Pageant FAQ

What should a pageant contestant wear?

One important point to remember while shopping for your perfect outfit is to think of what shows your PERSONALITY! All the different pageants have different rules about what to wear. Some just require a formal gown, and for others you may need a suit and/or casual wear outfit. You may also have optional contests, such as modeling,  most photogenic, etc. that require different outfits. With a suit, you want to look professional, as if you were going to a job interview. It is hard to show your personality through a suit, but think about colors and the shirt you wear under the jacket. Casual wear is also an outfit to express who you are. With this outfit, you can go with any style, just find what works best for you. If you participate in a sport you could even wear your uniform. Have fun with it! 

Where and when are local pageants held?

Pageants are held all through the year and in many different counties, states, and regions. There are also different levels of pageants. There are county pageants (Fauquier County Fair Pageant), states (National American Miss Virginia), and nationals that are most commonly a forward from states. Within these levels there are age divisions for children and adults of all ages. You can find pageants in your area by researching on the Internet.

• National American Miss Virginia: (Reston, VA) http://namiss.com/findyourstate/VA/
• Fauquier County Fair Pageant: (Fauquier Fairgrounds, VA) http://missfauquier.org/
• Miss Virginia American Coed: (Richmond, VA) http://www.msvaamericancoed.com/About/about.html
• Miss Virginia International: http://www.virginiainternationalpageants.com
• Tiny Miss Virginia: (Charlottesville, VA) http://www.tinymisspageants.com/VaHome.html 

What are the pageant guidelines for formal gowns?

Different pageant organizations have different guidelines. Most of the time, younger age divisions wear tea length dresses, most common with the older divisions is to wear long floor length dresses. Some age divisions also do not allow strapless dresses, backless dresses, or dresses showing midriff. With the rules it is best recommended to contact your pageant director for the guidelines. 

What dress style is best?

For some, finding a dress style can be difficult, while others know exactly what style they want. When looking for a dress, think of what looks best on you and what you feel most comfortable in. Different styles include: a-line, mermaid, sheath, or ball gown. You can wear a simple dress or you can go with beads and sequins all over. Let your personality shine through your dress! If the pageant you are participating in has a website, look at pictures from previous pageants to get ideas for the tone of color or style for your dress. Visit A Formal Affair where a personal sales consultant may assist you in finding the dress for you. 

What hairstyles are appropriate?

Deciding on a hairstyle is one of the easier tasks in preparing for the pageant. It is more recommended to do a simple hairstyle that makes your natural beauty shine. Down with loose curls and off your shoulders is a very popular hairstyle, classic ponytails, or elegant chignons are also popular for pageantry.

What type of jewelry is appropriate?

With jewelry you will not want anything too striking. Chandelier earrings are very popular with pageantry. If you plan on wearing a necklace you would want to stick with something petite and elegant. Visit A Formal Affair to find the perfect pair of earrings to go with your dress.