In pageantry, just as in real royalty, the gown is the most important part of a queen's wardrobe. Some contests have very important swimsuit competitions, while some don't have swimsuit competitions at all. But in just about every pageant, there is some sort of gown.
Remember that a gown does not just help you win. It helps you make a first impression on the world after you win. In almost all contests, the winner is crowned while wearing her gown. The first photos that go to newspapers, magazines and PNB will show her in her gown. This garment helps define the queen, so it must be chosen wisely.
There are two questions that every contestant should ask herself about her gown: (1) Is it right for this pageant? (2) Is it right for me?
In general, gowns in teenage pageants can be a little more showy than for adult pageants. That means fuller skirts, chiffon skirts, beaded tops, etc. But teen gowns should be just a step above prom wear, and they should not be too sexy or revealing. Cleavage, for instance, is a way of showing sex appeal, and I advise against it in teen pageants. (Some judges, especially women, may be put off by it.)
In "adult" pageants, there are two kinds of gowns. In competitions such as Miss Universe and Miss World, the watchwords should be "simple," "subtle," "sexy." Here, some cleavage is all right. A long gown is preferable in most cases, with elegant contours. If I were competing for Miss Universe, I would try to keep Princess Grace in mind. She was sexy (and who wouldn't want to be sexy playing opposite Cary Grant?), but she was always a lady.
In Miss America-type competitions, a more traditional look is called for. You don't want to overdo cleavage or any other feature that grabs attention, and you don't want to look too lavish or gaudy. Glamour is important, but you should give an impression of maturity and self-confidence.
A gown may be perfect on paper, but if it isn't right for you, it's a waste of your money. Try on a lot of gowns, take snapshots of yourself wearing them and show these to your friends, to pageant people and even to perfect strangers. (Most people love to give advice!) Pick the one that makes you feel confident and comfortable. And always remember, the gown goes with the crown. Visualize how the gown will look with the shining symbol of victory sitting on your head. You want to create one unspoken thought in the judges' minds: "She's a winner already. All she needs is that crown."
Next time, we'll talk about colors, in gowns, swimsuits and shoes.
Love, Dana
