The big night has arrived. The Miss Universe 2017 pageant, held in Las Vegas on Sunday, Nov. 26, featured a lot of beautiful competitors encouraging female empowerment, statement hairstyles, stunning makeup, the obligatory swimsuits, and gorgeous, breathtaking gowns. At the end of the day, Miss Universe is still a pageant. Therefore, the dresses are, as always, a high point of the event and something that fashion watchers, both elitist and casual, look forward to gawking at during the live broadcast.
In fact, there are plenty of viewers who tune in to the telecast simply to "ooh" and "ahh" over the evening gowns that the 2017 Miss Universe contestants are wearing and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. It's like a fashion show with regular women, as opposed to models. And whoever is crowned the winner goes on to do important, inspiring, and visible things.
While some pageant frocks often feel a touch outdated or as though they were designed for an adult version of prom, this year's event actually boasted plenty of modern and stylish looks, with flourishes and details that nodded to their personalities and origins.
Thankfully, these are the reasons why pageants are becoming more and more "current."
Generally speaking, there were lots of gowns with long, flowing, and sheer sleeve x cape hybrids. There were also plenty of column dresses and loads and loads of sparkle.
As for the color palette, it was largely a parade of neutrals on the Miss Universe stage. There were several white dresses and lots of unique takes on the ever-popular-and-shows-no-signs-of-fading-away nude dress trend.
There were a few unexpected and breathtaking pops of color, though!
We admit that there were several dresses we were eagerly anticipating ahead of the show. Of course, Miss USA Kára McCullough topped the list of contestants whose dress we wanted to see. Additionally, outgoing Miss Universe Iris Mittenaere of France earned instant "one to watch" status as she handed over her crown at the end of the night.
But let's run down the Top 10 (out of 92!) and the gowns that the ladies slayed.
Venezuela's Keysi Sayago wore an elegant white column dress with an embellished silver top.
USA's aforementioned McCullough wore a glistening, golden gown with a major slit, a keyhole bodice, and cap sleeves. It also fastened at the neck and the scientist was supremely sexy. It was a lot of look, but she owned it.
Phillippines' Rachel Peters, the crowd favorite of the evening and a hot topic on Twitter, wore a metallic gown with a slit and deep V in the bodice. It also boasted cutouts and a feathery hem.
Canada's Lauren Howe wore a naked dress with a built-in choker and an epic, white train that flowed behind her.
South Africa's Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters, whose sweet and fun personality was generating a lot of chatter among the Miss Universe panelists and the Twitterverse, opted for a long-sleeved, naked dress with dramatic, crystal embellishment woven throughout. She was the ultimate winner.
Spain's Sofia Del Prado wore a white, strapless column gown with a feather detail that spilled across the top and cascaded down the back. It was a fashion forward touch.
Brazil's Monalysa Alcantara rocked a crimson dress with large, round sequins. It was modern and gorgeous.
Colombia's Laura Gonzales wore an off-the-shoulder, sparkly champagne gown that hugged every single curve.
Thailand's Maria Poonlertlarp opted for a navy blue dress with a long, cape sleeve and an open front. It was sweeping.
Jamaica's Davina Bennett wore a yellow gown with epic, caped sleeves which flowed around her. The lemon shade of the fabric popped against her dark skin and beautiful, natural hair.
It was a parade of really stylish dresses overall.
