Women come in many beautiful colors, and so do clothes, and the theoretical combinations are endless. But a few simple guidelines will help most women choose the gown or swimsuit that is right for them.
I want to point out first that these are guidelines, not rules. The human eye is the final judge of beauty, and if the eye is pleased, you throw out the "rulebook," not the garment. But it's a fact that certain colors have a better record than others on the pageant stage.
If you're American, like me, you should find the main colors easy to remember, because they are the colors of the U.S. flag: red, white and blue. White in particular is the one worn by more pageant winners than any other, and it's hard to argue with percentages. White, a "non-color" that reflects light, is flattering to a wide range of skin tones. It's no accident that white robes are part of traditional formal dress in many countries, from Africa to Asia to Europe.
Red and blue are the two closest rivals of white. In bright shades that dazzle the eye, they are especially popular as swimsuit colors. But you want to be careful that an eye-popping garment doesn't outshine you. It is meant to call attention to you, not the other way around.
If you have dark skin, white may look good on you in person but may not be right for the stage. The lighting can reflect so brightly off the white fabric that it makes you "disappear." If so, try yellow, blue or purple.
You don't want to neglect your own skin color. It's not really important what your God-given color is, but it is important that it look natural and even when you compete. There is a special kind of makeup to hide permanent skin discolorations, such as birthmarks. Tan lines are to be avoided. Start working on an all-over tan at least one month out from the competition. Practice personal hygiene (you know what I mean, ladies), so that any part of your body that could possibly be exposed will have a smooth look. Avoid panty hose with swimsuits, so your legs don't have an unnatural sheen.
One mistake that many women make is to wear shoes that match the color of their swimsuit. That should be avoided. The shoes should blend with your skin color. This extends the look of your leg, while footwear that calls attention to itself makes your leg seem shorter. Clear shoes are a very good option.
Let me repeat once more: There are no rules about color, only guidelines. I'm not ordering you to throw away your purple gown. Pageant clothes are not uniforms, and you don't have to look like everyone else. But certain colors do well because they work for a majority of women, and just maybe that includes you.
Love, Dana
Message your makeup and other pageantry questions to Dana.
