It's make-or-break time for Paris Hilton BY JANE RIDLEY Posted Wednesday, June 27th 2007, 11:17 AM Famous for her blank stare and ability to pretend nothing fazes her, Paris Hilton is in a limelight so bright that even she may not be able to keep that famous composure. Her demeanor will be scrutinized by media pundits and millions of viewers. When she fronts up for "Larry King Live" tonight, the party princess will no longer get away with ignoring questions she doesn't like (a trait that has infuriated countless interviewers) or pretending that a gaffe (stumbling, falling or flashing the paparazzi) will promptly be forgotten. The nation's spin doctors are busy debating the image Paris Hilton should project when she takes the hot seat. Is she better off channeling haughty Naomi Campbell or appearing chastened and ashamed, à la Bill Clinton? And what should she wear? Marketing guru Jon Bond of New York-based Kirshenbaum Bond Creative Network wants her to exploit the arrogant, bad-girl reputation that first got her noticed. "She is unlikable and very polarizing - one of the few people where no press is the only bad press," he explains. "She became famous for having sex on a video, copying Pamela Anderson. Going to prison is not an issue at all. The only mistake is that she cried 'Mommy' before she went. All these people who thought she was an empowered chick are now disappointed. She needs to be self-deprecating and not appear victimized. "Her brand isn't: 'Oh, I'm sorry' or 'I'm going to be good from now on.' It's not about weakness. It's the snide superiority she shows on 'The Simple Life.' "She shouldn't have a wide smile on her face. It should be a sneer. Her name is establishment, but she is anti-establishment," continues Bond. "She appeals to teenage girls who want to say 'F- off.' If she acts coquettish, conciliatory and hurt, she is just like them. Not who they wish they could be." Meanwhile, media communications adviser Mary Mayotte believes Hilton should eat humble pie and at least try to look contrite. "She owes an apology to the people she might have killed while driving under the influence, but it has to come from the heart," says Mayotte. "At the moment, she comes across as the poor little rich girl. Not attractive. We don't buy into her half-hearted declaration that she wants to set up a half-way house or work for diabetes or MS. "She needs to tell King about a cause she cares about. Mothers Against Drink Driving, perhaps?" Mary Civiello, another New York-based media coach, does not want to see Hilton in a round-collar jacket with a pious look on her face. "She doesn't have to be her most outrageous, but she has to remember her image is built on being the naughty bimbo. It would be wise to convey her respect for the legal system but a bad idea to blame the media for her predicament." Mary Alice Stephenson, TV host and contributing fashion editor for Harper's Bazaar, would dress Hilton in a smart Calvin Klein jacket, classic-cut Narciso Rodriguez skirt and no accessories. "She should keep it clean and simple, just like Nicole Kidman, Julia Roberts and Angelina Jolie when they appear on chat shows. Black always works," says Stephenson. "I'd tell her: 'Don't wear too much makeup and don't bring your bangles, fur trims, leopard prints - or your dog.' " "Her brand isn't 'Oh, I'm sorry' or 'I'm going to be good from now on.'" From perp walk to perfect walk Ex-jailbird Paris was burning with poise yesterday as she left the Lynnwood jailhouse after her 23-day stay. In a cute and modest outfit (forget Martha's poncho and Naomi's designer frock), Paris proved that perfect posture, a confident stride and a beaming smile are a girl's best assets when departing the big house. With a bear hug for mom, Kathy, while dad, Rick, looks on, and a sweet little wave to shutterbugs, it's as if Hilton is saying: Meet the new me: polite Paris. Checkin' the competition Even Britney Spears can't get enough of Paris. Shortly after exiting a club in the wee hours of Tuesday morning, a bra-flashing Britney grabbed a paparazzo's camera and scanned shots of her former friend. It was a clean-cut Paris that she saw, in an outfit far classier than the see-through shirt Spears wore. Once she reached her car, Spears shed the shirt completely. Whatever you do, Paris, don't follow Spears' crack at a comeback. When you face Larry King tonight, don't break down into a blubbering mess like Spears did with Matt Lauer last June, in what was supposed to be her rebound interview. If you do, you just may end up hanging out in your car and pathetically peeping at pics to see whom the paparrazi love more.