Guest Author - Vicky Talbot

Arguably the most glittering, celeb-filled, lavish event in the showbiz calendar, the 80th Annual Academy Awards didn’t fail to disappoint this year with all our favourite Hollywood stars gracing the red carpet in a rainbow of fabulous designer frocks. Turned out in gorgeous couture creations, hair coiffed to perfection and draped in gems, this year’s Oscar super stars have set down some clear trends for the season ahead – pick your award-winning look from our guide to the Oscars Top of the Frocks.

Starlets in Scarlet

From the deep red, ruched frock worn elegantly by Julie Christie to the fire-engine red gown donned regally by Heidi Klum, the hot colour of the night was red in all shades and shapes. A wonderfully versatile colour, Katherine Heigl chose a show-stopping scarlet Marchesa dress to perfect her old-Hollywood look, teamed with Monroe-esque curls and a sexy one-shoulder feature. 2007 Oscar winner Helen Mirren wore a column of red satin custom designed by Georges Chakra and teamed it with silver accessories for a touch of bling. Whether you're young or old, blond or brunette, red is a fantastically flattering colour if you’re brave enough to wear it. If head-to-toe scarlet is too daunting, buy a fabulous pair of red shoes this season and brighten up that LBD with a sexy flash of red.

One-shoulder show-stoppers

If the number of asymmetrical frocks on the red carpet is anything to go by, it looks like the Greek goddess dress is here to stay for another season. Worn spectacularly well by P.S I Love You star, Hilary Swank in an Atelier Versace black one-shoulder dress complete with romantic appliqué flowers on the dainty shoulder strap. Killing two trends with one dress, Anne Hathaway chose a gorgeous one-shoulder Marchesa number in trend-setting scarlet, the delicate neckline decorated with large rosettes giving way to cascades of red fabric in a traditional Greek-style train. The one-shoulder dress is a fantastic summer staple and works well with flat, decorative sandals, preferably of the Greek-inspired sandal kind with intricate strapping and embellishment.

Gowns that glimmer

Best Actress winner Marion Cotillard left her fail-safe selection of Chanel gowns at home and chose a truly original, fishtailed Jean Paul Gaultier gown in bright white and silver with striking, all-over scale detailing. This fantastic creation was spotted by Cotillard in the Jean Paul Gaultier spring shows in black and gold but she chose a glimmering white version for her Oscar debut. Renee Zelwegger also hit the red carpet in a shimmering gown, this time by Carolina Herrera. The petite Miss Potter star looked stunning in this classic strapless dress that shone with thousands of embellished silvery beads. As glamorous as head-to-toe glitz is on the red carpet, it can be difficult to incorporate it into your wardrobe when you’re on a budget. Compromise by investing in a fabulous glitzy clutch and sparkling cuff for a touch of Hollywood glamour.

Beautiful bumps

We can only imagine the dilemma famous mums-to-be must have when deciding their Oscar outfit, yet Cate Blanchett and Jessica Alba looked positively glowing in their flattering, designer gowns. Famous Four star Alba is pregnant with her first child and looked glamorous in a plum-coloured Marchesa dress. Strapless with an empire line that swathed her bump in layers of aubergine fabric, this design featured a flurry of feathers on the neckline which Alba kept simple with minimal jewellery, natural makeup and hair swept up with mini-plaits. Another yummy mummy-to-be, Cate Blanchett wore Dries Van Noten – a beautiful midnight blue dress with floral print and plunge neckline, covered up with a statement chunky necklace. Dressing for formal occasions when heavily pregnant can be a trial but follow the tricks of these stars and choose empire line dresses every time. These flatter your bump and gently skim the body, so if you’re keen to minimize your bump for the occasion, flowing empire line shapes will keep you cool, comfortable and covered.