6 Eveningwear Lessons We Learnt From The 2018 Awards Season

Photo: Getty

For the ultimate in cocktail chic, red is your jam. Jennifer Hudson, Camilla Cabello and Olivia Munn all worked the shade to dramatic proportions thanks to slim-fitting silhouettes and cinched waists. Red is to be approached with caution, but never underestimate its confidence-boosting powers. Whether you opt for a sexy mini dress or an androgynous blazer, the colour never fails to allure. If you'd prefer a more reserved approach, look to long sleeves and high necklines. Ballet flats are also a great way to dress down the boldness. Jennifer Hudson in Ralph Lauren, Camilla Cabello in Vivienne Westwood, Olivia Munn in Prada Photo: Getty

Feather gown, Emilio Pucci; Midi skirt, Iris & Ink; Jacket, Givenchy; Halterneck dress, Valentino; Colour block dress, Emilio Pucci; Crepe maxi dress, Emilia Wickstead; Suede sandals, Malone Souliers - all from THEOUTNET.COM

A smattering of emerald jewellery is the perfect match for your eveningwear—just ask Reese Witherspoon and co. "I always think of the Hollywood golden era when I see emerald," says Martha. "But if you daren’t wear a full emerald dress, using pops of it in an otherwise ordinary outfit makes for a striking finish." Try a statement earringor add an emerald belt around a black dress or chunky necklace with a cream silk shirt. A jewel embellished flat will also translate the great green message. "Just try to avoid other bright colours with emerald," advises Martha. "It's best to keep it understated for ultimate chicness." Reese Witherspoon wears Gismondi 1754, Zoe Kravitz wears Lorraine Schwartz, Jennifer Lawrence wears Sylva & Cie Photo: Getty

Silk shirt, Iris & Ink; Heels, Malone Souliers; Earrings, Bounki; Trousers, Equipment Femme; Black dress, Jonathon Simkhai; Wrap-style dress, Dion Lee; Earrings, Elizabeth Cole; Handbag, Anya Hindmarch; Satin slides, Miu Miu - all from THEOUTNET.COM

This is one trend guaranteed to breath fresh life into your going-out attire, but do you dare to try a trouser suit? "It’s become less ‘manly’ to wear a trouser suit nowadays—we’ve moved on leaps and bounds since the '70s when the reigning queen of Studio 54, Bianca Jagger, made the front pages wearing a ‘man’s’ suit. It’s now a fitting alternative to a dress and no longer a radical fashion statement." Le Smoking is always a great evening option—think velvet, think satin, think cropped trousers, or flared, or tapered... there’s a viable option for everyone. Eve in Naeem Khan, Claire Foy in Stella McCartney, Anna Kendrick in Balmain Photo: Getty

Stripe trousers, Alice and Olivia; Green blazer, Amanda Wakeley; Black heels, Marni; Black blazer, Alexander McQueen; Check blazer, Alexander McQueen; White blazer, Stella McCartney; White trousers, Stella McCartney; Silver heels, Loeffler Randall - all from THEOUTNET.COM

There’s no denying the world is feeling a penchant for pink right now. The colour continues to make a mark on the catwalks so it’s no surprise to see the trend trickling into awards season too. Now is the time to wear a steal-the-show frock adorned with lace and frills. Or if you’d prefer to keep the Barbie associations at bay, look to a sharply tailored suit. Don't forget the punch of bright pink accessories if you want to make a low-key yet on-point statement. Saoirse Ronan in Louis Vuitton, Kristen Bell in J.Mendel, Kate Hudson in Valentino Photo: Getty

Maxi skirt, Tome; Asymmetric dress, Michelle Mason; Top, 3.1 by Phillip Lim; Suede pumps, Alexander Wang; Lamé dress, Roland Mouret; Velvet gown, Monse; Jacket, Ainea; Clutch, Edie Parker - all from THEOUTNET.COM

Awards season is well and truly embracing glitter, with Chrissy Teigen shimmering at the Grammys and Kerry Washington rocking sparkles at the Golden Globes. But how to do glitzy glamour IRL? "It's safe to say sequins are no longer just for Christmas—slipping into a sequin number is just as fitting for a beach party or a country wedding," says Martha. "You can tone the sparkle down by wearing a flat sandal and go easy on the jewellery. The sequins will speak for themselves, so less is more." Chrissy Teigen in Yanina Couture, Kerry Washington in Prabal Gurung, Nicole Kidman in Giorgio Armani Photo: Getty

Clutch, Edie Parker; Sequin dress, Malene Birger; Silver dress, Diane Von Furstenberg; Embellished gown, Marchesa Notte; Satin dress, Narciso Rodriguez; Earrings, Kenneth Jay Lane; Skirt, Perseverance - all from THEOUTNET.COM

Velvet continues to capture celebrity hearts with the likes of Dakota Johnson and Angelina Jolie rocking the red carpet in the sumptuous material. It's always a favourite throughout the colder months and into the early spring. So how to wear it? “Opt for a loose wide leg trouser, a figure hugging dress, a heel or even a slipper," says Martha. "Whatever you choose, a velvet number will always solve a ‘what to wear tonight’ dilemma. This is because it’s chic in its own right and needs little else for dressing up.” We're sold. Dakota Johnson in Gucci, Angelina Jolie in Ralph & Russo, Rita Ora in Ralph & Russo Photo: Getty

Velvet dress, Rosetta Getty; Ankle boots, Chloé; Strapless dress, Miu Miu; Navy dress, W118 by Walter Baker; Mini dress, Maje; Sandals, Loeffler Randall; Top, Tibi; Midi skirt, Jason Wu; Boots, Laurence Dacade - all from THEOUTNET.COM