Finding the Perfect Pageant Dress

Is this your first beauty pageant? Feeling a bit lost, especially when it comes to picking out clothes for the competition? Well, fret no more because we're here to tell you a few secrets to help you achieve the best look for your beauty pageant.

First and foremost, it is extremely important for any contestant to dress her own age. If you are competing against girls who are a lot older or a lot younger than you, just keep in mind that the judges know how old you are and they will be able to notice disparities in age and dress. This goes for the evening gown competition and during the casual wear interview.

When choosing your casual wear, make sure that it is age appropriate and suits you in color and fit. You want something that you are able

to comfortably move around in. Also, ask yourself if you actually like your outfit. Does it make you feel good or just awkward? No matter what, you need to make sure that you can sell the outfit and make the judges like it.

Look at the winning dresses of the past. One thing you will notice is that most of them are designed by Sherri Hill. There are a few pictures here of Sherri Hill's recent winners.

And now for the talent competition. No matter what your talent may be, dancing, singing or gymnastics, what you decide to wear is a costume and it will really show off your entertainment style. Your costume should translate the image of your talent and convey a mood for the audience. You do not want to send mixed messages to the judges. They will just be confused and deduct points. If you are doing a singing act, the second you walk on stage sets the mood for the piece. It is a good idea to set the dress specifically to the song that you choose, but do not be literal. If you are singing a classical piece, your costume should be theatrical, especially if you are doing an operatic piece. Something traditional and symphonic-looking is ideal such as a costume with regal colors or rich velvet. For more contemporary songs the costume should just give more to the piece. Broadway or show tunes call for lots of shimmering pieces with rhinestones or glitz. These are the songs you can really have fun with.

If you are playing an instrument for the talent portion, think about the demands of your instrument while playing. If you are playing something like the flute or violin, the judges will focus on your face, so your dress should bring attention to the upper body. Choose a dress that has a detailed neckline, shoulders or sleeves. If the tune you choose to play is energetic and calls for a lot of movement, be sure to choose a dress or costume that allows you to move comfortably. If you are playing the piano, remember that the judges will probably be facing you from an angle or directly towards the piano keys. If they are facing the keys, they will also be facing your back, meaning the back of your dress has to be interesting. If you are facing the judges from an angle, then they will have the chance to also see your face. You will need attention there and also along the torso. Flowing trains and embellishments are going to work best if you are a pianist.

The talent where costume is the most important is definitely dancing, gymnastics or any athletic event. These talents are physically demanding and really need great costumes to reflect the performance's music. There are also many options for costuming that shows off your show biz side. You want whatever you wear to go directly with the music. For example, if you are doing ballet, any classical piece would require a classical outfit, like pink tights and a tutu. But if the song you are dancing to is more modern, pick something that reflects that image. You are giving the judges a real picture and costume, makeup and music all play a part.
Miss USA 2007
Rachel Smith
dress designed by Sherri Hill