Pageants
What to Wear for a Pageant Interview
For a pageant interview, wear a polished, well-fitted outfit that lets the judges focus on you: most contestants choose a knee-length dress or a tailored suit or pantsuit in one strong, solid color. Keep embellishment and accessories simple, make sure you can sit and stand comfortably, and follow your pageant's rules for the interview.
In This Guide
What Do Judges Look for in an Interview Outfit?
The interview is a conversation, and the outfit's job is to support it. Judges notice whether you look confident, put-together and comfortable. An outfit you keep adjusting, or one that's more memorable than your answers, works against you.
Dress, Suit or Pantsuit?
- A fitted dress is the most popular choice: a sheath, fit-and-flare or A-line that ends near the knee.
- A suit or pantsuit reads as confident and professional, and many contestants feel most at ease in one.
- Two-piece sets work when they look tailored and the pieces stay in place as you sit.
Whichever you choose, do a sitting test: sit down, cross your legs and stand up again. The hem, neckline and waist should stay where they belong.
What Color Should I Wear to My Pageant Interview?
One bold, solid color is the classic choice, because it photographs well and keeps attention on your face. Jewel tones such as red, royal blue, emerald and fuchsia are popular, and so are white, black and rich neutrals. Choose a shade that flatters your skin, and skip busy prints that pull the eye away from you.
How Formal Should the Interview Outfit Be?
Think polished business wear with a little pageant shine, not an evening gown. A subtle detail such as pearls at the neckline, a structured bow or a tailored seam adds interest without distracting. Save heavy beading and sequins for the evening gown.
Shoes, Jewelry and Hair
- Shoes: closed-toe pumps or classic heels in a neutral or matching color, broken in before the day.
- Jewelry: one or two pieces, such as earrings and a simple necklace or bracelet.
- Hair and makeup: polished and natural, styled away from your face so judges can see your expressions.
Check Your Pageant's Rules
Interview formats differ from system to system: some are private panel interviews, others are on stage. Read your system's guidelines for any rules on length, sleeves or pants, and ask your director if you're unsure.
Sherri Hill Looks for a Pageant Interview
These Sherri Hill styles have the clean lines and solid colors that suit an interview. Find an authorized retailer 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 58175
A strapless mikado A-line cocktail dress with pearls along the neckline and a bow at the waist. Structured fabric keeps its shape while you sit and stand. Twelve colors. See style 58175.
Style 58265
A fitted halter cocktail dress with an asymmetrical waistline and a ruched skirt, in 13 solid colors including red, royal and emerald. See style 58265.
Style 58022
A fitted strapless cocktail dress in stretch satin on a corset bodice, in 14 colors. If your system prefers covered shoulders, choose a style with straps or sleeves instead. See style 58022.
Style 58238
A two-piece scuba pantsuit with a corset bodice and a pearl neckline, for contestants who interview best in pants. Six colors. See style 58238.
See more in cocktail dresses and jumpsuits and pantsuits. For the evening gown phase, read how to choose a pageant gown.
For the rest of your competition wardrobe, see the pageant wardrobe guide.
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 should I wear to a pageant interview?
A polished, well-fitted knee-length dress or a tailored suit or pantsuit in one solid color, with simple accessories and comfortable heels.
Can I wear pants to a pageant interview?
In many systems, yes. A tailored pantsuit looks confident and professional. Check your pageant's rules first.
What color is best for a pageant interview?
A bold solid color that flatters your skin, such as red, royal blue, emerald or fuchsia, or a classic white or black. Avoid busy prints.
How long should a pageant interview dress be?
Most contestants choose a length near the knee. Do a sitting test: the dress should stay in place when you sit, cross your legs and stand.
Should my interview outfit have sparkle?
Keep it subtle: a pearl neckline or a structured detail is plenty. Save heavy beading and sequins for the evening gown.
