Now that all the major gongs have been dished out, it’s time for us to take home the season’s best red carpet style pointers.

IT’S a decidedly First World problem: should actresses stick with what they know and love on the red carpet and risk being labelled boring, or try something daring but face the threat of landing themselves in that seventh circle of fashion hell, the Worst Dressed List?

Increasingly, A-listers are revelling in the jeopardy and we’re seeing more unusual – but still beautiful – gowns. Which is the way it should be, because awards season is about celebrating talent, after all.

Here are the trends that have ruled the red carpet this year, and how to shop them on the high street.

ALL WHITE ON THE NIGHT A host of starlets wowed in white, but cleverly managed to avoid looking liked they’d stepped straight off the pages of a bridal magazine, with carefully placed cut-outs and plunging necklines dialling down the ‘virginal bride’ vibe

CREAM OF THE CROP Crop tops on the red carpet? Really? Why, yes, it can be done, as evidenced by Taylor Swift in a fabulous fuchsia and tangerine bandeau and skirt combination at the Grammys. The key is to choose a crop top in a structured fabric and keep your belly button firmly under wraps. Pair with a flowing high-waisted maxi skirt or sharp tux trousers, and let just a sexy sliver of upper abs show.

RED ALERT The sea of red gowns was split this season, into ruffled and minimalist. The latter works well for slim body types, because you’re going to need a strapless bra, while ruffly frocks show off an hourglass figure to perfection.

RISE AND SHINE Talk about razzle-dazzle – there was a veritable explosion of sequins and shine this season. A shimmering column dress is a sure-fire head-turner for any swanky do. Just make sure the silhouette is sleek and form-fitting; let the sequins do the talking.