At Z Couture, we understand how much finding the best pageant gown means to you and your competition. The goal is to stand out and show off your best self. Being on your A-game this pageant season means choosing a pageant gown that fits who you are, your brilliant personality, and fashion-forward style.
When competing as a teen, there are a few tips and tricks to guarantee your dress will impress the judges and wow the crowd. Our Austin store has many expert stylists to assist you with every step of the pageant gown shopping process, helping you find a gown that fits you perfectly and steals the show!
Before you begin your search, we have compiled a pageant gown rundown to help inform your choices.
First, What is a Pageant Dress?
Your pageant gown can be any gown that makes you feel your best and represents who you are. The most important thing your dress must be is a gown you feel good wearing. However, many pageants have a specific dress code to which contestants must adhere.
The evening gown part of the competition usually accounts for 25% of your overall score. The specific requirements for a pageant gown may vary from pageant to pageant, but there are a few general guidelines that most teen contestants can follow to be sure they are in code.
Teen pageant dresses are usually floor-length evening gowns with age-appropriate or modest necklines.
What do Judges Look for in a Pageant Dress?
Pageant judges are encouraged to judge the person before they judge the dress. Teen pageant judges are looking for contestants to be confident and comfortable with who they are and how they carry themselves on stage.
However, time and time again, there is a direct correlation between on-trend, tailored, flattering gowns and teen pageant winners. The dress that emphasizes your personality, and personal style while flattering your body and staying on-trend always scores better in the evening gown competition.
In addition to this, your dress should reflect the culture of the pageant. Regardless of what arena you are competing in, whether you are contesting in a national or a local pageant, it’s wise to consider the pageant's history and review the dresses of winners before you.
Selecting Your Stand-Out Style
Deciding on the style of your pageant evening gown is the first step on the road to success. The best option will bring focus to your face while highlighting your other favorite features. Stay away from dresses that use embellishments, sequins, or ruffles that draw attention to less-than-flattering areas.
It is essential to make sure your teen pageant gown aligns with the theme or image you are trying to project. If you are going for an active, athletic brand, opt for a dress with a sleek body and modest neckline. If your look is powerful and bold, go with a bright color or cutting-edge trend.
While some of the most common choices are often timeless shapes like A-line or mermaid, you should watch the runway to see what styles are hot for your pageant season. It could cost you to take the stage in a gown that follows an outdated trend.
This pageant season, we are noticing fitted pageant dresses, A-line gowns, and gowns with draping trains and even capes taking center stage.
Popular Pageant Colors