DRESS LIKE A WINNER

When it comes to their Oscars red-carpet moment, stars must navigate the unspoken rules of the H’wood hierarchy

THE Oscars are the mostst glamorous night of the year. But just because youyou have an invite — or even a nomination — doesn’t give you license to rock the fanciest frock you can find. In fact, industry insiders tell The Post that wearing a custom princess pouf or glittering gold when you’re notnot up for one of the evening’s top prizes could be as much of a faux pas as wearing off-the-rack Zara. Stylist Tara Swennen, who dressed last year’s Supporting Actress winner Allison Janney in a sweeping, sexy scarlet Reem Acra gown, says the best practice for choosing an Oscars outfit is: “Know who you are in the room.” “Essentially,” she says, “if you’re going because your husband was nominated for bestest director, you don’t need to have the biggest gown.” It’s not just the plus-ones who haveave to worry about ruffling feathers, either. “Hollywood is weird about theirir little social rules, and they overinflate the meaning behind certain images,” says Tom Fitzgerald, of the celebrity-celebrityfashion Web site Tom + Lorenzo. “So if you’re showing up on Oscars night as a long shot wearing some gigantic attention--seeking piece of couture, there are peoplele in the room — and people in the press —— who are gonna be like, ‘Hmm, that’s a bit much.’ Lady Gaga experienced this lastst month, when she arrived at the Golden Globes in a periwinkle Val-Valentino confection that requiredd two wranglers to manage the lengthy train — only to lose the acting prize to Glenn Close, dressed in an understated black cape. Dressing a Best Actress

Best Supporting Actress winners often make bolder choices, like 2018 winner Allison Janney in scarlet, and Lupita Nyong’o in sky blue.

Best Actress winners tend toward metallics and neutrals in classic silhouettes, a la Cate Blanchett (near left) and Jennifer Lawrence.