While many of today's Hollywood actresses appear to favour a dressed-down style, we can always rely on Nicole Kidman for va-va-voom glamour and apparently effortless elegance. Whether she's posing on the red carpet or simply heading out for dinner with husband Keith Urban, the 40-year-old actress is never less than stunning.

Even news that Nicole is pregnant hasn't stopped her from taking an obvious pride in her appearance. Over recent weeks, she's favoured slightly looser frocks and tops - but other than that, Ms Kidman's signature style is still very much in evidence. A lunch date in Sydney saw her turned out in a smart, polka-dot knee-length dress: try Blooming Marvellous (www.bloomingmarvellous.co.uk) for similar styles. Or head to Topshop (www.topshop.com) for maternity wear that gives more than a passing nod to oh-so-now trends.

Since her pregnancy announcement, Nicole's also been seen in her trademark combination of fitted trousers with tailored jacket. And as she's proved time and time again, a smart jacket is a great way to 'dress up' an otherwise casual look, such as jeans and flat shoes. Try Oasis (www.oasis-stores.com) or Marks & Spencer (www.marksandspencer.com) for great pieces that won't break the bank.

Still, it's the actress's love for jaw-dropping designer gowns that's really caught our attention over the years. She's made memorable red-carpet appearances in pretty much every label you can think of: Yves Saint Laurent, Gucci, Dior ... But her favourite designers are definitely Chanel and Balenciaga, the fashion house responsible for her wedding gown when she married Keith in 2006.

While designer one-offs may be beyond most ordinary women's bank balances, Nicole does inspire us to keep a lookout for fabulous finds in vintage stores and charity shops. "I collect antique clothes," she reveals. "My mother dressed me in antique clothes from the flea market."

And market finds aren't the only slightly unusual pieces in her wardrobe: Nicole also admits to a penchant for men's pyjamas! "I love wearing beautiful pyjamas, so last night I had on some Frette men's ones," she said recently. "There's something very sexy about them. My favourite clothing is lingerie."

Above all, Nicole isn't afraid to experiment with fashion, and allow her clothes to make a statement without being OTT - and that's what makes her a modern-day style icon.