Back Biz: It could be the warm weather, or the winds of fashion -- but many starlets are choosing 50s-style halter-topped dresses.

Just last night, for example, new-mom Cheryl Hines -- back in complete pre-baby figure -- chose a beautiful black-and-white ensemble for the Van Helsing premiere in Los Angeles. Cynthia Nixon (posing for photogs in her trademark slant) chose a classically black halter dress for the Second Stages 25th Anniversary Gala -- but her dress offered up a little surprise -- see-through fabric in the thigh area.

At the event with Nixon, Patricia Kalamber chose a slinky Pepto-pink trimmed with small black ruffles. Oscar de la Renta's daughter chose fire-engine red for the 26th Annual AAfA American Image Awards to Benefit amfAR (held at NYC's Grand Hyatt); Catherine Maladrino chose seafoam green for the same event, and Sarah Hughes (also at Amfar) chose a tie-dyed light blue bit of halter froth.

Signaling Spring: Pastel tanks were the cool-option of choice for "Van Helsing" premiere attendee Amy Yasbeck (who paired her pale pink tank with a lavendar silk skirt), and "Second Stages 25th Anniversary Gala" guest Polly Draper (her lavendar tank was worn over aubergine silk satin pants).

Last Night's Most Beautiful: A tie between two who attended the same event, a very REFRESHED looking Sharon Stone, in a gorgeous red-and-gold ballgown and "Queer Eye's" ubiquitous Carson Kressley (who sported quaint little round tortoise-shell specs). BTW, at that same event, Carson's co-star Jai Rodriquez has shaved his hair for his "summer cut," which is exactly what Monty Province needs right now.