How to Choose the Right State Costume for a Pageant

Some pageants require that you have a city or state costume. If you have won at the state level, your pageant committee may provide you with a costume. However, there is no set rule that the committee has to do this, especially if the committee does not have enough funds for this purpose. If you are entering as delegate at large, finding a costume is up to you, so here are some tips on choosing the best costume for you.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Research your state's history
• Research previous year costumes

1. Your costume should reflect your title. Chose a costume that is related in some way to the state you are representing.

2. 

   Think of your state’s flower, animal, song, motto, nickname, or what your state is known for. These things can provide different alternatives to choose from.

3. Stay away from recurring themes. If last year’s contestant or previous contestants from your state have chosen your state’s flower, consider a different theme.

4. Choose a simple, lightweight fabric for your costume. The same goes for headpieces. You don’t want to fall over on stage because of the weight or complexity of your costume. Consider if you have to travel a long distance, since heavy costumes do not travel well.

5. Make sure your costume is in good taste. You don’t want to expose more of your body than you have to.

6. Use your creativity. You should not have to spend a lot of money and time on your costume, unless you want to win the state costume award.

Tips & Warnings

• If you need a costume for a single day, consider renting one from a local costume shop. You can also talk to the shop to see if they would sponsor you, this way you can reduce rental costs.
• Never go barefoot. Although the authentic costume might call for it, you are dressing for a pageant show and no contestant should be barefoot on stage.

Resources

• Miss Florida Latina Pageant