This weekend, as ex-Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger prowled around the Monaco Grand Prix in a monochrome backless playsuit, cut precariously around her trim torso to reveal the outer extremities of her pert bosom, she gave the seal of approval to a look that has been gathering momentum lately.



We’ve seen a host of stars such as Gwyneth Paltrow, Scarlett Johansson and Anne Hathaway being early adopters of ‘side cleavage’ on the red carpet.



But this look might not transfer well to the High Street, being best left to the gym-honed physiques of Hollywood’s leading ladies.



If you must, ensure your top fits like a glove to avoid embarrassing wardrobe malfunctions — and never underestimate the value of toupee tape.

Picture research by Claire Cisotti



Side show: Nicole Scherzinger Cheryl Cole, trying for sensual, strains at the seams

A Gwynner, not a loser: Workout-honed Miss Paltrow carries off this space-age, silver satin Prada mini dress in New York with stylish aplomb Road-test your gown first, darling! Anne Hathaway loses her dignity completely. Side cleavage has to be a statement, not an unfortunate accident.

Natalie Portman shows her sexy side in pewter-silk, and gets away with it Carey Mulligan, chic from the front, is just too revealing from the side

Did Lady Victoria Hervey flatter her curves - or just flatten them? Abbey Crouch proves WAGs can be elegantly alluring, and not just vulgar

This pretty gown would look fab if it fitted tiny Konnie Huq Model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley can wear almost anything stylishly