National American Miss: keeps it age appropriate
One of the best things about the National American Miss program is that we reinforce age appropriate attire for our contestants...and that we have a no-make up rule for girls 12 and under. I thought I would take a quick second to address the TOP 5 age-appropriate attire questions that I often get asked and provide some good examples to better help you all! Also - be sure to check you MAGAZINE #1 to see all outfit rules and regulations!!
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1. My daughter is a Jr. Preteen/Princess, can she wear Spaghetti Straps?
Absolutely. There is no rule against it. However, you want to make sure it is age appropriate. Flower Girl dresses are a great idea for the "perfect pageant gown" for Princess and Jr. Preteen contestants, and it might be something you already have in your closet(possibly what you wore in Aunt Becky's wedding when you were the flower girl) Spaghetti straps are currently "in" on the bridal market for flower girl attire. While you don't necessarily have to get a flower girl dress, there are all kinds of ideal age appropriate little girl pageant dresses that do have spaghetti straps. Here are some good examples:
2. Im a Preteen(ages 10-12), is it OK if I wear a strapless dress for my formal wear?
Absolutely. There is no rule against it. However, you want to make sure it is age appropriate. Don't go to the extreme and wear what your older sister wore for prom(that might be a little out of your element in regards to being appropriate). However, I see preteens in strapless dresses all the time. Check out some great examples:
3. Im a Jr. Teen/Teen, can I have a slit in my dress?
Absolutely. There is no rule against it. Slits are acceptable, however make sure that your slit is appropriate...and not too high. If grandpa doesn't approve, then maybe stitch it up a bit or add a shear fabric in place of the slit. Here are some good examples:
4. When you say "no-makeup" for girls 12 and under - what do you mean exactly?
We mean...NO MAKE-UP!! Is lip gloss a make-up...YES! Is mascara make-up...YES! Is chapstick makeup....NO...and its ok. Is glitter a makeup...YES(and please dont wear glitter lotion - or you will look like giant disco ball on stage!) Is nail polish a makeup....this is the most controversial question. While it is considered a "cosmetic", you do not apply nail polish to the face. Therefore, it is acceptable to wear...HOWEVER...keep it simple and natural(clear, white, light pink)..it needs to be un-noticeable (personally - I wouldn't even bother with it...just make sure your nails are clean!) Here are some perfect examples of fresh faces that have won National American Miss
5. What is ok for an interview outfit?
As long as you follow your Rules and Regulations outlined in Magazine #1, you should be fine. I like to tell girls, "if you were meeting the president of the United States, what would you wear? Wear THAT for interview." Does it necessarily have to be a "suit?" NO! There are all kinds of business-like coordinates that go together and are great for your interview outfit. Dresses you would wear to church or a school awards banquet are a good idea, as well! Here are some GREAT examples for girls of ALL ages:
