Look soon for another column article from Kristin on our next issue of PageantDiva.com.

CONGRATULATIONS! To ALL the Ladies that made the Top Ten at Miss Teen USA.

Did you see what the top 10 finalists wore at Miss Teen USA?  If you didn’t, check out this article, we have taken a critical look at the Evening Gown Competition.  We all can learn from the best, so let’s take a look!

 TOP 10 Finalists                             TOP 5 Finalists

Miss New York USA                        Miss Wisconsin USA

Miss Minnesota USA                         Miss Kentucky USA

Miss Tennessee USA                         Miss California USA

Miss Wisconsin USA                          Miss Maryland USA

Miss Kentucky USA                           Miss Georgia USA

Miss Rhode Island USA

Miss California USA

Miss Maryland USA

Miss Connecticut USA

Miss Georgia USA

Here is a listing of all the Top 10 Finalists in the Evening Gown Competition.  Let’s take a Pageant Diva look at what worked and what didn’t work in the success of this competition. Remember, each state representative has her own style based on her personality and not any one gown selection is totally right or wrong, but individual! The critiques made are based on references defined by the Pageant Diva Series and decades worth of experience in local, national, and international pageantry.

 *Pictures courtesy of www.missteenusa.com

 Here they are in alphabetical order: 

CALIFORNIA - She wore a very age appropriate Teen gown.  The gown appeared to be an off white or ivory pearl color bodice with a strapless demi-sweetheart neckline accented with a gold and crystal bead design. I loved the skirt on her gown; it was a classic Teen appropriate A-Line skirt made of tulle with a nude or champagne colored lining. Just stunning! 

CONNECTICUT - Here is an example of an appropriate evening gown for a Miss contestant, but not appropriate for a Teen.  It is a beautiful gown and she looked great, but the black is a color preferred more for a Miss or Mrs. competitor. Same for the material used to design this gown, a corset style fully beaded strapless black lace evening gown with nude lining, may be considered a bit too mature even at the national level.                         

GEORGIA - What a beautiful blue monochromatic, multi-layered strapless silk gown! This gown reminded me of the white gown Miss Russia wore when she won Miss Universe. On the rack, one might not have chosen this gown; but on, this was the perfect gown for her and would be age appropriate for a Teen, Miss, or Mrs. Competitor. Often times, we refer to choosing your color by complimenting the skin tone, eyes and hair; well, if you weren’t sure what we meant…this is it! The neckline was a strapless straight across empire style accented with one crystal & rhinestone brooch that “held” the many flowing layers of the gown, as they swept across the floor. It looked great and walked well.  Bravo! 

KENTUCKY - She definitely looked like a princess! Her choice was another perfect example of a Teen appropriate evening gown. Her gown was white with a straight across neckline, very simple and elegant with dainty spaghetti straps and a classic A-Line tulle skirt. She wore the gown beautifully, great choice!

MARYLAND - What a gorgeous white gown!  This gown was more form-fitted than most Teen gowns, but as a whole…a winning number.  I loved the almost off the shoulder straps with scoop neckline encrusted in crystals that fade down the bodice.  The neckline sparkled and really brought all the focus right up to her face. Although it was more fitted, the small train in the back of her gown lent itself to an elegant walk.  

MINNESOTA - This Teen evening gown has a nice white bodice with a demi-sweetheart neckline. Being that it was a two-toned white and champagne colored gown, it totally broke her color line at the waist. The drape on the skirting only enhanced the break in color and accentuated the hip area.  This gown has a neat style and would be great for a black tie. 

NEW YORK - The cut of this gown is a true classic Teen gown; it’s strapless, empire, top-fitted design can lend itself to many different body styles and look great.  - Wow! Oh, my goodness! Talk about color! The coral, yellow, and blue floral design is way too much!  I always suggest that you pick one color and stick with it, as a solid or monochromatic design, but never a flashy floral.  

RHODE ISLAND - She wore a very age appropriate white satin squared neck evening gown.  This gown was very flattering on her and still looked very Teen. By design, this traditional gown has thick straps with a square neckline fitted bodice just through the ribcage to accent the waistline. The little bit of sparkle around the neckline was a great finishing touch. This gown was another wonderful example of Teenage appropriate evening gowns for pageant competition. 

TENNESSEE - Great use of color! Burnt orange suites her to a tea.  This color may not look good on you, but with her complexion it works well. This type of well-put-together look can be achieved by picking a color that works with your own skin tone, hair and eye color. Finding the right colors for you will make you stand out and look your best every time! As for the slinky material used to construct this halter style gown, I might of chosen a material that had more structure and was less clingy.  The material in which the gown was made looked like it would be more appropriate for a Miss or Mrs. Competition. In addition, the chain belt is in style and gives a saucy look for a night on the town; but my pageant eye saw a broken color line at the hip area. No belts, please.

WISCONSIN - The winner of Miss Teen USA wore an age appropriate strapless pink gown.  The color of pink was very complimentary to her skin tone and really warmed up her dark features.  The gown she chose is classic for competition with the straight across neckline, tailored bodice and fitted skirt.  The gown wore well and walked well.  This was truly a winning look!

Overall, I think we can all learn from the best and these ladies who made it to top 10 should be very happy with their success. Congratulations, again. If you want that winning edge in the Evening Gown Competition, order the Pageant Diva Series Evening Gown edition sold exclusively at PageantDiva.com.

If you have any questions on this weeks segment e-mail me at kristin@pageantdiva.com.

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