Fashion

All The Miss USA 2015 Gowns Because The Evening Was One Bedazzled Spectacle

The primary currency in the pageant world is glitz, and nowhere is that penchant for sparkles and fake crystals more apparent than in the evening gown category. It's also the only chance the contestants have to pick their outfits during the whole competition, and the 11 semi finalists definitely brought the glitz and the glam to the Miss USA 2015 evening gown competition.

No matter how you feel about beauty pageants, or beauty pageant glamour, it’s hard not to be totally impressed by the evening gowns, from the impeccable styling to the gorgeous tailoring and the women's ability to strut confidently down the stage in these ornate floor-length dresses and four-inch heels without missing a step. You also have to commend this year's crop of contestants for handling the recent controversy around the Miss USA pageant with aplomb, and for taking this year's competition as seriously as any other.

Although there are 51 participants vying for the title of Miss USA, only 11 finalists get the chance to participate in the evening gown category during the formal competition, this year held at the Baton Rouge River Center. If you want to relive the night, and get lost in a magical world of chiffon and satin all over again, here are all the evening gowns from the 2015 Miss USA pageant.

by Maxine Builder

Katie George: Kentucky

Miss Kentucky USA was initially eliminated after the swimsuit competition but was added to the final group of 10 after winning an online poll. Pictured here, in the middle of the five other contestants who could’ve been added back into the competition, Miss Kentucky USA’s glittery navy dress had an impressively high slit that showed off her volleyball legs.

Ylianna Guerra: Texas

The back of Miss Texas USA’s dress is what makes it a showstopper, dripping with long strands of crystals.

Renee Bull: Delaware

Miss Delaware USA’s gown had a fairly simple cut, with a sweetheart top and a matching train. It’s the bright, sunny yellow that made it stand out from the rest of the crowd.

Olivia Jordan: Oklahoma

Miss Oklahoma USA described her dress to the host as “magical,” and it really is a gown fit for a Disney princess. The bright pink magenta jumped off the screen, especially against the stage’s green backdrop. But really, the full skirt with red ruffles is what makes it reach cupcake status.

Rashontae Wawrzyniak: Michigan

The bell sleeves and sparkling turtleneck make Miss Michigan USA’s dress bold in its modesty. It’s a glitzy nod to the ’70s, but the open back added a bit sexiness.

Candice Bennatt: Louisiana

Candice Bennatt was hometown favorite, and her dress is a nod to the bayous of her home state, and in a wonderful metallic mix of gold and silver, no less.

Madison Guthrie: Alabama

Miss Alabama USA wore a stunning turquoise gown with a perfect mermaid tail. The look was so well planned that even her earrings matched the bright hue.

Mame Adjei: Maryland

Miss Maryland USA rocked a sheer, body-hugging dress with intense cut-outs and gorgeously intricate appliques. Black isn’t the most common color for a pageant gown, but what it lacked in color, it made up for in full-on glitz.

Anea Garcia: Rhode Island

This is not the dress Miss Rhode Island USA wore at the preliminary competition, opting to keep this white dress with a sparkling panel down the center, a secret. That single detail elevates this otherwise simple white dress, and it also highlights her height; at six feet, Miss Rhode Island USA is the tallest of all 51 of this year’s contestants.

Emma Wo: Hawaii

Emma Wo has modeled since she was 15, in both her home state and in Japan, and has worked in the Vogue fashion closet, so it’s no shock that her dress was totally on trend. The semi-sheer chiffon skirt works perfectly with the low-cut, bejeweled top.

Brittany McGowan: Nevada

Miss Nevada USA wore a silver, long-sleeve gown with a particularly long train that she popped off her hip as she posed by the front of her stage. She had told the host in advance that she was a little nervous about that move, and although she tripped a little bit on the cape, Miss Nevada USA caught her balance and continued on to the next mark like nothing happened.

111