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Photo: Carlos Velez Studios In addition to being aware of age appropriateness, don't forget to consider the expectations of the pageant system that you are competing in

(Full disclosure: We ordered one size up and Niamh did have the length altered so that it didnt rise up too much in the front.) For starters, the empire-waist cut is extremely flattering and practical

These Art Deco evening gowns were an art form themselves

You want a subtler wide-leg alternative to our Polo Ralph Lauren Big Chino pick: Two other choices we liked that had a similar cut to The Big Chino are the Todd Snyder Relaxed Fit Japanese Selvedge Chino and the Buck Mason Paperback Twill Full Saddle Chino

Stick to the stickies for this look for comfort and security while going bra-less