Pageants
Pageant Wardrobe Guide: What to Wear for Every Phase
A pageant wardrobe is built around the phases of competition. Most pageants include an evening gown and an interview, and many add an on-stage question, an opening number, and a fitness, swimsuit, talent or fun fashion phase, depending on the system. Start with your evening gown, then plan an interview outfit, then everything else, and check your system's rules for every phase.
In This Guide
What Are the Phases of a Pageant?
| Phase | What it is | What to wear |
|---|---|---|
| Evening gown | A walk on stage judged on presence, poise and fit | A floor-length gown, tailored to you |
| Interview | A conversation with the judges, private or on stage | A knee-length dress, suit or pantsuit in a solid color |
| On-stage question | A short answer on stage, often near the finals | Usually your evening gown; check your system |
| Opening number | A group number that introduces the contestants | Often set by the pageant; follow its instructions |
| Fitness, swimsuit, talent or fun fashion | Varies by system and age division | Follow your system's guidelines for each |
Start With the Evening Gown
The evening gown is usually the biggest decision and needs the most lead time for fittings. Choose it first, then build the rest of your wardrobe around its color so your looks feel like one person. Our guide to choosing a pageant gown covers silhouette, color under stage lights and fit.
Then the Interview Outfit
Your interview look should feel like you on your most confident day: a polished dress, suit or pantsuit in one strong color. See what to wear for a pageant interview.
Plan the Rest of Your Wardrobe
- Cocktail or fun fashion: some systems and age divisions include a cocktail or fun fashion phase. This is where a short, beaded or playful dress shines.
- Appearances and events: titleholders and contestants often need outfits for appearances, photos and receptions. A cocktail dress that's comfortable and photographs well is worth having.
- Rehearsal and travel: pack comfortable clothes for rehearsals, and carry your gown in its garment bag rather than checking it.
Pageant Wardrobe Checklist
- Evening gown, fitted and hemmed for your competition shoes
- Interview outfit, plus a backup
- Outfits for any other phases your system includes
- Shoes broken in for every look, with a spare pair
- Undergarments and shapewear for each outfit
- A small kit: safety pins, fashion tape, a steamer, needle and thread
- Garment bags for every gown
When Should I Shop for a Pageant Wardrobe?
Start four to six months before your pageant. For a spring or summer pageant, browse from October to December and choose your evening gown between January and March, then fill in the rest. See the Shopping Guide for the calendar.
Sherri Hill Looks for Every Phase
Most Sherri Hill pageant gowns are in the Couture collection; interview and fun fashion looks are in cocktail dresses. Find a retailer that carries couture with Find A Store. If the store doesn't have your color or size, the retailer can check whether it's available to order.
Style 67128
Evening gown: a strapless gown beaded across the full surface, on a corset bodice, with a slit. Five colors. See style 67128.
Style 46725
Evening gown: a high-neck satin fitted couture gown with an open back and a skirt slit, in aqua with gold. See style 46725.
Style 67199
Cocktail or fun fashion: a halter cocktail dress beaded across the full surface, in light blue ombre. See style 67199.
Style 58175
Interview: a strapless mikado A-line cocktail dress with a pearl neckline and a bow, in 12 colors. See style 58175.
Sherri Hill has dressed titleholders across Miss America, Miss USA, Miss Universe and Miss Teen USA. See On the Pageant Stage.
Shop the Look
Your retailer can check whether a color or size is available to order.
Find A Store
Find a Sherri Hill Retailer
In the United States, Sherri Hill dresses are sold through authorized retailers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do you wear to a pageant?
Most pageants call for an evening gown and an interview outfit, plus outfits for any other phases your system includes, such as an on-stage question, opening number, or a fitness, swimsuit, talent or fun fashion phase.
What should I buy first for a pageant?
Your evening gown, because it needs the most time for fittings and alterations. Build the rest of your wardrobe around it.
Do I wear my evening gown for the on-stage question?
In many pageants, yes, because the on-stage question often follows the evening gown phase. Check your system's format.
How many outfits do I need for a pageant?
One for each phase your system includes, plus a backup interview outfit and outfits for any appearances or receptions.
How do I travel with a pageant gown?
Carry it on in its garment bag rather than checking it, and steam it from the inside when you arrive.
