She’s Wearing My Dress! The three winning components of your pageant wardrobe

Unless you have your pageant wardrobe custom-made, at some point you may be standing next to a contestant who is wearing the same dress as you. Don’t worry about this. The judges don’t take off points for duplicate dresses. However, the higher score will go to the contestant who looks best in the dress. There are three components every pageant gown, dress and outfit must have to be a winning ensemble.

It’s all about the color, fit and style ladies. All three components must be met for an outfit to be a winning ensemble. When you are shopping for your pageant clothing, whether it’s your interview dress, evening gown, or modeling outfit, your goal is to select an outfit that is most flattering to your skin tone, eye and hair color, and body type.

Color– Everyone has one color that makes them look radiant. It is your job to find the perfect shade of “blue” or “red”, or whatever color it is for you, that makes your skin and eyes glow when you are on stage standing in a sea of women. I’m talking strictly about competition now. Not when you are making appearances or going to high fashion events. To simply choose white because it is a winning color or a risky color because no one else will be wearing it on stage are not good reasons to buy a dress.

Fit– You must have your competition clothing altered to fit your body. Sleeves that are too long or wide, clothing not hugging your natural waist, and the wrong hemline will all cost you points because you won’t look your best. Every person’s body is different. You must find a good seamstress or learn how to sew yourself so you can alter off the rack garments. Your clothes must fit perfectly. Not too tight. Not too loose. Just right.

Style– You need to know your body type and the style of dresses that are most flattering to your body structure. One of the biggest mistakes I see on stage is petite women wearing gowns and dresses that are designed for taller models. Just because it is a great dress doesn’t mean it will look great on you.

If you take your time to find dresses and clothing that are perfect for you, it won’t matter what the other contestants are wearing. You need to look your best. Besides, what you wear on the outside will peak the judges’ interest. What’s on the inside will keep it.