It’s not just the corps de ballet who get to sweep their hair up in elegant plaited chignons.

We can all have in on this effortlessly romantic hairstyle; even those of us with the dancing ability of David Brent.

A plaited updo is surprisingly easy to achieve, yet – and here’s the crux – it looks like it requires a fair dose of finesse.

This time-honoured ‘do will see you through, come cocktail party or catwalk extravaganza (it is Fashion Week, after all).

Arm yourself with a few Kirby grips and a mere five minutes of your schedule for these three variations on the timeless ballet bun.

Darcey Bussell, eat your heart out…

Five-minute tutorials for a plaited ballet bun