Paris Hilton strikes gold in a dirndl

U.S. socialite Paris Hilton poses for photographers as she arrives for a news conference to promote a new drink in Munich, September 25, 2006. [REUTERS]

MUNICH, Germany - Paris Hilton knows a fetching outfit when she sees one: even if it's something more likely to be found on Bavarian women heading toward church on a crisp Sunday morning in the Alps.

The 25-year-old American socialite, sometime screen siren and budding songstress, showed off a golden dirndl-inspired creation in this Bavarian city famous for its beer drinking and its annual Oktoberfest, which began Sept. 16.

"I've found four of them and bought them," she told photographers before heading to one of the massive beer tents where the libation flows freely, carried aloft by dirndl-wearing bar maids negotiating the crowds with the platters of large, glass steins filled with Bavarian brew.

For once, Hilton was following a trend instead of setting one, and many other women also attended the festival in their best dirndls, a traditional alpine outfit made up of a snug bodice with a low neck wrapped around a lacy blouse, along with a full skirt and apron.

Hilton, who is on a promotional tour for a regional wine producer, said she was enjoying herself and loved being in southern Germany.

"I love Germany and Munich is one of the coolest cities," she said, adding it was her first time at Oktoberfest.

Hilton's latest single, "Turn It Up" is currently No. 6 on the U.S. Hot Dance Music chart.

Caterers at Oktoberfest expect to serve 1.6 million gallons of beer, 500,000 roast chickens and 90 roast oxen to revelers from around the world.

Some 700 stewards and 300 police are on duty at the event, which ends Oct. 3.