With red carpet season around, it’s hard to resist a DIY (do it yourself) take. We show you how you can take those flowy feminine numbers or those slinky sexy ones from a movie premiere to the dance floor. The dress might be daringly different, but the key to make it clubby is the right choice of accessories.

But before that, check out if your dress is truly red carpet-worthy...

Does it have one sexy zone — is it dangerously low, dangerously short or dangerously trailing?

Is it big on bling?

Is it a solid colour?

Does it shine?

If your dress gets a thumbs up on three out of the above parameters, congratulations! Your outfit has qualified for the red carpet. Now for the styling.

Clutch

The clutch is an indispensable accessory. Make sure that it is tiny — the smaller the better and the shinier the better still! Prioritise the stuff that goes inside the clutch because nothing looks sloppier than a paunchy clutch. Stick to some plastic money, a couple of notes, cellphone and lip gloss. Keep your nails pretty and hold it gracefully, right side up!

Pendant

Let the statement necklace make a statement at Cannes. In Calcutta, say it with a pretty pendant instead. Slip on a delicate stone or precious metal on to a slim gold chain (take a cue from Kareena at Zee Cine Awards, as seen in picture left) and let it tease your decolletage. It’s cute and classy all at once.

Earrings

Some twosomes are really made in heaven and showy earrings and gowns fall into that inseparabales category. But unlike the red carpet, where it is always drizzling diamonds, in a nightclub, it’s better (and safer) to stick to junk jewellery but without compromising on the shimmer and glitter. The upswept hairdo also plays a vital role in this combo. In a nightclub scenario, a chic ponytail will do, but a bouffant might not!

Five-inch heels

In this day and age of ‘it’ shoes, they are easily the most important add-ons after the clutch. Flats just do not go with the glam look. So raise the bar and walk tall. t2 suggests shiny patent pumps or metallic gladiators. Nothing else will do. Do practise to walk the walk beforehand — you don’t want to be stuck sitting all night.

Etc etc

Make-up has to be red carpet-like too. Keep it bronze. But if experiment is what you like, go with blue, green, orange shadow.... But remember the golden rule — accentuate one feature.

clutch it

Since we have already established that the clutch is the most essential red carpet accessory, here is a close look at some famous fingers that clutched some little beauties. They are the high bling variety, so carry with caution.

From left: burlesque artist Dita Von Teese at a Cannes event, singer Mary J Blige at the same do, actress Kerry

Washington at the Dolce and Gabbana party during the Cannes festival, Tommy Hilfiger’s gal Dee Ocleppo at the Met gala and actress Julia Roberts at the same bash