You’ve entered your pageant, paid your sponsorship and now received your finalist pack which tells you what outfits you need to compete. Always stick to these if they ask for specific colours i.e don't turn up to a pageant final in an orange dress when it states red, white or blue. Most pageants will include examples of past queen's outfits so take inspiration from these. Chose colours that suit your skin tone and complexion, and what suits your body type. Just because the dress fits, it might not “fit”. let your personality and creativity show through!!
Opening Numbers
The Junior Miss Teens at the Galaxy Internationals Finals
These will either be a dress no longer than knee length of a certain colour or a specific colour top and leggings/jeans. The pageant may supply the opening number. This outfit is usually not judged so don’t worry too much about getting the most blinged out dress when you aren’t being marked.
You will usually be doing some sort of dance number so make sure you can move in it! Also that it doesn't ride up too much (showing your underwear in any pageant round is a no no!)
Fashion/Wow Wear
Ffion Smith- Miss Natural Beauty UK 2017 in Fashion Wear
This is where the high lows come, the swishing and the twirling of the gowns and the two pieces make an appearance. This is your chance to get creative, from one of a kind designs or something you've customise yourself. I’ve seen evening gowns being made into high low masterpieces, outfits with Victoria Secret Angels style wings. Myself included I've made an outfit made out of rose petals (now that was an experience!). You want to get an outfit that really wows the judge and also that you can move comfortably in! Swish, swish, swish!!
Eco Wear
My "Best in Eco" awarded outfit at Miss Wiltshire, made out of books! Photo CMG Photography
The saying, she would look good even in a bin bag applies here! Eco means anything recycled, second hand or borrowed. Think outside the box!
If you are a dab hand at sewing, create a masterpiece! Have a hot glue gun? Create an outfit with receipts, bags, flowers, anything that can be glued! Not feeling as creative or injury prone with a glue gun? Raid the charity shops, search ebay, even go vintage! Just be mindful of the fact eco outfits may shed or break, I've seen a paper dress break apart and another dress with cans revel apart.
If you are competing in Miss England and Miss Earth they will always have an eco round to fit their ethos of their pageants. Other pageants including Miss Beauty Uk, Miss Mystic Beauty and Miss Voluptuous UK Pageant also have an eco round!!
Swimwear
Every pageant girl's worry yet every pageant girl’s best round! You don’t have to wear a bikini, you can wear a one piece if you would like! The same goes for a sarong (although Celene is working hers!). You can chose to go bare, use a sarong, a cape, kaftan, even wings!
Choose a style that suits you, avoid complicated patterns (too distracting) and also be aware of the bottoms riding “up”
National Wear
Miss GB Saffron in her national wear
Most national wear rounds are at International level but I am so glad pageants are using them in their nationals! Pageants such as Miss Beauty UK and Miss International Curve have an national wear round. You can chose to combine all 4 countries for a British theme or dig into the history books. Flags will always feature, have a look at the winning costumes. I won best in national wear in a bearskin hat and Richard the Lionheart staff, I've seen a welsh dragon complete with wings and some amazing UK costumes on the international stage! Try to think as big as possible, the stage shots will be amazing and you will stand out!
Pageant Theme Wear
Red, White and Blue Round at the YEMI finals 2017, Photo by Mantis Photography
Some pageants will have a themed round, for example a colour theme like RWB, or black and white. This round is the same as fashion/ wow wear so bring your A game in Sass!
Evening Wear
Sheri in her evening gown
This round is to be elegant, classy, sophisticated. Chose a gown that suits your frame, making sure it's not too short at the front. This is your chance to be that Disney Princess you’ve always dreamed about. You have a variety of choices from full ball gown, fishtail , gowns with trains, two pieces (age appropriate).
Whether it’s lace, velvet, chiffon, covered in rhinestones and gems (which always look good under the stage lights!) With all outfits practice walking in your gown and match your shoes! (See pageant shoes notes for more details)
The internet will be your best friend for dress inspiration, looking through last final photos and if you are really like the final videos!
Happy dress shopping!
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