Golden Globes: Charlie on the carpet

As the first major red carpet awards of the year, the Golden Globes have gradually, but inexorably, assumed the role of big sister to the others.

Sartorially and behaviourally, the actor often feels inclined to take the occasional risk at the Globes. New necklines are explored and the general political temperature of Hollywood taken. These are the lessons learned:

The pen is mightier than the dress

Helen Mirren has got that tricky red carpet look for mature actresses down pat. For her next trick, she accessorised her Dolce & Gabbana curve hugger with a fountain pen. Others who stood shoulder to bare shoulder with France include Amal and George Clooney, Diane Kruger and Joshua Jackson, who all flashed the Je Suis Charlie message.

There's a right and wrong way to flaunt cleavage

Kate Hudson's Versace, come-as-a-Hugh-Heffner-groupie probably wasn't it - not with this crowd. But, somehow, Sienna Miller's Miu Miu plunge managed to seem deep and a bit more meaningful.

Dressing too old is a sin often committed

Which is why 26-year-old Emma Stone in her Lanvin onesie was such an invigorating change from the stiff, staid, beige columns that have made so many young starlets look as fresh as a three-week-old vanilla milkshake. Slightly further along the age spectrum, Julianne Moore, Jane Fonda and Jessica Lange all wowed with their phenomenally toned curves.

It's not OK to flash your back, midriff and side boob five weeks after having a baby

The backless, sideless dress worn by Rosamund Pike is as insane as the character she played in Gone Girl, for which she was nominated, not least because it provides no support for her breasts (probably sore from the breast-feeding). File under cruelty to actresses.

Belt Up

Anna Kendrick's skinny red belt stopped her nude Monique Lhuillier gown from veering into Disney princess territory (in her most recent film she plays Cinderella), while Salma Hayek jazzed up a white brocade Alexander McQueen number with a silver metallic waist-cincher.

Life isn't fair

Lena Dunham is unswervingly loyal to her one-time babysitter, the designer Zac Posen. How does he repay her? By garnishing her with an ill-fitting red satin sartorial take on a McDonald's fries box, minus the golden arches.