The Oscars is all about history. This year, whilst we looked back over the last twelve months of film, we were also partaking in a tradition that began  85 years ago. It is a tradition that does not merely celebrate moments of cinema in isolation. Certain actors and actresses like to remind us, as they wave the much coveted gold figurine above their head in triumph, that this moment marks a significant point in their own personal histories. Some may thank their loved ones for their patience and support through the turbulence of filming, some may reminisce dewy-eyed over audition day all that time ago, some may profess to have dreamt of clasping the little metal statuette in their manicured, set and polished hands from childhood.

This year’s Oscars was no exception. In fact it was especially historic, as Daniel Day-Lewis became the first man to win Best Actor three times for his role in Lincoln, whilst the youngest ever nomination in Oscar history for Best Actress was held by Quvenzhane Wallis for her performance in Beasts of the Southern Wild, a role for which she auditioned at the age of five and finished filming at seven. Papped on the red carpet however, enveloped in deep blue plush silk, she already glows with all the poise of a practised star. Except for her clutch of course. This is not the typical jewel embossed envelope held by the stars, who confidently travel light to the ceremony with just a lipstick and a box of tic-tacs. Wallis’ bag was an over-the-shoulder practical tote in the shape of an Alsatian puppy, given a final touch of girlish glamour with a crystal tiara and a lilac tutu. Wallis may have been chauffeured down the red carpet by Halle Berry, but seems in no hurry to leave her cuddly pals behind. Here we glimpse her personal history; she is a little girl in sparkling setting, embarking on what will no doubt be a very successful career.

The little detail of Wallis’ doggy bag made me realise that The Oscars does not just offer us a little history lesson in cinematography and stardom, but also in fashion. Lining up last night’s best-dressed, a tableau of prints and hues creates a fashion timeline, compressing styles of all ages upon one length of red carpet. Throughout the night, not only do we relive snippets of this year’s best films, but through ‘fabric’ snippets embellishing the dresses of the Hollywood belles, we see a renaissance of chic style features we might have thought to have been relegated to the past. Naturally, we can’t all afford to emulate the stars in genuine Oscar de la Renta or Valentino. However, like Wallis’ little bag, the effect is in the detail. So here are five historical details that shaped The Oscars and should be shaping your wardrobes as we head into warmer climes:

Embellishment

We start our fashion timeline in the Rococo era. Infamously decorative, indulgent and luxurious, this was the age of ‘Let them eat cake’ and Marie Antoinette’s silken bustle. When shopping for yourself, look out for damask or brocade prints, such as the subtle detailing on Alicia Vinkander’s Elie Saab piece.

Alicia Vikander works Saab’s brocade detail

Metallics

With all the texture and glitz of a 1920s flapper dress, whilst still keeping it full-length and sophisticated, Jessica Chastain chose Armani Privé. The gold sequins and hourglass cut transformed her into a living Oscar figurine. For best results when picking sequinned or metallic fabrics, search for matte or antique-looking embellishment. And like Jessica, look out for prints that break the sequin patterning into panels or patterns for a richer finish.

Jessica Chastain dazzles in gold

Bodices

Kristen Stewart proves here in Valentino that even on the red carpet, the ‘underwear-as-outerwear look’ creates a pageant girl 1950s feel which structures and shapes the upper body with a Marilyn-esque frivolity. Choose pale or neutral hues evocative of the boudoir and keep it under-stated and vintage.

Kristen Stewart working bodice lines

Necklines

A more contemporary mark is reached on The Oscars fashion timeline here. Naomi Watts’ Armani Privé dress embodies the recent developments in fashion of the ‘cut-out’, be it around the waist, sleeve or neck of a piece. The clean lines of Naomi’s neckline does more work than any necklace, drawing the eye to her upper body as the designer uses fabric and hemming artistically and imaginatively.

The asymmetric neckline is bold and clean

Red

As The Oscars has always showcased a portfolio of glamorous stars and their work and will continue to do so into the future, the final point on the fashion timeline actually proves to gesture towards the timelessness of particular fashion statements. Bright and utterly chic, Jennifer Anniston’s red Valentino dress was a scarlet waterfall of silk tumbling onto the red carpet in a bold gesture of double crimson.

A beautiful scarlet statement

Red really is a colour that should be worn by all- even Elizabeth I dabbled in the odd cherry hue. If you want to try red but would rather a more subtle statement, take example from Sally Field’s Valentino Haute Couture gown, full and floaty but in a lighter, translucent chiffon fabric for a gentler foray into the ruby palette.

Whilst we can’t pirate films, we can certainly pirate the styles of those who star in them!