Best Evening Gowns in Pageantry: 2016 Edition Share on Social Media

When you're designing your dream gown for your pageant, not only should it be a goal for you to look stunning at your pageant competition, you should also strive to create a gown that lands you on the Top 10 in Pageantry for Evening Gown! If you've never designed a gown before or have no idea what kind of gown would be appropriate for your first pageant, it always helps to take a look at what past winners have worn or what styles have always landed in the top 10 in your pageant system.

Before we dive into the top 10 pageant gowns in 2016, you check out this year's top 10 gowns, here. For now, who doesn't love a good throwback!

Best Evening Gowns of 2016

10. Mrs. Texas Galaxy 2016, Stephanie Hopkins

This evergreen gown is a unique mermaid style with kind of an 80's twist to it. Stephanie's deep blonde hair and accent earrings look gorgeous with this off-the-shoulder, long-sleeved gown!

9. Mrs. Texas America 2016, Sissy Hester

The fabric used for this dress looks beautiful on Sissy, and it really goes well with her tanned skin and light blonde hair. The jewel decor on the abdomen area really wins this gown over, along with its unique design and style. The color and gown is definitely being worn beautifully by Sissy!

8. Mrs. America 2016, Natalie Luttmer

Natalie chose a somewhat simple gown but was able to amp it up with her train and hair style. Her brunette hair stands out against her beautiful white gown. I love the elegance and simplicity of this gown with the sparkle within the bodice design. Gorgeous!

7. Mrs. Arkansas International 2016, Jessica Jackson

You don't see this color blue very often on stage, but wow, it looks amazing on Jessica! The style of this gown is stunning and fits her so beautifully. Her dark hair color is such a great complementary shade to the gown color. The jewels and accents at the top of the gown and around the shoulders are truly stunning. I love this gown and how Jessica is glowing in it.

6. Mrs. Canada World 2016, Jane Gagne

Red gowns look amazing on everyone, especially Jane. She is rocking the off-the-shoulder style, along with the attached train, and it all looks amazing. The jeweled bodice of the gown is beautiful and adds the perfect accent to tie the whole gown together. Jane looks beautiful!

5. Mrs. International 2016, Priscilla Pruitt

This mermaid gown is beautiful, especially with the super long train and jeweled accents along the neckline and shoulders. The pure white color is stunning. It is so simple with some beautiful accents to make it stand out, and Priscilla looks beautiful in this gown! The dark hair looks amazing with the white gown. The crown and sash definitely look great with it, too.

4. Mrs. Royalty International 2016, Stephanie Piller

Bright pink isn't a color you always see on Miss or Mrs. contestants, but Stephanie sure knows how to rock the color and the gown style. The design of the gown is simple but has that ballgown effect with the attached train that wraps around to the front of the hips. The jeweled waistband is beautiful, and her dark, side-swept hair really brings this gorgeous look together.

3. Mrs. Idaho America 2016, Christi Van Ravenhorst

Christi looks so elegant and so stunning in this light sky blue gown. This color and style of gown is a great combination for her short blonde hair. Christi chose a simple gown that makes her stand out on the stage!

2. Mrs. Illinois International 2016, Nicole Zwiercan

This light pink champagne colored gown looks amazing on the beautiful Nicole. The best part about this whole look is how amazing the cape looks and how confident and glowing she looks in this gown. The fabric used for the gown itself is so unique and so beautiful. Nicole definitely stands out in this and is glowing.

1. Mrs. Nevada United States 2016, Marissa Castillo

Marissa has my jaw dropped with this stunning gown! The mermaid style is definitely in style, and all of these Mrs. contestants rock it. Marissa chose a simple style with a bold color and bold fabric choice, which really worked in her favor. Even the way the neckline is styled adds a beautiful effect to the gown. I love this gown choice and Marissa looks so beautiful in it!

Top 10 Ms. Evening Gowns of 2016

10. Ms. Regency International 2016, Danni De-Bear

Perhaps one of the most unique gowns of the year, Danni chose to wear a gown with a full, patterned skirt. The gown also has an intricate neck area with beading that is accented even further due to her updo hairstyle. The patterned skirt is definitely eye-catching but doesn't distract from the beauty of the dress overall, or from Danni herself!

9. Ms. Royalty International 2016, Saryna Ritter

Capes and the color white are both so popular in the pageant world right now, and Saryna's gown is one beautiful example. The form-fitting cut of her gown accents her trim figure, while the cape gives her a "wow" factor and something to play around with a little on stage. The deep neckline and beaded waist add special touches to the gown and contribute to its overall elegance.

8. Ms. Michigan State America 2016, Jessica Mason 

This gown screams "FUN" and Jessica totally works it! Its unique off-the-shoulder design paired with the tight fitting waist gives it a mature, regal look, and the full ball gown skirt gives it an element of youthfulness. The red color of the gown works very well with Jessica's light hair. This gown truly makes her glow.

7. Ms. Galaxy 2017, Rubia Bari

Purple is often thought of as a color of royalty, and Rubia demonstrates this quality flawlessly in her purple gown. The color itself complements her skin tone beautifully. The beaded bodice makes the gown pop, and the mermaid shape accents her curves wonderfully.

6. Ms. America 2017, Oksana Vovk

Again, another great example of a caped gown. Red is a power color in and out of pageantry, and Oksana's gown is an awesome example. The lace detail adds sophisticated beauty to the design, while the sash around the waist and the attached cape contribute a fun, modern twist.

5. Ms. America International 2017, Tracy Rodgers

What pageant girl doesn't love a little (or in this case, A LOT) of sparkle!? The beading is what makes this gown. Intricately beaded from top to bottom, there is no doubt that this dress shines like the sun on stage. The simple cut of the gown fits Tracy very well and does not distract from the detail of the beading. This is a stunner!

4. World’s Perfect Woman 2016, Crystal Gail

The sweetheart neckline of this gown allows for Crystal to wear her beautiful hair down without it taking away from her gown. The pale pink color of her gown goes so well with her dark locks! Additionally, the top part of the gown is heavily beaded, giving Crystal's look some shine that is sure to draw the eyes of any judge.

3. Ms. United States 2016, Mee-Ladie Delgado

Mee-Ladie's gown has all a pageant contestant needs to make jaws drop all over the crowd. It has stunning liquid beading that shimmers from every angle. It has a long, chiffon cape that drapes beautifully behind Mee-Ladie. Lastly, the color of the gown is unique and pairs perfectly with Mee-Ladie's hair color and skin tone. It's no wonder she took home the crown!

2. Ms. World 2016, Laura Hunter

There's a saying in pageantland that "Winners wear white," and that sure seems to hold true in Laura's case! White and gold together are a classic combination, so the beading on her gown is an attractive detail. I especially like how there is detail at the bottom of the dress in addition to the top; it catches my eye and makes Laura stand out!

1. Ms. International 2017, Nova Kopp

When it comes to wardrobe, sometimes color is EVERYTHING. The light blue color of Nova's gown makes literally everything about it pop – the shape, the beaded detail, the fit... all we can say is "wow!" This gown looks like it was made just for Nova and we love it.

Top 10 Miss Evening Gowns of 2016

10. Miss New Mexico, Stephanie Chavez

This electric shade of blue was a complete hit throughout 2016. Many contestants were seen wearing this color on stage. This color looks exceptionally gorgeous against Stephanie's bronzed complexion and dark brown hair. Stephanie's evening gown features the popular column silhouette and overskirt combination with a sweetheart neckline and a statement waistband. The most eye-catching element within this gown is the sequin floral detailed skirt. This gown was a standout at Miss America!

9. Miss Venezuela, Keysi Sayago

Keysi's gown was one of the most dramatic evening gowns of the year. This gown was an absolute show-stopper. A column silhouette cascades over her slim frame while the crystal detailed bodice acts as a cape stretching all the way down to the floor. The second she turns around the crystal detailing immediately catches the audience's eyes. She completed her look with matching white satin gloves and crystal earrings.

8. Miss Earth United States, Corrin Stellakis

Corrin was the picture of pure elegance in this soft and sophisticated evening gown. The unique bodice draws the eye in immediately. It also adds an element of tasteful sex appeal to her overall look. A neutral color palette complemented her fair complexion and dark brown hair. A fitted skirt flaring out slightly at the knee adds excellent movement as she walks.

7. Miss USA, Deshauna Barber

Stepping outside of the box, Deshauna selected a bright yellow and black color combination for her evening gown. Deshauna was one of few contestants who wore a bright yellow evening gown in 2016. However, Deshauna definitely made the right choice because this gown could not look more dazzling on her. The fitted column silhouette accentuates her hourglass figure while the satin overskirt adds dimension and movement to her look. Sometimes harsh patterns like this one take away from the contestant, but Deshauna wears it well.

6. Miss Hawaii USA, Chelsea Hardin

This gown was the inspiration of many gowns to appear on stage in 2016. Chelsea is an absolute vision in white. Her evening gown presents a sexy column silhouette, dramatic tulle overskirt, long sleeves, and illusion mesh all throughout the gown. The modesty of the long sleeves and overskirt are offset by the fitted silhouette and illusion mesh, adding immense sex appeal.

5. Miss Mississippi, Laura Lee Lewis

Laura gave us sex appeal and sophistication in this off-white evening gown. She looked stunning on the Miss America stage in a column silhouette with a plunging vee neckline, tank sleeves, and an elegant partial cape flowing behind her. The most unique aspect of this gown is the fabric. It is entirely sequins and catches the stage lights beautifully.

4. Miss South Carolina, Rachel Wyatt

This evening gown was a huge crowd favorite at Miss America 2016. Rachel looked absolutely angelic and truly dressed the part of a queen in this column silhouette and overskirt combination. The unique detailing and color combination throughout the gown helped her stand out amongst her competition. This gown is definitely one to remember.

3. Miss Colorado USA 1st Runner-Up, Kathryn Dunn

Kathryn is the only contestant on this list to not be a titleholder; however, it's a surprise that she's not considering this incredible evening gown. This breathtaking gown earned Kathryn the number three spot on the list because of its incredible fit and complementary design. The column silhouette could not showcase her hourglass figure any better. The unique detailing, featuring illusion mesh, is bold enough to draw the eye but doesn't distract from her stunning facial features.

2. Miss Yaracuy, Reneta Bello

Reneta's evening gown is one to remember. The electric shade of blue and unique detailing are truly unforgettable. Her evening gown features a column silhouette with a unique ruffled overskirt, one-shoulder sleeve, and silver and blue detailing throughout. Although the details are immense, they all come together to complement Reneta's natural beauty. This gown definitely caught the judges' eyes the second she stepped on stage.

1. Miss South Dakota USA, Madison McKeown

Without a doubt, the most talked about evening gown of 2016 was worn by Madison at Miss USA 2016. This gown took the pageant community by storm with its unique design and color combination. There wasn't another gown like it anywhere. Madison opted to combine two of the most popular colors of the year into her gown and took the column silhouette and overskirt design to the next level. The hem of her gown is a deep royal blue that melts into the white of the rest of her gown. Underneath her dramatic over-the-shoulder cape is an ultra-fitted column silhouette. Madison truly made a statement in this evening gown.

Top 10 Teen Evening Gowns of 2016

10. Teen Face of the Globe 2016, Emily Martin

This gown is totally a princess gown! I love the how the shades fade from white to a light pink on this ballgown. Emily looks beautiful and the details complement her skin tone and hair color so well.

9. World Teen Super Model 2016, Molly-Mae Hague

High necklines are becoming more and more popular in the pageant world, and Molly-Mae is totally rocking the runway in this stunning gown. The shape, texture of the fabric, style and color are perfect all flow very well together. She truly glows in this gown.

8. Miss New Jersey Teen USA 2016, Gina Mellish

This deep royal blue color is stunning on Gina, and it complements her hair color and skin tone perfectly. I couldn't picture her in a better gown! The style of this evening gown is stunning. The bodice holds personality while the bottom half is simple yet adds elegance to the look. The spaghetti straps and off-the-shoulder straps present a gorgeous style detail together. What a gorgeous gown on a gorgeous girl!

7. International Junior Miss Teen (Outgoing), Victoria Piekut

Mermaid style gowns are still in style in pageantry. This white color is stunning on Victoria and even matches her crown and sash so beautifully. I love the off-the-shoulder neckline of the gown. She definitely looked like a true queen in her final walk as the International Junior Miss Teen.

6. Miss Teen Arkansas International 2016, Jessica Johnson

Attached trains on gowns, especially form-fitting gowns, really add a beautiful effect to when done right. Jessica totally rocks this gown! The blue and white color combination is stunning and looks so beautiful with her hair color and skin tone. I love the simplicity of this gown, which allows the detailing to add that wow factor.

5. Miss Teen America 2016, Megan Whittaker

Red gowns look amazing on everyone, and especially on Megan! Not only is this a gorgeous red evening gown, but the style and design are absolutely gorgeous. The large train is stunning, and the bodice design really makes it a winner. The silver and red designs are drop dead gorgeous together. Her styling fits her well, creating a unique and  jaw dropping look!

4. Miss Michigan Teen USA 2016, Unjanee Wells

Unjanee left me speechless with this gorgeous, angelic ball gown. The gold and white color combination looks great together. The detailing of the bodice paired with the long sleeves really give it a stunning effect paired with the ball gown skirt. Unjanee is glowing in this!

3. Miss Teen USA 2016, Karlie Hay

This gown on the Miss Teen USA runway definitely caught everybody's eyes when Karlie walked on that stage. It is definitely something we haven't seen before and didn't expect to see. But all in all, it was jaw dropping in the best way! The yellow in itself is eye-catching, but the style and designs of this gown really made it stand out above the rest. The gown didn't wear Karlie; she wore the gown and rocked it!

2. Miss Teen International 2016, Garin Harris

This is an example of an insanely beautiful mermaid style gown. Garin looks jaw-droppingly stunning in this white mermaid style evening gown. The style of this design looks amazing along with its fabric and designs. She definitely chose her perfect gown for Miss Teen International 2016!

1. Miss South Carolina Teen USA 2016, Marley Stokes

This gown design is definitely unique, and Marley rocks everything about it! The color is a turquoise bright blue that looks stunning on Marley. It makes her smile stand out and works so well with her tan skin and blonde hair. The stripes add a unique touch with gorgeous personality to the whole look. The slit shows the true effect of the gown and how different it really is. Marley looks so amazing!

Top 10 PreTeen Evening Gowns of 2016

10. National American Miss Preteen, Joey McDowell

Joey McDowell’s crowning moment took the pageant internet by storm. It was the perfect picture of happiness and youth, and the confetti was perfectly timed. Joey represented North Texas and wore this sea glass blue gown. It matches perfectly with her blonde hair, which drew all eyes to her stunning face.

National American Miss Preteen, Joey McDowell.

9. National American Miss North New York Jr. Teen, Leeann Perkowski

Leeann opted to wear white when she represented North New York at National American Miss. This 15-year-old is an athlete, and this gown highlighted her shoulders and arms. The gown works as a direct contrast between her dark hair color and tan skin. She really stood out in this piece. 

National American Miss North New York Jr. Teen, Leeann Perkowski.

8. International Junior Miss Preteen, Alyssa Daas 

Alyssa is a 7^th grader and attends school in Queens. She wore a pink A-Line gown with silver detailing on the bodice. The shape of the gown draws attention to her face and her gorgeous smile, while the color provides a youthful element that is perfect for a preteen contestant. Her favorite quote is, “the best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”

International Junior Miss Preteen, Alyssa Daas.

7. International Junior Miss Minnesota Preteen, Maggie Leach

Maggie looks like a true preteen in this gown. The baby blue color paired with the pastel stones along her waistband looks great against her tan skin tone while keeping her look youthful and fresh. It is important not to go overboard with younger contestant gowns, and Maggie did a great job staying true to herself!

International Junior Miss Minnesota Preteen, Maggie Leach

6. National American Miss Houston Jr. Teen, Mary Sickler

Mary Sickler wore a yellow, chiffon-style gown at National American Miss. She represented as Miss Houston Jr. Teen. This color of this gown pops against her skin tone and surely helped her to stand out on stage. I love the detailing on the straps, which includes both thin tank straps and an off-the-shoulder strap that flows nicely over her arm.

National American Miss Houston Jr. Teen, Mary Sickler (left).

5. World Imperial Beauties Preteen, Skye Herbig

Another white entry to this year’s list, Skye Herbig wore this flowy evening gown when she won the World Imperial Beauties Preteen title. This white gown is a classic beauty. The slight off-the-shoulder neckline hugs her shoulders beautifully while keeping the look appropriate for a preteen contestant. Skye looks like a true queen!

World Imperial Beauties Preteen, Skye Herbig.

4. Miss Preteen United States, Kendall Bear  

Another pink evening gown that stood out this year was worn by Kendall Bear. She won Miss PreTeen United States 2016 represented Nevada. She was trained by Jorge Esteban and Candiace for her interview prep. Her gown featured a mesh top with pink flower designs at the top and a crystal belt at the waist. 

Miss Preteen United States, Kendall Bear.

 3. Miss Preteen Princess Louisiana, Regan Davis

Regan's gown features a nude and blue bodice with a full skirt. This was a perfect color against her deep skin tone. This gown easily flowed across the stage to help her take home the crown! 

Miss Preteen Princess Louisiana, Regan Davis

2. International Junior Miss Jr. Teen, Amaiya Allen

Amaiya brought all of the attention immediately up to her face by pairing her white skirt with a contrasting black bodice. Amaiya’s ball gown won her the International Junior Miss Jr. Teen 2016 title. The double-layered skirt presents a unique element to the gown that surely kept her at the top of the judge's minds. This 16-year-old old received the President’s Volunteer Service Award and plans to pursue a career in entertainment journalism. 

International Junior Miss Jr. Teen, Amaiya Allen.

1. USA National Miss Jr. Teen, Kelsey Dube

Kelsey wore this beautiful floral, pink and white evening gown as she represented Connecticut and won the title of USA National Miss Jr. Teen. I love how the flowers are heavy at the bottom and decrease toward the top in an ombre-like style. This gown adds to her youthful appearance with the pink and white color combination. A pink ribbon at the waist helps to separate the top from the bottom, creating an emphasis at her natural waistline.

USA National Miss Jr. Teen, Kelsey Dube