Fashion shoot: Back to black (and white) occasionwear

The best monochrome dresses for every occasion this summer

Lucille midi dress £250, Self Portrait, self-portrait-studio.com; studded heels £49.99, Zara, zara.com

Take the stress out of dressing for a special occasion with monochrome, the most classic of all colour combinations.

As we enter the season of occasion dressing, the thought of what to wear to the races/wedding/garden party are enough to fill even the most ardent fashionistas with fear.

From party ready mini dresses to more formal frocks the simple (and undoubtedly most stylish) answer is to opt for the enduringly stylish combo of black and white.

The great British high street has come up trumps this season, head to under the radar labels like Self Portrait and Finery for something a little bit special. Whilst you can’t go wrong with a whiz around Topshop.

Photographs: Helen McArdle

Styling: Emma Akbareian

Model: Mia at Supa

Makeup: Sophie Higginson at Frank using Bobbi Brown

Hair: Alex Price at Frank Agency using Aveda haircare

Shot on location at Poundon House, an Oxfordshire venue available for weddings, well-being and location hire, poundonhouse.com