Tippy Top heels don’t go with every outfit

Stop trying to make Tippy Tops happen, they are never going to happen! I’ve seen contestants try to wear Tippy Tops, or Teasers as they’re now known, with everything. They are not a classic, goes-with-every-outfit heel. That is why you don’t see celebrities showing up on every red carpet with a pair of them. If you can walk comfortably, and confidently, in them, then you can wear them for a swimsuit competition. Or, if you’re trying to gain a little height, you can wear them under a gown that covers your feet. But, even though you can do something, doesn’t mean you should. There are far more fashionable options out there.

Read even more pageant fashion tips, for pageant check-in outfit ideas, in THIS post.

Choose custom wardrobe carefully

It’s hard enough to find uniquely gorgeous wardrobe from a trusted pageant designer. It’s even harder to find a quality knock-off. There are two common scenarios when it comes to custom clothing. The first is that a contestant buys a high quality piece then tries to add cheap embellishments. The second is that they order a cheap knock-off. When customizing your wardrobe it’s essential to go with a designer that uses quality materials and cares about garment construction. Poor materials, or sewing, is a dead give away for a knock-off design.

Never sacrifice size for style

The fit of your garment is incredibly important. It doesn’t matter how expensive your interview outfit, or gown, is if it doesn’t fit you. This is why it’s so important to measure yourself correctly for custom pieces or save money in your budget for alterations. Many new contestants are surprised when they go shopping and “nothing fits” them. Off-the-rack pieces are based off of a standard measurement. It is up to the purchaser to alter a garment to their unique size. Don’t make a newbie contestant fashion mistake and neglect to have your clothing altered.

Dress for your age division

I do a face-palm every time I see an awesome contestant wear something that is not age appropriate. Dressing in styles that suit your age is an important part of pageant prep. The wrong outfit can make you look too old, or too young. The reason dressing for your age division is important to a judge is because it shows that you are representing women your age. Contestant’s who wear clothing that is not age appropriate will not appeal or relate to young women their age, when out on appearances. So, be careful to choose styles that reflect your age division.

Wear colors that look best on you

Choosing wardrobe colors was confusing when I was a contestant. I heard a lot of conspiracy theories about what colors judges like. Some people said, “winners wear white gowns.” Others would say, “all your wardrobe should be the same color so judges remember you.” It wasn’t until I started judging that I was able to put these ridiculous theories to rest. Here’s the truth. Judges do not care what color you wear, as long as it looks good on you. Behind clothes doors, I’ve heard judges say things like, “I wish she’d worn a brighter color” or “that pink suit was beautiful on her.” But, not once have I heard a judge say something crazy like, “I loved contestant number 5, but I didn’t score her well because she wore the same color yellow as last year’s winner.” When it comes to choosing colors, don’t be a conspiracy theorist. Wear something makes you feel confident, that looks the absolute best on you. End of story.

Want to know more? Watch the episode for more details.