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Style stars can be winners at the Oscars too

(Agencies)
Updated: 2009-02-20 09:10

The red carpet at the Academy Awards is the Superbowl of fashion, with stars emerging after big plays and others sinking after big mistakes.

The stakes are high for actresses and the designers who dress them. Prada began its ascent to a household name on the back of Uma Thurman, and more people probably talk about Sharon Stone's key high-low Oscars outfits than they do about her movies.

And do you ever hear anyone buzzing about Bjork these days unless it's a joke about her bizarre swan getup?

An actress' fashion choice for Hollywood's biggest event will follow her around in photos for a lifetime like a glamorous Giorgio Armani train.

This year's lot of best-actress nominees is a group of lovely ladies who now have a chance to put their own fashion stamp on the biggest Hollywood event of the year. The AP asked stylist and Harper's Bazaar consultant Mary Alice Stephenson to make her own suggestions to the stars about what to wear to make the biggest style splash:

Angelina Jolie in Calvin Klein

Jolie wants people to see her as a fine actress, not a fashion plate, says Stephenson, and that's fine. However, she can still look amazing — thanks to her natural beauty and fantastic figure — while not changing the message.

Simple and sensual is the way for Jolie to go, Stephenson says, perhaps in sleek jersey gown in a flesh tone or smoky gray from Calvin Klein. The gowns designed by Francisco Costa graze the body and look even better moving than standing still.

"I respect the understated glamour, but she also leans to dresses that are very modern, and that's why she's a match for Calvin Klein. In a Calvin, it's about what's not there that makes the dresses really special," she says.

She'd look stunning in an either a plunging neckline or deep, sexy opening in the back — or both — but don't expect her in any sequins, corsetry or bows.

Kate Winslet in Alberta Ferretti

Winslet has looked great this awards season, especially since she's been accessorizing with all those gold trophies, says Stephenson, but each of her gowns have been dark and highly structured, flaunting her curvy figure.

Now might be the time to be a goddess, Stephenson suggests, picking out a bronze ruffle-back gown with retro-style beading. Ferretti gowns have the built-in corsetry of the more architectural styles Winslet seems to favor, but the outward appearance is one of a softer touch.

Winslet's rosy skin would allow her to wear romantic colors, without looking washed out. Stephenson also likes for her a lilac one-shoulder goddess gown and a teal strapless gown with floral beading and soft tiers of ruffle at the bust.

"I'd like to see her feminine and ethereal."

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