Opposites attract

It’s all black and white this season ... and next, too,

Black and white is the summer’s hottest fashion trend, but it’s going to be even bigger come fall. Here’s how to wear it now, how to wear it in fall and how to make the transition between the seasons.

BOLD RED

There are dark days ahead this fall and winter, at least when it comes to our fashion choices, but there’s a bright spot ahead, too. The season’s hottest accent hue will be true red, a classic look that seems so fitting right now, especially in interesting textures like shiny, luxe patent. Try a subtle flash of red in a nail varnish or go for over-the-top drama with a voluminous overcoat.

NOW: This is a good time to start incorporating red into your look, perhaps with a sultry red lipstick or kicky ballerina flat to pair with a black-and-white summer frock.

THEN: Come fall, red will be the essential accent colour to brighten up your outfit of predominantly black and white. Think big, with an oversized wool coat or fabulous tote bag, and don’t forget the essential details of lipstick and nails. Miu Miu satchel in red patent leather, $1,195, at Holt Renfrew, holtrenfrew.com.

SUMMER WHITES

What could be more summery than crisp, cool white? Whether you wear it head to toe, as an accessory or as an accent piece, white is to summer as black is to the rest of the year.

NOW: For summer, wear white in light, breathable cottons and linen, paired with black or white, and accented with cheerful bright pink, green, cobalt or citrus. White is especially fresh in accessories such as handbags and jewelry. And whatever you do, don’t leave home without the essential white blazer.

THEN: Come fall, white will fade back to a supporting role, rather than a starring one. Think crisp white shirts and subtle details. But you’ll still be able to rock that white blazer — just pair it with black wool, leather or denim rather than light cotton or linen. Summery white blazer, $225, and pants, $155, with necklace, $30, earrings, $16, and ring, $20, all available at select Melanie Lyne stores, melanielyne.com.

GREAT GRAPHICS

Patterns are huge right now, and the best way to make a statement is with a big, bold graphic in black and white. Strong stripes, groovy geometricals and dramatic bands of black and white all look very fresh and of the moment. So does colour blocking, especially when you add a pop of bright colour to black and white. Best of all, you can use this look to highlight the good bits (with white) and minimize the not-so-great (with black).

NOW: Pair your graphic prints with white.

THEN: Pair your graphic prints with

black. Tibi check-patterned dress, $445, and MICHAEL Michael Kors shoes, $158.

BLACK IN BLACK

As we move into fall, white will fade to black, and soon enough, we’ll be pairing our black pants with black jackets, snuggling into black knits and topping everything with a black coat. This fall, black really is the new black.

NOW: Enjoy the light, bright days while you can. Make black just one part of the mix, and go for floaty fabrics like silk georgette. As summer progresses, slowly start adding more black into your wardrobe in, say, a sexy shoe or a great black blazer.

THEN: Know that getting dressed will be ridiculously easy this fall because anything goes — as long as it’s black. Tops, bottoms, accessories, outerwear and, of course, the essential LBD. To avoid that all-too-funereal look, be sure to incorporate lots of texture, especially shiny patent and sparkly studs, as well as a flash of white and an accent piece in red. Black in Black Valentino dress, $450, Overture Judith Leiber clutch, $350, and MICHAEL Michael Kors shoe, $168.