Seen on the screen

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Seen on the screen

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Jan 30, 2012

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Who doesn’t want to dress like their favorite movie star — or better yet, a favorite film character? This year, period costumes ruled, but it’s surprisingly easy to channel the ’20s, ’80s and Victorian times with a modern twist. Not all of the films set in those time periods were Oscar-nominated, but if we were in charge, here are the flicks we’d pick for best-dressed. Best Actress nominee and “Iron Lady” star Meryl Streep’s on-screen character, former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, was the embodiment of ’80s power in jewel tones and structured suits. On Oscar night, Streep will surely keep her steely composure, just like Thatcher would: It is, after all, the actress’ 17th nomination. (Of her two victories, the more recent was in 1983 for “Sophie’s Choice.”) If you’ve got a hell of a meeting — or just want to look fierce in the boardroom — take a cue from Thatcher-inspired jackets, which double as body armor. Finish off your look with a power brooch, and you’re ready to rule.

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Christian Dior jacket, $2,450, and Chloé blouse, $995, all at Bergdorf Goodman, 754 Fifth Ave. • Pearl brooch, $448, and button earrings, $348, both at houseoflavande.com

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How ironic that Michelle Williams is nominated for her portrayal of an actress who was never nominated herself — Marilyn Monroe. Maybe the movie’s Marilyn is wearing sunglasses to hide her vulnerable doe eyes from the fotogs. Try this look if you’re hoping to avoid an ex during a Sunday afternoon walk on the High Line with your new lover.

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MaxMara leather trench, $4,250, and Rachel Roy dress, $445, both at Bloomingdale’s, 1000 Third Ave. * Sunglasses, $315 at Vera Wang, 158 Mercer St. * Starburst ring, $48, and earrings, $38, both at sequin-nyc.com

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The Madonna-directed film “W.E.” was Oscar- nominated in just one category — costume design for her stylist Arianne Phillips. Here, a flowery and regal take on Andrea Riseborough’s character, Wallis Simpson, who inspired King Edward VIII to abdicate, makes it easy to see why. Tip: When wearing something this long and flowing, it’s often better to keep your hair up.

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Silk dress, $5,760 at vionnet.com • Rodrigo Otazu necklace, $465 at Henri Bendel • Alice Caviness green and blue drop earrings, $448 at houseoflavande.com Elizabeth Lippman

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Keira Knightley stars as an unbalanced young woman in this psychological drama. This tea-length lace Victorian dress might leave everything to the imagination, but it still made renowned analyst Carl Jung go gaga for her. For modern times, ditch the gloves and the updo, and add tough-looking heels or black flats. Throw on a leather jacket if you’re feeling saucy.

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* Lace-embroidered dress, $783; to order, call Anna Sui NYC at 212-941-8406 * “Clarita” heels, $453 at maloles.com • Antique leather gloves; similar styles available at gaspargloves.com * Yves Saint Laurent pearl button earrings, $498 at houseoflavande.com Elizabeth Lippman

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Set in the ’60s South, this film featured feminine silhouettes created by wide skirts and cinched waists. The key to making the look modern — see our Bryce Dallas Howard look-alike left — is to dial down the hair and makeup to look fresh, not overdone.

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Barbara Tfank Warhol-inspired print dress, $3,915, available by special order at Barneys, 660 Madison Ave.• “Gemma” heels, $325, and “Sweet Zinnia” pendant necklace, $178, both at Kate Spade, 135 Fifth Ave. • “Cayla” clutch, $1,150 at Jimmy Choo, 645 Fifth Ave. • “Cubiste” belt, $325 at Roger Vivier, 750 Madison Ave. • Pearl earrings, $98 for similar styles at sequin-nyc.com • Bow barrette, $28 at Henri Bendel, 712 Fifth Ave. Elizabeth Lippman

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What girl doesn’t want to dress like a flapper — or wear anything Marion Cotillard wears for that matter? Flapper style is of the moment — a ’20s influence was all over the spring runways, from Gucci to Tory Burch and Marc Jacobs.

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* Dress, $9,800, and heels, $1,350, both at Gucci, 725 Fifth Ave. • Selima by V headband, $190 at Bond 07 by Selima, 7 Bond St. * Earrings, $450 at Oscar de la Renta, 772 Madison Ave. * 1920s-style marcasite bracelet, $448 at houseoflavande.com Elizabeth Lippman

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Another 1920s movie, another feast for the eyes. It’s the first nomination for French-Argentine star Bérénice Bejo — and the first silent film in 83 years to be nominated for an Oscar. This long white sheath manages to be utterly modern — without the cloche hat, you could wear it to a gala, or on a stroll in the park come spring.

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* Ralph Lauren Collection dress and hat, both price upon request at Ralph Lauren, 867 Madison Ave., 212-606-2100 * Givenchy diamante drop earrings, $348, at houseoflavande.com Elizabeth Lippman

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