How to Choose a Pageant Evening Gown

The evening gown portion of a beauty pageant is all about poise and grace, and one of the best ways to ensure you display these qualities is to choose the perfect dress! When choosing a gown to wear, it's important to find a good balance between expressing that you're standing out from the crowd and reflecting the kind of poise, natural and inner beauty judges are looking for. While the pageant evening gown you choose should be a reflection of your own unique style, there are some common rules you should follow when choosing a dress.Dress Fit & StyleAbove all, your pageant evening gown should flatter your figure and fit perfectly. An ill-fitted, standard sized dress will be easy for the judges to spot, and it will make you stand out like a sore thumb - not the way you want to stand out! A dress which is custom-altered to fit your body exceptionally well will make you feel more confident and will give you more physical poise and grace.The same goes for dress style. The style of your evening gown should compliment your body type, not fight against it. If you want to minimize broad shoulders, choose a dress with a scoop or sweetheart neckline to draw attention away from the shoulders, and consider a halter-top style dress or a dress with sheer sleeves. Likewise, if you want to minimize hips and backside, choose a strapless dress made from a flattering, non-clingy fabric which draws attention to the bodice and waistline. A front slit in the dress is always a nice touch, allowing you to showcase your legs and the elegance of your walk. The skirt of your prom dress with train should have movement, complimenting your steps.Choosing the Best ColorLike style and fit, the color of the dress you choose should be custom tailored to your unique skin tone. Pageant gowns in general should be bright and eye-catching while suiting your own sense of style. Contestants should choose a dress color which compliments their complexion. If you have dark skin tone, for example, autumn and winter colors will likely compliment you best, while those with light hair and skin tones are more likely to look better in summer colors. Before settling on a color, it's a good idea to have your color palette done by a professional.Picking a Dress for Regional vs. Statewide or National Qualifying EventsLocal qualifying events and national pageant events are subtly different, and the guidelines for gowns are somewhat different. Contestants participating on a local level want to appear fresh and new to the pageant scene in front of the judges, so it's a good idea to pick a fresh, youthful style, picking simple elegance over a more embellished look. Statewide and national pageant events are a chance to show off a more experienced persona, so consider choosing a dress that is more elaborate and expressive.Will Sanders is the marketing manager for Wedding Belles Bridal Salon, one of Southwest Michigan's most popular destinations for custom-altered wedding dresses, pageant gowns and designer prom dresses. Located in St. Joseph, the heart of Michigan's Blossomtime pageant events, Wedding Belles specializes in helping you find the perfect dress for your special night.