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.

It's also prime time for us to gather inspiration for our own black tie events, weddings, proms, and the like, and right now we're spoilt for choice.

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 - Saoirse Ronan in Saint Laurent and Lily James in Marchesa were thinking along the same lines with their Grecian-inspired gowns at the Golden Globes.

Thigh splits, clingy fabrics and fringe detailing are less wedding disco, more disco queen.

:: Phase Eight Lucille Fringe Full Length Dress, £295 (www.phase-eight.com)

:: Karlie Ivory Maxi Dress with Cut Out Shoulder Detail, £250 (ForeverUnique.co.uk)

CREAM OF THE CROP

Crop tops on the red carpet? Really? Why, yes, it can be done, as evinced by Kate Hudson in sparkly Michael Kors at the Golden Globes, and 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.

:: Velette Black Stripe Mesh Crop Top, £15 (www.prettylittlething.com)

:: Adrianna Papell Black Taffeta Mermaid Skirt, £120 (www.johnlewis.com)

RED ALERT

The sea of red gowns was split this season, into ruffled (Fifty Shades star Dakota Johnson, and Brit actress Annabelle Wallis' frill-edged confections at the Baftas) and minimalist (Tina Fey and Amy Adams looked fresh and modern in bright racer back dresses at the Golden Globes).

The latter works well for slim body types, because you're going to need a strapless bra, while ruffly frocks show of an hourglass figure to perfection.

:: Aidan Mattox Red Halter Jersey Column Gown, £320 (www.johnlewis.com)

:: Badgley Mischka Red Peplum Gown, £85 for four days hire (www.chic-by-choice.com)

:: Jane Norman Red Keyhole Necklace Maxi Dress, £65 (www.janenorman.co.uk)

RISE AND SHINE

Talk about razzle-dazzle - there was a veritable explosion of sequins and shine this season, from Brit up-and-comer Bel Powley in rainbow striped Gucci at the Baftas and Saoirse Ronan's bottle green Calvin Klein shimmer, to Kate Winslet's black vinyl-esque Ralph Lauren at the Oscars.

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.

:: Phase Eight Charlie Sequinned Full Length Dress, £325 (www.phase-eight.com)

:: Sonia H Twinkle Dress, £260 (www.sonia-h.com)

YELLOW FEVER

It was the most opinion-dividing trend of the year: while Cheryl's acid bright corset dress was an unmitigated disaster, best supporting actress Oscar winner Alicia Vikander's full-skirted lemon Louis Vuitton was perfectly pretty (even if it did attract comparisons to Belle from Beauty And The Beast).

And Jennifer Lopez's mustard Giambattista Valli Couture capelet gown definitely, well, cut the mustard.

Her golden skin tone helps - on the whole, paler yellow shades suit fairer skin tones and vice versa, but play around with different hues, from neon to warm daffodil, to find your favourite.

:: ASOS SALON Colour Block Cami Maxi Dress, £95 (available beginning of May; www.asos.com)

:: BCBG Max Azria Lemon One Shoulder Gown, £64 for four days hire (www.chic-by-choice.com)

GET THE LOOK

Almost every model on the Saint Laurent SS16 catwalk wore one, meaning a delicate diamante tiara is a spring shopping must. Make like a grunge goddess and style the Glitzy Secrets Classic Romance Tiara, £65, with everything from denim jackets to evening dresses (www.glitzysecrets.com).

BUY IT NOW

River Island has just extended its RI Plus range, meaning 75 trendtastic pieces are now available in sizes 18 to 24. The new line's fronted by Candice Huffine, famously the first plus-size model to feature in the Pirelli Calendar, and is available in larger stores and online now (www.riverisland.com).

:: Rust Tabbard, £38; Jeggings, £40; Beige Suede Tie Up Shoe Boots, £65; and Sunglasses, £13 (www.riverisland.com)

FASHION FLASH

:: BRA-VO BHS!

Working out your correct bra measurement is one thing, but what if you then can't find anything in your size? At BHS' new lingerie superstores, that won't be a problem, as you'll find an extended product range, as well as bra fitting specialists on hand. Opening on March 18, the 15 shops can be found in Aberdeen, Banbury, Cambridge, Chelmsford, Glasgow, Leeds, Maidstone, Milton Keynes, Middlesbrough, Norwich, Oxford Street, Plymouth and Swindon (www.bhs.com).

:: EVERY LBD HELPS

As if you needed another excuse to indulge in some retail therapy, LittleBlackDress.co.uk has pledged to donate £1 to Refuge for every dress sold. The partnership is ongoing, so whenever you choose to go frock shopping, you'll be helping provide vital services for those experiencing domestic violence.

:: The LBD Diane Dress in Lemon, £95 (LittleBlackDress.co.uk)

STYLE STEAL

Need shoes for am upcoming prom/party/wedding, but blown your whole budget on a dazzling dress? Missy Empire has it covered, with envy-inducing heels starting from just £20. We love the Scarlet Nude Leather Feather Ankle Strap Heels, £25, ideal for peeking out under a floor-sweeping gown or showing off under a cocktail frock (www.missyempire.com).