STAR SHINE; HOLLYWOOD GLAMOUR GIVES PROM FASHIONS THAT SPECIAL TOUCH.

Byline: Barbara De Witt Daily News Fashion Editor

Prom-goers are looking to the stars for inspiration. And the galaxy favorite is Gwyneth Paltrow.

``Everyone is so mesmerized by Hollywood, and this year, more than others, girls are eager to wear the same gowns they see on the red carpet,'' says Dan McCann, spokesman for ABS, the Los Angeles-based manufacturer who's famous for low-priced copies of designer dresses. According to McCann, the overdone glitz of the '80s and the ``goth'' looks of the early '90s are so over, and the younger, fresher look we saw at the Golden Globes and Oscars is, well, prom-perfect.

So perfect, in fact, that ABS owner and design director Allen Schwartz will have several copies of stars' gowns available by the end of the month, including the pink taffeta number with an organza scarf similar to what Paltrow wore to the Oscars.

Also in a think-pink mood is the prom-goer's bible, Seventeen magazine. At a recent Glendale Galleria prom fashion show, Seventeen's merchandising editor, Molly Hover, devoted an entire segment of the program to pink and another to ball gown silhouettes similar to Paltrow's dress.

The prom picture?

Says Hover: ``It's a ball gown with a tulle skirt (or petticoat), a fitted bodice, sparkly chokers, rhinestone studs in the ears, natural-looking makeup and glittery pink nail polish, with hair slicked back into a knot or bun ... just like Gwyneth's.''

But there are other stars and (color schemes) to follow. According to Hover, the Cinderella-style gown worn by Drew Barrymore in ``Ever After'' is also predicted to be a winner. She calls it an Elizabethan style, and it's noted for rich, jewel-toned fabrics, lace-up detailing in the front or back, possibly with a small bustle, and is worn with silvery beaded shoes and a tiara.

Tiaras are still ultra-popular, she says, but crystal-accented hairpins and barrettes, as well as Mellies Sparkles, which attach to the hair with Velcro, are also star-struck looks.

Hover also noted that the '70s influence in films such as ``Velvet Goldmine'' and ``54'' has inspired sleek modern gowns in silver, black and white techno-fabrics that hug the body and look best with stiletto-heeled silver sandals and chandelier earrings.

And for girls who want the flamenco flair of Catherine Zeta-Jones in ``Zorro,'' there are dance dresses in red-and-black lace to be worn with feather boas or fringed scarves. If you're going for this look, Hover says the makeup should be dramatic, with red lips and nails, and maybe even false eyelashes.

As Hover and fashion show producer Lois O'Hern selected gowns for the prom preview, they offered some advice.

``First, don't even suggest a shoulder corsage, or an orchid or carnation style. Most girls still want the wrist corsage with romantic rosebuds or gardenias,'' says O'Hern.

Talking about accessories, both agreed that dyed-to-match satin pumps were out, and that pastel or metallic sandals and mules with dainty ``Sabrina'' heels were in. And forget buying stockings, as bare legs and painted toenails are still fashion-forward.

Small, vintage-looking evening bags accented with beads, feathers or flowers are in, but gloves have not made a comeback, even in this retro-crazy year. ``They're a bother. Besides, girls want to show off their manicures,'' says O'Hern.

Going to the prom in style has always been a pricey project, but Milinda Martin, fashion director for Robinsons-May stores, says parents are in luck this year.

According to Martin, ``A decade ago, girls wanted femme fatale gowns dripping in sequins that were better-suited for a woman of 30, and parents were pushed to spend up to $1,000 for a dress. But now that the look is more ingenue, with more fabric and less beading, prices have dropped.''

The bottom line? Expect to pay from $200 to $500, all of the fashion experts said.

CAPTION(S):

7 Photos

Photo: (1--Cover--Color) On the cover: She's prom-perfect in a lilac taffeta ball gown by Jessica McClintock, $285, at Cache in the Glendale Galleria.

(2--Color) For Spanish flair, follow the fashion pace of ``Zorro'' star Catherine Zeta-Jones: Red sheath by NiteLine, $378, accented with a beaded lace shawl, $170, both from Ames in the Glendale Galleria. Note his matching red vest and tie, a new trend in prom attire.

(3--Color) Inspired by Drew Barrymore's gown in ``Ever After'' is this sage-and-gold striped taffeta ball gown with a lace-up corset, $164, from the Jessica McClintock shop in the Glendale Galleria.

(4--Color) Two-piece gowns have regal appeal in deep jewel tones, $159.98, from Windsor Fashions in the Glendale Galleria.

(5--Color) Think pink is too girlie? Go for the drama of red, whether it's a sheath or ball gown, both by Jessica McClintock.

(6--Color) Be the sophisticate in a black ball gown of sheer tulle and lace, $465, accented with a rose-topped evening bag, $65, from Cachet at the Glendale Galleria.

(7) Prom fashions this year are as varied as those on Oscar's red carpet. Among the newest looks are Cinderella gowns like the butterfly-trimmed design by Cachet, at right, and a rhinestone-accented sheath by Jovani at Devon Becke. For either look, slip into some shimmery sandals.

Photos by David Sprague