How do I choose THE ONE?

One of the great things about pageantry is you have the opportunity to meet women and girls from all over the world, literally!  Pageantry is also one of those industries where the reach is "six degrees of separation".  A month ago, I received an e-mail from one of my sorority sisters asking if she could put me in touch with another sorority sister who is now living in the Virgin Islands and will be competing for Mrs. Virgin Islands United States in a few weeks. 

Since connecting, one of the things that we've discussed is "how do I choose the right evening gown?"  The biggest challenge for her is that she has to search for her evening gown primarily online with very little time between purchasing it and the pageant to try it on and get any alterations made.  Because evening gowns are a tricky thing and you have to be very, very careful.   The fact that she is having a hard time finding something in person and is now looking online makes it even more stress.  There are so many things to take into account and think about when making the selection.  What looks good on your friend may not look the same on you.  For women of color, it's even more challenging because most designer evening gown models are don't "look like us", so we have to take extra steps to envision ourselves in a gown.  Most of all, you have to remember that the evening gown should be perfect for YOU, regardless of how the model or another contestant may have looked in it.  

Sampling of evening gowns from the Miss Universe 2007 pageant

Sampling of evening gowns from the Miss Universe 2008 pageant

Sampling of evening gowns from the Miss USA 2008 pageant

There are tons of tutorials out there that instruct on how to choose an evening gown.  But I'd like to add, that when considering your dress, there are few "out of the ordinary" things you should take into consideration like color, weight of the dress, your height, stage set up for your pageant, ease of movement and the peek a boo factor.  Now I know you may be wondering what I mean by peek a boo factor.  Have you ever seen someone on stage in a beautiful plunging gown or a backless gown and they look completely uncomfortable?  Perhaps they didn't purchase the correct double sided tape, or they didn't realize the backless bra they purchased wouldn't truly hold them.

Sassybax: Very Bare Backless Bra by Bare Necessities

These factors, when thought about separately may not be a big deal, but when you combine them - if not addressed properly, they could spell disaster.   If you're a size 2, weighing 99 pounds - that gorgeously adorned Tony Bowls may be too much for your frame.  Instead of gliding and showcasing your gown beautifully, you could wind up looking weighted and worried.

One Shoulder Beaded Tony Bowls Collection Pageant Dress 110C02

You may have dreamed of wearing a orange, lavender, blue or pink gown for your evening gown competition in your pageant.  However, if you plan on tanning (lotion, spray, tanning bed or natural) be sure to take how colors look with different shades of skin into account when selecting your dress.  Will the pale yellow tint you envisioned work if you are three shades darker in early spring as opposed to late summer?

  Spray tanning prevents one from the ill and harmful effects of the ultra violet rays of the sun.

What works in the selection of an evening gown is as unique as the pattern of a snow flake.  As long as you are picking something that works for your body, your comfort level, enhances your confidence and makes you feel like the best you on stage - you can be sure you've chosen the right one!