Miss America 2017 judge Laura Marano said it best: "It's like prom... on steroids." That sentence pretty much sums up the eveningwear and gowns portion of the 2017 Miss America pageant. So. Many. Gowns. While the notion of a "gown" might seem a bit outmoded or outdated to some in 2017, I encourage any holders of that mindset to check that misconception at the door regarding Miss America. Seriously.
Miss America is a long-running and beloved tradition and the contestants don't simply parade around in gorgeous dresses like eye candy. They also promote platforms that are both socially and personally important. So remember that much. Also, most of the Miss America 2017 gowns were modern, beautiful, and in some way, shape, form, silhouette, or color, they were indicative of and representative of the wearer's personal style. So there's that.
I won't deny that I usually tune in to the Miss America pageant simply because I enjoy the act of gawking at the gowns. Because #fashion. Also, there's still something sweetly appealing and charmingly old-fashioned about admiring a beautiful gown. So let's do just that: Let's talk about, admire, and enjoy a look at the Miss America 2017 evening gowns. Observe them below.
Miss South Carolina Rachel Wyatt rocked a sparkly metallic dress with a low-dipping bodice and a train.
Miss Kentucky Laura Jones selected a white column gown with an empire waist and shimmery top half.
Miss Texas Caroline Carothers opted for black, lacy, strapless, and with a train.
Miss California Jessa Carmack went with a clingy, one-shoulder, blue-green gown with quite a thigh slit. Angelina Jolie would be proud.
Miss Mississippi Laura Lee Lewis wore a dress that was inspired by Cinderella and Elsa. #Princesses.
Miss Maryland Hannah Brewer glided across the stage in a garnet gown that boasted a shiny skirt and a velvet top with a criss-cross halter.
Miss Washington Alicia Cooper admitted to loving the Kardashian style and strutted down the stage in lacy, cling, and crimson gown with a keyhole bodice.
Miss Arkansas Savvy Shields went with black velvet, a fishtail shape, and a sweetheart neckline. It was simple and sexy.
Miss Oklahoma Sarah Klein wore a mermaid-like, sparkly column dress that hugged every inch of her frame.
Miss Tennessee Grace Burgess picked a memorable hot pink gown with a cape.
Miss New York Camille Sims went with a metallic silver gown with a poufy train. It was the most fashion-forward, IMO.
Miss Iowa Kelly Koch chose a bride-like, white gown with a silver-y halter and fishtail bottom.
There were so many lovely and utterly modern dresses.
