The perfect interview outfit should show and tell the judges who you are before you even open your mouth. Sound a little difficult? Need some help? Look no further. Here are some tips on how to pick the perfect interview outfit for you!
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Different Types of Interviews
When picking an interview outfit, be sure to consider the type of interview your pageant has.
In a panel-style interview, contestants stand in front of a podium. Judges will be able to see your entire outfit, including wrinkles, length, and how flattering it is on you. Because of this, you should choose an outfit that flatters your shape and doesn’t wrinkle easily.
Other systems have a “round robin” interview, in which contestants sit down while interviewing. The judges will only be able to see from your waist up for the majority of the time, so be sure to pick a comfortable dress that isn’t too short, tight or low-cut.
Regardless of what type of interview you’re competing in, your outfit should always be tailored and steamed.
The Style
Interview is the perfect portion of competition to showcase your sense of style to the judges. Remember to be age appropriate.
If you are in the junior division (ages 4-12), look for cupcake-style dresses that are colorful and less form-fitting. The more typical styles in the junior division are dresses and tasteful interview dresses and suits.
The 2017-2018 National American Miss Junior Pre-Teen Jaycee Parker shows off her youthful cupcake style interview dress.
If you are in the senior division (13 and up), you do have a bit more flexibility in your interview attire. It is more likely to see girls wearing form-fitting dresses, rompers, and jumpsuits in the senior division.
Always be conscious of the system that you are competing in! Some systems (NAM, MAC, MAO) prefer more conservative interview attire. Other systems love to see more fashion-forward interview styles (MUO, IJM, UNM, HSA).
The best way to know what style best fits your system is to research! Look at recent titleholders and study the style of their outfits. You can never be too informed!
The Color
The colors a girl picks for her outfits can speak volumes about her! Some girls match the color of their interview outfits to the color of the platform they support, others pick patterns to stand out.
The majority of pageant girls wear bright, solid-colors. It helps take the focus off of a busy print and puts it back on you!
When picking your interview outfit, be conscious of how the color of your outfit will look on your skin tone (especially if you get a tan before competing), and how those colors match with your personality.
As a girl with a pretty bold personality, I tend to wear bright colors (yellows, pinks, oranges, reds) in interview to really communicate that boldness to the judges.
I also love color blocking. My favorite color combinations are as follows:
- Yellow and turquoise
- Pink and purple
- Pastels!
- Black and white! It is tricky to pull off, but with the right outfit and the confidence, you can pull it off!
Miss Malibu Teen USA Kaylyn Slevin throws up a heart in her perfectly color-blocked interview ensemble!
The Accessories
An outfit is never, ever complete without the accessories!
My favorite thing to do when it comes to accessorizing is to match varying shades of colors like baby blue, powder blue, and periwinkle, for example, to create a colorful look!
When picking jewelry, however, it is best to pick styles that aren’t too flashy or distracting. In an interview, the focus should be on you, not on your accessories. Remember that accessories should compliment your outfit and fit together seamlessly.
Miss California Teen USA 2017 Janiece Love is matched all the way to her toes in her fashion-forward interview outfit!
The Takeaway
When picking an interview outfit, be sure to consider the system you are competing in, your age division, and which styles and colors suit you best. Remember to have fun and pick something that represents your style! With preparation, confidence and a killer interview outfit, anything is possible.