There are an infinite number of pageant dresses you can wear to your next competition, but these are 5 pageant dresses you should not wear. Personally, I have nothing against these styles. If you’d like to wear them to Easter at Grandma’s or a graduation party, by all means, go ahead. But, when it comes to dressing fashionably at a pageant, these styles tend to flop and can cost you some points.
This is an incredibly popular girls, skirted, suit set. The suit itself is adorable, and it’s technically not a dress, but it makes the list. I see at least one contestant wear this for interview, at every youth pageant I attend. At one pageant last summer, I saw several contestants wear this set, who all stood beside each other in the contestant line up. Wearing the same outfit as another contestant isn’t the worst thing, but it’s also something you want to avoid because it causes you to blend in with the crowd.
“This color blocked style is not one I recommend.”
Dani Walker
A Calvin Klein interview dress is usually a great option but, this color blocked style is not one I recommend. This particular interview dress comes in a variety of colors. You can find it in stores and on numerous resale sites. Although Calvin Klein makes many pageant appropriate styles, this dress tends to look matronly, especially without alterations.
“A department store “formal” dress is not the caliber of dress, best suited, for gown competitions.”
Dani Walker
Stores like Macy’s and Dillard’s can be great options to find pageant wardrobe for younger contestants, but their attire does not qualify for gown or formal wear competitions. A department store “formal” dress is not the caliber of dress, best suited, for gown competitions. The colors are not usually bright and youthful, the hems are short, and the skirts fall flat. I always suggest opting for a pageant gown designer instead.
“Unfortunately, what usually arrives, is a poorly sewn garment, with plastic rhinestones, and synthetic fabrics.”
Dani Walker
One step above department store “formal” dresses are knock-off pageant gowns you can find on places like Amazon, eBay, or DHgate. The merchants on these sites will usually post an image from an authentic gown designer to lure customers. Unknowing buys will purchase these dresses, at deep discount prices, expecting the dress in the photo to arrive. Unfortunately, what usually arrives, is a poorly sewn garment, with plastic rhinestones, and synthetic fabrics. These knock-offs are no match for an original when it comes to fit, and the way the gown shines on stage; steer clear of them.
“If you want to stand out, shop for your next dress from a pageant designer.”
Dani Walker
Bridesmaid dresses are generally some of the easiest styles to find, for new pageant contestants. This is because many cities have bridal shops, instead of pageant shops. Bridal wear and pageant gowns are two very different styles. Bridesmaids dresses are designed to blend in so that the bride is the center of attention on her big day. Blending in is precisely what you want to avoid at a pageant. If you want to stand out, shop for your next dress from a pageant designer.
Enjoyed this post? Check out 3 signs you’re a Pageant Patty, for more pageant missteps to avoid.
