this fabulous twosome in jaunty polka dots, stripes, checks, dazzling prints and striking florals. Materials to look out for are floaty chiffons, slinky crepe or jersey, crisp cottons and linens. And don't forget black and white for accessories. There are some great finds in this season's essential holiday mules or crossover sandals to add the finishing touch to your black and white summer.

The winner of our recent Debenhams Direct competition is David Rawcliffe of Gateacre, Liverpool.

CAPTION(S):

COOL CHIC: 100pc viscose dress from Bianca, pounds 89; FROM LEFT - PERFECT CONTRAST: Black knit halter top, pounds 45 and white linen skirt with black lace trim, pounds 55, both from Coast SIMPLY STUNNING: White linen jacket, pounds 119 with matching trousers, pounds 69.99, black and white beaded vest, pounds 39.99, from Kaliko PARTY PERFECT: Poppy print dress with detachable corsage by Principles, pounds 65 ON THE SPOT: Spotted shirt, pounds 69.95, from Planet