As any veteran of the pageant circuit can tell you, there are some severe superstitions in beauty pageants. Ever hear the one about red-soled shoes or doing a pre-talent performance jig? Crazy theories abound. However, none is more powerful or, dare I say, controversial than winning pageant dresses. What color is worn most often by winners? What style do judges favor? What about designer, embellishments, skin-tone match, color scheme? The list could go on forever.
Of course, it’s important to point out that there is no formula for success and no guarantee of winning (that would be way too easy). But we do have statistics. By examining the patterns and trends in notable national and international pageants over the past five years, we can identify what judges seek in an evening gown.
This is not to say that a particular style or color gown wins the title for a contestant; we are simply pointing out that in certain situations, judges tend to respond positively to a particular style, color, or trend.
Winning Pageant Dress Colors
Suppose you’ve ever found yourself asking, “what color pageant dress should I wear?” you’ve come to the right place. We’ve studied the winners and the participants in between to help decide on the best color for Winning Pageant Dress Styles.
One of the most widespread theories of pageantry is that contestants wearing white pageant dresses have a greater chance of conquering the crown. As unbelievable as it might sound, this pageant urban legend might carry a bit of truth… statistically, anyway. In a short study, we returned to 2019 when New York’s Nia Franklin took home the crown.
What was she wearing during the final evening gown competition?
An asymmetrical sleeve white pageant gown, that’s what.
In the same year, Toni-Ann Singh, Miss World 2019, and Andrea Rubio, Miss International 2023, were crowned wearing white sequin gowns. The following year (2019), winners in four major national and international pageants wore white. Sensing a pattern, we took to Google and charted results.
We studied winners from the top 7 national and international pageants: Miss America, Miss World, Miss Universe, Miss USA, Miss Earth, Miss International, and Miss Teen USA. It’s important to note that winners changed gowns for the semi-final and final evening wear competitions. In such cases, the gown worn during the final was used in the study.
Number of winners By Dress Color ( 2019-2024)
| Pageant | White | Blue | Yellow | Red | Pink | Silver | Gold | Black | Purple | Multi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Miss America | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Miss World | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Miss Universe | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Miss USA | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Miss Earth | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Miss International | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Miss Teen USA | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Total | 9 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
Note: The information from the 2020-2021 beauty pageants might need to be completed or included due to the impact of COVID-19. This global pandemic led to the cancellation, postponement, or alteration of many events during this period, affecting the availability and comprehensiveness of the data.
The results found that white was worn a total of 9 times by pageant winners in the last 5 years, far more often than gold and silver pageant dresses (4), blue (2), yellow (1), red (2), pink (3), black (3), Purple (2), or multi (1).
The results of our study also indicated that top pageant dress colors vary by pageant type. For example, white, followed by blue, red, and black, were the favorites in Miss America, with no deviation. On the other hand, Miss USA’s top pageant dress colors were white, gold, and black. Miss Universe and Miss Teen USA were the only pageants with a greater variety of colors, with white being the minority of winning pageant dresses. Deciding if the dress suits the pageant is essential when choosing your gown. Don’t worry; we’ll discuss the topic more later on.
Except for Miss Universe 2019, winning pageant dresses in the past five years have mostly been solid colors. Sequins and other decorations are common, but multi-colored gowns are rare among pageant winners.
Triumphant Pageant Dress Styles And Trends
Opposite of the winning dress color, there isn’t a “winner take all” pageant dress style. Over the last five years, pageant dress styles have changed dramatically due to diversifying tastes and fashions. The most important thing to note when looking for appealing pageant gown styles is the trend. In the last five years, winning gowns have followed central trends characterized by the spirit of the time.
Winning pageant dresses in the late 2000s were characterized by form-fitting silhouettes, strapless bustlines, or spaghetti straps.
In recent years, winning gowns have featured a form-fitting silhouette. For example, Miss Universe 2019, Zozibini Tunzi, wore a stunning multicolor gown. South African earth’s minerals inspired this gown, which was entirely hand-beaded. Four shades of beads mixed at varying degrees of intensity created an ombré effect on the illusion mesh.
To find your victorious pageant gown style, it’s essential to stay up to date with the trends in fashion and formal wear. If you want to win, you have to look current!
Understanding the History of Miss America and Miss USA Trends
When choosing your pageant gown, it’s important to consider the history of the pageant you’re participating in. Two of the most popular, Miss America and Miss USA, have distinct differences regarding winning gowns.
Miss America is a non-profit beauty pageant and the nation’s leading provider of scholarships for young women, according to the official Miss America website. The pageant began in 1921 and has retained its place in the pageant world as a more conservative, academia-oriented pageant. As such, winners of Miss America often wear slightly more modest gowns. The color scheme tends to be more subdued than Miss World or Miss International. And, of course, white-topped the chart as the most popular color worn by pageant winners.
Miss USA is a famous for-profit beauty pageant. A more vibrant answer to the modesty of Miss America’s winning gowns, colors are bright, gowns are flashy, and slits are high. Winning gowns are often more heavily embellished, and silhouettes are form-fitting.
Whether you’re competing in a famous pageant or a local pageant, it’s essential to consider the pageant’s history and study the dresses of the winners before you.
Make a Way For Winning Pageant Dress
Based on our study, we’ve put together a guide to choosing winning pageant dresses, so you’re sure to end the night with a crown.
1. Research the latest trends- Is the dress on trend? Does it capture what’s currently ‘in’ regarding silhouette, cut, color, and fabric? Trends can change subtly (or, in some cases, not so subtly), so you must pay attention and update your look as often as possible.
Create a theme– Do you have a theme for yourself? You’re more likely to be remembered by judges if they think, “Oh, that’s the girl who always wears pink” or “Her evening gown matched her bikini, talent outfit, etc.”
2. Consider the pageant system- Your dress must always reflect the culture of the pageant. Is it more trendy or modest? Research what winners you have worn before to ensure your dress fits.
3. Stick to your budget- Winners spend no standard amount on a gown, but you should be aware of your budget before you shop. Decide the maximum amount you’ll spend on the gown before you shop, and let the store know.
4. Keep your age division in mind- Winning teen dresses differ from Miss or Mrs. dresses. Mrs. tends to be more conservative, while Miss and Ms. can be sexier, depending on the pageant. Make sure your pageant evening gown fits with what is expected in the age division.
5. Choose the color-We’ve discussed color here quite a bit, but one key takeaway is that color does matter. The major pageant winners tend to wear white most often, followed by gold, silver, blue, yellow, and red. It shouldn’t be the only consideration, but colors count!
6. Evaluate the comfort- Despite all of the factors we’ve carefully studied and scrutinized, comfort is by far the most critical aspect of choosing a pageant dress. We don’t mean it’s supposed to feel like your favorite pair of sweats, but do you feel good in the gown? Do you want the world to see you in this dress? Are you ready to strut your stuff in front of judges, competitors, friends, and family and feel confident about what you’re wearing? A pageant dress is all about you, so it’s essential that you like it.
Find Your Winning Pageant Dress
Before you go to the store, you must evaluate and decide on your budget and ideal look. Let the shop assistants know so they can best help you find your winning pageant dress and stay within budget criteria to avoid disappointment. Research online first to find a few of your favorite designers or styles. Bring the list with you to help narrow your search so you can leave with a winning gown. At Terani Couture, we know a thing about winning pageant dresses. Countless pageant winners have worn our gowns, from hometown beauty queens to Miss USA… will you be next?
Wrap Up
While there’s no guaranteed formula for pageant success, analyzing trends and statistics can provide valuable insights. White sequin gowns have shown a notable pattern of success, but other colors and styles also have their moments. Understanding the history and preferences of each pageant is crucial. Ultimately, the best winning strategy involves staying current with fashion trends, choosing a gown that fits the pageant’s culture, and, most importantly, feeling confident and comfortable in what you wear.
