American costume designer Edith Head said it best: “Your dresses should be tight enough to show you’re a woman and loose enough to show you’re a lady.”

Such was the case on the Emmy Awards red carpet on Sunday night, when black and white tuxedo suits, colourful dresses and structured gowns were all on show.

Four women spotted out in the city this week gave us the lowdown on their favourite fashions from the annual event.

Nikki Lowe said it was all about the asymmetrical neckline, most notably worn by rock star Lady Gaga.

“It like that it’s different,” the 40-year-old said. “It’s not your basic, everyday style. It’s more trendy and feminine, but also sexy at the same time.”

Ms Lowe said her style was typically trendy, but she generally just dresses to look and feel good.

“I get inspiration from a lot of places — by looking online, at friends or colleagues and in magazines. I see something I like then look in my closet and see what I have so that I can replicate the look.”

Abigail Perrin, 31, agreed the asymmetrical look was her favourite of the night.

She liked that the colours weren’t “over the top” and it was simple, but still sexy.

When it comes to her own style the reinsurance analyst said she tries to be practical, simple and chic.

“I dress pretty simply, but I accessorise a lot, so that’s what works for me,” she said.

“I try to wear things that are easily accessible, but also transitional from day to night so I can change my shoes or accessories to dress it up for later. I get a lot of inspiration from Pinterest and I’ll sometimes try to copy outfits I like.”

Another big trend on the red carpet this year? Hot pink.

Elena Pogor, 27, said she liked the eye-catching style worn by ‘Mad Men’ actress Elisabeth Moss. “It’s a beautiful colour. It’s very feminine and it’s appropriate for the season, especially seeing it’s still hot outside,” Ms Pogor said.

“My style is similar — it’s definitely colourful. I’ve been told I’m a dynamic person, someone who enjoys life, and that’s what colour reflects to me. It shows off my personality.”

Kristina Crockwell said one of her favourite Emmy looks was the off-the-shoulder style.

The 29-year-old accountant said: “I think the off-the-shoulder look is chic and sexy, but isn’t showing too much.

“I wouldn’t say not showing too much is important to me, but I just feel that a lady doesn’t have to show all her assets to everyone.”

Ms Crockwell described her style as “pretty neutral”.

“I usually just pick what’s easy so my go-to outfit is the same every day — some pants and a top and a belt. I’m very conservative for work and don’t wear dresses for work or anything.

“I usually get inspired from clothing stores, so if I see something in the store on a mannequin then I’ll just get it. I usually buy stuff I like, like pants or a top. I won’t buy a complete outfit that I see hanging up, I’ll style it my own way. So I’ll just buy what I like and pair it together with other pieces in my closet when I wake up to go to work.”

Other trends picked up at the awards show: sunshine yellow gowns; heavily embellished dresses and crisp ladies’ suits with plunging necklines.