Seeing red, white and blue at the Golden Globes

While choosing black and grey gowns has become regular behaviour for those wishing to escape the worst-dressed lists that follow every awards ceremony, last night's red carpet was a spectacular of colour in which Union Jack hues of red, white and blue prevailed.

Resplendent in a column gown cut from stark cream and red silk, Angelina Jolie was a bastion of good taste. As was Heidi Klum, who also played it safe in a long, side-skimming gown by Calvin Klein.

Flying the flag for the red corner, American funny lady Tina Fey dazzled in a plumage-detail gown by Oscar de la Renta, while The Help actress Emma Stone cut a fine figure in a boozy-red dress by Lanvin.

Gallery: Glitz and glamour at the Globes

The losers among last night's apparently patriotic dressers were undoubtedly those who opted for blue. Choosing an icy and unforgiving hue, the usually impeccable Tilda Swinton looked more mother-of-the-bride than style innovator in a fish-tail gown by Haider Ackermann. Looking equally frumpy, actress Michelle Williams wore a midnight blue velvet gown by Jason Wu.

While there's no denying the pallette on display last night was a decidedly British affair, the designers chosen by the actresses were notably not so, with few Brits opting to wear dresses designed on this side of the channel.

US label Zac Posen was a favourite with curvaceous actresses who favour its signature mermaid silhouette, while Italian couture label Atelier Versace was also a popular choice.