The Perfect Pageant Dress!

As pageant season approaches, I continually get asked what kind of dress should we wear for the pageant.  My answer is always the same.  As long as it is within the rules and guidelines, it doesn’t really matter.  When I prep the judges for each event at pageant weekend, I go over the exact same information that each contestant and their family receives.  These details are spelled out on page 10 of your magazine #1.  I tell the judges it’s not about the dress on the girl, it’s the girl in the dress.  In my opinion a dress can only hurt a contestant’s score when its not within the rules set forth in the material.  When the judges look at each contestant the only weight the dress carries is whether or not it is within the rules. 

Best time to buy a dress.   The best time to buy a dress is the late spring, sometime after all of your area schools have had their proms.  The department stores and local shops will start to mark down their stock to move what’s left of their inventory.  If you do go shopping for a new dress, find the one that compliments your personality. The more confident you feel in the dress, the more confident you will be on stage in the spot light!

Now keep in mind you do not have to go out and buy a new dress.  Most people already have a dress that they can wear for the pageant.  For the younger ones, if she has ever been a flower girl, most of those dresses will work fine.  For the teens, if you have a prom or homecoming dress, those usually work fine too.

My best advice is don’t stress about it.  In the grand scheme of things the dress matters very little!


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Author: Matt Leverton

Hello, my name is Matt Leverton. I am the state director for the North Carolina, Georgia, South Florida, Tennessee, South Carolina, Kentucky and Oregon pageants for National American Miss.

2 thoughts on “The Perfect Pageant Dress!”

  1. I have never entered on a blog before so I hope I do this correct. Matt you are amazing and how true your advise on the formal wear. And don’t forget to ask for discounts. Especially end of year gowns most always the store will take additional discounts if you only ask.

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