FASHION runways and magazine shoots are the real deal when it comes to setting trends, and then there’s that other thing – the red carpet.

Who hasn’t looked through pictures of glamorous celebrities at awards shows and later on, consciously sought out pieces inspired by these designs?

What makes fashion-watching at awards shows so much more pleasureable than actual runway shows is seeing our favourite actresses and entertainers glammed up in these brilliant gowns.

So far this year we’ve been treated to the People’s Choice Awards, the Golden Globes and the Critics Choice Awards – all of which have given us heaps of ideas to look out for on our next trip to the mall.

Here are a few trends that will definitely appear in our favourite stores in no time:

Bridal chic

It was plain as day this was going to be a major trend this year as soon as Jessica Biel, Kate Beckinsale and Elle Macpherson stepped out onto the Golden Globes red carpet.

The gowns, most of them in white and blush tones with embroidery, lace and beading detailing were just what a bride would pick out for her wedding day.

Elle MacPherson wore this bridal-like Zac Posen gown to the recent Golden Globe Awards

This is going to be a great trend because while many girls fantasise about their own nuptials, not everyone wants to walk down the aisle, so why should they be denied the chance to rock the ‘white dress’ look?

Understated accessories

There was a time when it seemed there was an all-out war on who could wear the largest, and the most, accessories. Chunky rings and bangles in ridiculous colours were everywhere, and earrings hung like sparkling crystal chandeliers from earlobes.

Based on what we spotted on the wrists, ears and fingers of our favourite celebrities on recent red carpets, the world of accessories is taking it down a notch.

less OTT accessories are in

Multiple bangles are still in, though the number has decreased slightly – while detailing is still popular, we’re sticking to no more than three pieces per wrist.

People have finally begun to realise how troublesome chunky rings are (they interfere with typing, texting and driving) and how tedious mile-long earrings can get (they get stuck in your hair and speaking on the phone can actually be painful), so we’re happy to welcome a season of toned-down jewellery.

Strappy shoes

For the longest time strappy shoes were worn for everything – work, clubbing, shopping, events and even trips to the post office. But for several years the trend has taken a backseat to fully-covered pumps.

strappy shoes

Recently, the more demure strappy shoe (gladiators not included) have only been spotted at mainly weddings, engagement parties and secondary school proms.

Thanks to the award ceremonies however, they are soon to make a glorious comeback – expect them back in stores complete with stones, lace, sequins and beads, made to suit every occassion.

Mesh & Lace

Showing skin is always in, but there are increasingly more clever and inventive ways to get around displaying legs, backs and cleavage without looking too slutty.

This is where mesh and lace come in. From covering a teeny-tiny short skirt with a long lace applique sheer skirt to plunging necklines covered by mesh to give out a hint of cleavage, these trends were everywhere on the People’s Choice Awards red carpet.

A great way to show skin without looking too slutty is to try what Miley Cyrus did with this sheer plunging neckline

Incorporating either one of these two elements (or both, if you’re confident enough to pull it off) is great if you want to show skin, but not be too ‘obvious’ about it.