Casual Wear Impressions and Originality

Choosing a beautiful gown, interview suit, and swimsuit are essential parts of preparing for your pageant. But your casual wear outfits may also be important. When I say casual wear, this not only includes a casual wear competition outfit (which your pageant may or may not have), but also the clothes you wear in non-competitive settings, such as when you're getting breakfast or at rehearsals. You don't need to spend a lot of money on your clothes. However, I encourage you to look polished and to represent your true sense of style. You never know who you may run into. I have encountered judges and pageant officials numerous times in the elevator of the host hotel.

Now, I am definitely not encouraging you to run around the hotel and search for these people in order to impress them with your casual looks. However, if you happen to meet them for a few moments by coincidence, then that's completely appropriate. I honestly don't believe that such encounters will really make a difference in the pageant scores. However, if a judge sees you in a lovely ensemble with a beautiful attitude and a smile on your face, they may carry that impression with them subconsciously. Also, there's no harm whatsoever in simply looking your best and being at your top game throughout the competition. Honestly, I feel unprepared and a little stressed when I am running around the hotel in pajamas and Velcro rollers. Sometimes that look is understandable because of time constraints. But when my look is put-together, I feel put-together. I strive to make an effort for my appearance as long as I have the time.

Here are some ideas for creating your own original casual wear looks (you do not need to use them all; simply choose what feels best for you):

1. Select a muse or two to set a high standard for yourself. One way to create your casual wear look is to find a muse that you keep on your mind while searching for the pieces of your ensemble. Your muse should embody your vision of beauty, fashion, and ideals. Maybe you are inspired by icons such as Sophia Loren or Audrey Hepburn. Or maybe you love the style of a modern celebrity such as Rachel Bilson or Keira Knightley. No matter who you choose as your muse, discover why you chose them as your muse. You can contemplate characteristics; for example, Marilyn Monroe was glamorous and full of life. You may understand their sense of style and personality by studying pictures of them. You could look at photographs of the icons or search through galleries on fansites dedicated to these celebrities to find many images and ideas.
You simply want to keep your muse on your mind as you contemplate your apparel choices. Thinking, 'What would Audrey wear?' may gravitate you towards a chic black turtleneck or something else extraordinary.

2. Borrow elements without being a copycat. One of my inspirations is the show Gossip Girl. However, I am not going to take notes on Blair's outfits and imitate the look perfectly. Instead, I analyze the outfit that I am drawn to and look for what in particular I like. Maybe I really love her trendy blazer or a certain crystal-beaded headband. I want to incorporate one or two elements from her look into my own original look. I do not want to give people the impression of Blair; I want to give others a wonderful impression of me. If you look fresh out of a magazine, you may appear to be stylish, but you may not be properly representing your true sense of fashion and identity. Only risk borrowing one or two elements to prevent a dishonest portrayal of yourself.

3. Personalize your look with pieces from unique places. If you find a perfect bracelet at a vintage shop or purchase an original design from etsy.com, you give yourself an edge in originality. You own something that others have a very small, if not impossible, chance of owning as well. Only choose an item or two that truly stands out to you and feels special.

4. Incorporate a meaningful signature piece into every look. This does not necessarily need to be a 'lucky charm,' but this would be a piece that makes you feel secure. This signature piece would be something that has deep meaning to you and connects to you in a special way. You would want to wear this signature piece as often as possible, so jewelry would be the best route.

5. Consider a charitable item as a part of your look. Maybe the bracelet on your wrist has a portion of the proceeds donated to breast cancer research, or you're wearing a pair of Tom's Shoes, where a pair of shoes is donated to those in need with every pair of shoes purchased. Whatever the case may be, wearing a charitable item reminds you of your kindness and service. Try to support a charity you truly care about, and make sure that you are well-informed about the purpose of your purchase. You may receive a compliment about it, where you could explain the cause to the other person with the hope that they will consider purchasing the product to support the charity.

I hope that these tips will guide you towards polished looks that truly represent who you are. I wish you the best of luck in your next pageant!

-Miss Pageant Prep