Selecting a Gown that is Age Appropriate - Teen

Evening gown competition gives you a chance to showcase your own personal style. One to the most frequent mistakes made by pageant contestants is wearing a gown that is not age appropriate. Here are some things to think about when purchasing your competition dress.

If you are a teenage contestant look for a gown with a flowing skirt and a modest bodice. A teenage competition gown should be less form-fitting than a Miss competition gown. An A- line skirt or trumpet skirt are two favored styles in teen pageants, as are sweetheart and strapless necklines. Keep in mind, if you do decide to wear a strapless gown as a teen, it is best to wear your hair down or half up; but never all up. There is nothing worse than seeing a 13 year old look like she's competing at Miss Universe.

Nicole Broderick (left) looks great in this ruby red jewel tone gown.

Mandy Lea Brus (right) chose an age appropriate pastel 

sweetheart gown for the teen competition

 

 

Tara Szczepanski (left) was on the right track going with a 

Jewel Tone gown that compliments her dark skin tone.

Tia Ashton (right) looks like a "Princess" in her tulle 

white sweetheart gown at this teen competition

 

 

Many young women choose colors that are light or pastel. As a teen contestant, you will want to find a color that looks fresh and pop on your skin. Keep in mind your skintone, eye, and hair color when looking at color palettes or color swatches. Some colors like red or black may not be as appropriate for teenage contestants.

No matter what your age, look for a gown that is flattering to your body. Your gown should be elongating, so look for beading patterns that are graceful and flow from the top of the dress all the way down. Beading is best just around the neckline. In this case, less is Best. You want the attention to be on you, not your gown. Usually gowns with distinct color changes or heavy beading around the waist break the line and bring your attention to the waist as opposed to your face.

Also, remember you must have your gown tailored to fit you. You want to wear the gown, don't let the gown wear you. If you are on a diet or working out to prepare for the pageant, you should wait until 3-4 weeks prior to the pageant to get you gown altered. If you gain or lose weight prior to the competition, your gown will not fit you properly.

 

Next month we will take a closer look at age appropriate gowns for Miss Contestants. What you wore as aTeen is not what you would want to wear as a Miss Contestant and we are here to help you transition into the next level of pageantry. If you have any questions on this weeks segment e-mail me at info@pageantdiva.com