WARDROBE GUILDELINES

COMPETITION

1. INTERVIEW

Your interview will be conducted panel style.  When you are selecting your wardrobe please remember you will be standing in front of the judges for 2-4 minutes. Personality Interviews are just that- about your personality.  Your selection of clothing should also reflect your personality.  You may wear whatever clothing you feel is appropriate for an interview, and you should present yourself in a sophisticated and self-confident manner.  Traditional business attire is not mandatory.

JUDGING for INTERVIEW

Each contestant will spend a minimum of 2 minutes with our judging panel.  They will be trying to gain perspective on you as an individual.  They will be looking for a young woman capable of expressing herself clearly, intelligently, and confidently.  This is your opportunity to impress the judges with your opinions, ability to communicate, and articulate your thoughts.  It is also a great time to show the judges how you handle yourself in front of a crowd.  They are not looking for rehearsed answers. Questions will come from your Contestant Profile, as well as current and newsworthy events.  You will never be judged on what your opinions are but rather on how well you express them.

2. EVENING GOWN

You will need one full-length gown.  This gown should be formal and current in style.  As with your entire wardrobe it should reflect your personality and personal style.  Refer to fashion magazines for style ideas.  Any color is acceptable, but it should always compliment your skin tone and be a color you feel confident wearing.

Take into consideration that you will be competing under intense stage lighting, all gowns should be lined and not at all see-through.  If a gown is found to be see-through you will be asked to wear a different dress.

SHOES- Be sure your shoes are comfortable to walk and rehearse in.  You will also need to practice walking up and down steps in your gown with appropriate shoes.  Scuffing the bottoms of your shoes before you arrive is also highly recommended.

JUDGING for EVENING GOWN 

Poise, elegance, sense of fashion, and style are the overall judging criteria for evening gown.  No single detail of the gown, hair, or make-up should garner attention.  Judges will be looking for a girl who is Red Carpet Ready!

3. SWIMSUIT

Each contestant must provide their own competition swimsuit.  One or two piece is acceptable.  Wear a style that you feel looks best on you.  Solid colors that are flattering to your skin tone are recommended.  As with evening gown remember that you will be competing under intense stage lighting and you need to make sure the suit is lined.  Pageant swimsuits are ideal. 

SHOES- you will need to wear either clear or flesh-toned shoes.  Open or closed toe is fine. 

NO thongs, baby oil, or panty hose may be worn during this portion of competition.

JUDGING for SWIMSUIT

The swimsuit scoring is based on over all physical fitness.  Your body should reflect a healthy, natural, fit, and disciplined way of life.  Judges will be looking for the girl that can be ready for the national competition in a short amount of time.

4. Other Wardrobe Needs

REHEARSAL

Comfortable clothing that is easy to dance, move and practice stage patterns is required.  Rehearsal space can be cool, so layers or at least a sweater of some type is recommended.  Much of the time you will need to wear the respective competition shoes for rehearsing that portion of the show, but also bring comfortable alternative shoes (no flip-flops or loose sandals).   Bare feet will not be permitted. 

SPECIAL EVENTS

Arrival and check in: You will need to wear something that is stylish and comfortable.  You will go directly into rehearsal from check-in.  You may bring something to change into for rehearsal but please know you will NOT be able to check into your room at that time.  We will take care of your baggage.  If you decide to change for rehearsal you will need to have a small separate bag with those clothes and shoes.

Special events:  The Beauty of Georgia Party will be held after the preliminary competition on Saturday evening at the host hotel.  This is an event that will be a celebration of the diversity of the Peach State and the people who make it so special.  You will need to wear an outfit that you feel represents your favorite aspect of our country or region.  For example, you can choose a region, color, or culture.  Dress in Africa Glamour, casual, or a native dress to a region.  This is a great chance for you to express your creativity and style!!

***If you have any questions regarding any of these guidelines please don’t hesitate to contact msusaafrica@yahoo.com