Forget The Artist vs The Help, this year the Oscar red carpet was divided into hot reds, frothy mint greens and virginal white gowns. And the winners for best red carpet trends are:

Scarlet womenEmma Stone, Michelle Williams, Natalie Portman and Jane Seymour © Rex Features

Matching the red carpet was the plan for Michelle Williams, Natalie Portman and Emma Stone. Far from blending in, these ladies in red nabbed headlines - Portman in her sweetly starry vintage Christian Dior, Michelle Williams looking just the right side of  bombshell in Louis Vuitton, and Emma Stone in a sweeping, scarlet gown by Giambattista Valli. Not forgetting the magnificent Jane Seymour in glittering, crimson. Fruity reds and pinks work for these occasions because they're attention grabbing, with no compromise on classic elegance.

[Related feature: Oscars 2012 the winners in pictures]

[Related feature: Oscars 2012 red carpet fashion]

Red carpet bridesCameron Diaz, Rooney Mara, Octavia Spencer and Milla Jovovich © Rex Features
What was it with all the white? Variations on wedding dresses were everywhere, from Cameron Diaz's glitzy, oyster coloured Gucci, to Octavia

You know those women who look like they shop on Bond Street, but when you ask where their jacket's from chirp: 'Zara!' They don't shop in a secret high street you don't know about. They just know which high street brands do what, well. Once you're armed with this knowledge you can save hours of shopping stress, by going straight to the good stuff in each shop. Goodbye ill fitting manmade fibres — hello fake designer wardrobe. Here's what to buy where:

Best for: Workwear

If you're office is quite formal head for Reiss and Hobbs — their skirts, jackets and trousers are all office appropriate without looking frumpy. If you work somewhere less conservative, but still want to look pulled together, your best bet is Cos. Their tailoring is spot on, inexpensive and they do excellent copies of catwalk dresses.

Photo: Hobbs London

Best for: Knitwear
Uni-qlo's cashmere and merino wool sweaters are the best on the high street, both for quality and sheer choice. They have every neckline and colour

Stuck in a shopping rut? Try these five style swaps.

Do you always return from shopping with more jeans and another Breton top?

Do you envy other people's clothes, but fear you couldn't carry them off? You're probably stuck in a style rut.

Overhaul your whole look starting with one tweak and you'll find the others will follow. Think how great it feels when you step out of your comfort zone, and try one thing you wouldn't usually next time you're shopping.

If you always wear: Jeans
Try: Leather trousers

Stay with us! Gap and H&M do leather trousers but they aren't the Bon Jovi midlife monstrosities you think. In fact, with a sheer blouse or metallic jumper, they're practically workwear. And if you're wedded to your skinnies, they're the perfect alternative - tomboy-sexy, casual but glamorous and ideal if your legs are your best bit.

If you want to splash out, J Brand's £289 Maria High Rise Coated Skinny is as flattering as its jeans. If not, try Topshop's Shiny Faux Leather Trousers,