The Emmys may have been somewhat of a damp squib if you aren’t a fan of either Modern Family or Homeland who won gongs across the board in their respective categories but the red carpet offered viewers something far more exciting - a glimpse at how to wear the key trends of next season. Moving away from deeper tones we’ve seen of late it was the bright colours that dominated; the carpet was awash with a variety of bright hues indicating that bold shades are key this season and here are the ladies that wore it well.

Claire Danes in Lanvin, Julianne Moore in Dior Couture

While the belles in blue were for many a fashion critic’s focus come Monday morning it was the ladies in yellow that caught my notice. Claire Dane’s acid yellow Lanvin was beautifully structured for the pregnant actress who won Best Actress in a Drama Series. Despite her growing shape the draped dress gave Danes a beautiful silhouette. Julianne Moore’s Dior gown divided the pundits, with many saying the dress’s boat neck and length was unflattering. Yet the egg yolk colour set perfectly against her titian hair and porcelain skin.

Julie Bowen in Monique Lhuillier and Leslie Mann in Nameen Khan

Julie Bowen went for a draped strapless Dior and like Danes' dress the structure was flattering, the overall look sophisticated and the juxtaposition of a gold clutch was inspired – this colour goes great with metallics. Leslie Mann (before you run off to check IMDB I’ve done it for you; she’s Judd Apatow’s wife and Matthew Broderick’s girlfriend in the Cable Guy) mixed it up a little, the top half of her Nahmeen Kahn Dress featured detailed beading on the white bodice and the lower half was a flowing yellow skirt. 

With so many beautiful varieties of yellow anyone can find a shade to suit. Take heed of the structure – if you want to look like one of these ladies the overall structure should be form flattering rather than a shift style. Metallic accessories work well, but if you’re a true devotee of the bold colour trend, why not colour block? This bright shade adds a fun dimension to a sophisticated look and it is without doubt that this fusion of contrast will become a familiar sight this awards season.