IF WE COULD DRESS THEM...
March 18, 2002

By LIBBY CALLAWAY

March 18, 2002 -- Oscar night is the most important night of the year not only for Hollywood, but for the fashion world, too. Many of us will remember what the actresses wore long after we forget the movies they were nominated for.

(Quick! What was Uma Thurman nominated for when she wore the lilac Prada sheath to the show in 1996? It was Best Supporting Actress for "Pulp Fiction" - and she lost to somebody who was wearing something much less memorable.)

Over the last few weeks, we've been watching the international runways for the kind of dresses that make red-carpet history.

Here, The Post dresses Oscar nominees in looks from the fall 2002 shows.

Marisa Tomei, Best Supporting Actress

At earlier awards shows, the "In the Bedroom" star has opted for fitted dresses. This time around, she should take a more airy approach in a rich-looking eggplant- colored Valentino gown with trendy long sleeves and a sexy, billowy skirt.

Nicole Kidman, Best Actress

Though it's not as flashy as the get-ups she wore in "Moulin Rouge," Kidman would get a lot of mileage out of the black velvet dress Tom Ford showed for Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche. Think black equals boring? Not this sexy, rhinestone-studded shift, which features a V-neck cut low enough to make Tom regret their split.

Sissy Spacek, Best Actress

Some people think it's a cop-out when actresses show up at the Oscars in tuxedos, but I agree with Yves Saint Laurent and his disciples: suits look smart on both sexes. Spacek, nominated for "In the Bedroom," should stay away from boring black and go for a white tux, like this one by Carolina Herrera. The silver lam‚ ruffled blouse is a must.

Renee Zellweger, Best Actress

Last year, the "Bridget Jones's Diary" star wore an antique yellow chiffon number that got a lot of deserving praise. If she doesn't go the vintage route, she should choose a sexy, colorful getup like Versace's ethereal purple, silver and tangerine gown - a colorful frock that would be sure to get her tons of notice.

Kate Winslet, Best Supporting Actress

Kate has great shoulders and beautiful skin. She should show them off in a strapless gown by Diane von Furstenberg. Boring, you think? Get this: it's an amazingly flattering shade of yellow-green and done in corduroy. Beat that!

Source: New York Post