THE RED MILE

A stroll down Oscar’s red carpet can cause an actress more anxiety than a first date, a prom night and a wedding day all rolled into one.

Even with an entourage of stylists, there’s the fear that a hairstyle will turn hairy, a train will become a train wreck or a designer gown will be deconstructed by the fashion fascists.

But it doesn’t have to be that way. With a few common-sense tips, every star stands a good chance of emerging with a semblance of grace, style and sanity.

THE DO’S

* Think classic and elegant.

Make sure your gown is one for the fashion history books because, good or bad, that’s where it’s going to end up. Remember Helen Mirren’s portrait neckline white satin Armani at the 2002 Oscars? Drew Barrymore’s simple black strapless Versace gown in 2005? And Halle Berry’s sleek, iridescent silver Versace sheath that same year? Follow in the dainty footsteps of these time-tested showstoppers and you’ll do fine.

* Break away from the black pack.

To stand out from the crowd, pick a flattering color. Think Renee Zellweger, who had us at hello at the 2003 Oscars thanks to her red Carolina Herrera with a ruby red ring by Neil Lane. Or Kate Winslet, who looked like the Queen of the Carpet in her “Titanic” blue Badgley Mischka gown in 2005. But soft colors work too. Consider Jennifer Garner’s vintage Valentino gown at the 2004 Oscars (a real peach) or Uma Thurman’s lavender Prada gown in 1995. Just one warning: Steer clear of anything fluorescent.

* Use a full-length mirror -- and enlist a friend with a Polaroid flash camera.

It’s impossible to count the number of actresses who would have been spared serious red carpet embarrassment if they had only carefully checked their gown’s flash points (a flash makes many shades of black look sheer). Julia Roberts, for instance, probably never would have ventured out in that black Armani gown with slit sleeves in 2002 if she’d seen how out-of-shape it made her underarms look. A last-minute check of the dress from the side, rear and front is essential.

* Show a little skin.

Sure, it’s a formal affair, but there’s nothing wrong with looking tastefully hot. Cameron Diaz’s Prada chiffon and gauze gown in 2003 revealed just enough to be alluring without being alarming. In 2004, Zellweger’s white strapless gown by Carolina Herrera showed off her vanilla shoulders.

* Wear (a little) jewelry.

Any dress can use excitement fueled by a unique brooch, a sparkling pair of earrings or a vintage necklace. But don’t pile on everything offered up by the Beverly Hills House of Bling. Remember, jewelry providers want their rocks to outshine you. Don’t let them win. Take a cue from Sharon Stone, whose delicate drop earrings complemented her black Versace gown in 2002. Or Cate Blanchett, whose shoulder brooch by Lorraine Schwartz was just the right touch for her ‘30s-inspired Valentino gown in 2005.

THE DON’TS

* Don’t get too creative. It doesn’t matter if you’re a finalist on “Project Runway,” don’t design your own gown, wear backward clothing or slip into anything that resembles a bird. Remember Bjork’s swan dress at the 2001 Oscars? Of course you do. And who can forget the year Kim Basinger designed her own satin gown and jacket -- with one long sleeve. (That was the same year she was dating Prince, which could explain a lot.) Then there was the time Celine Dion hit all the wrong notes in a “backward” white Christian Dior coat with a white witch’s hat. You and your little dog too, indeed!

* Don’t try out a bizarre new hairdo. March 5 is simply not the time for hair-raising experiments. Oscar has seen enough follicle faux pas: Juliette Lewis’ scalp-baring cornrows; Judd’s wet, sculpted and diamond-encrusted ‘20s number; Juliette Binoche’s flapper finger waves. A loose up ‘do is fine, but don’t fly too high. And leave your color alone, unless you want comments from every fashion critic in the universe.

* Don’t wear a short skirt, pants or anything too sheer or cut too high.

The awards are formal (read your invitation). That means tuxes for men and long gowns for women. I know, I know. But you can’t fight tradition. In 1998, presenter Ashley Judd strode onstage to present in a white Richard Tyler gown slit so high that the audience could almost see London and France. And Angelina Jolie looked too sporty and downright disrespectful in a tailored crisp white Dolce & Gabbana pantsuit in 2001. If one of the sexiest women on the planet can’t pull it off, neither can you.

* Don’t forget foundation. It’s a basic rule of fashion: Everyone needs a little uplift. Hilary Swank’s gold Versace halter gown in 2001 could have used a serious strap shortening. The usually voluptuous Jennifer Connelly was a real letdown in a saggy flesh-colored Balenciaga gown the following year. Embrace the brassiere, or opt for some kind of built-in support.

* Don’t skimp on professional fittings.

Even if your gown is off the rack (hey, it happens), make sure it fits. Penelope Cruz’s Oscar de la Renta gown in 2005 had such a big backside bow and long flowing train that she caused a SigAlert on the carpet. And Gwyneth Paltrow’s baggy pink satin Ralph Lauren prom gown practically had her swimming toward the podium to pick up her 1998 best actress honors for “Shakespeare in Love.”

Elizabeth Snead tracks the party and fashion circuit for The Envelope on her Styles and Scenes blog. She also provides weekly fashion criticism in the site’s Red Carpet Rewind photo gallery.