Controversy in the Interview Room... but not over abortion or the war!

Okay, well maybe the word “controversy” is too strong, but since this photo of Miss Virginia, Hannah Kiefer, surfaced on the internet this evening there has been opinionated discussion about this, her interview outfit. [Click to enlarge; origin unknown.]

Two days ago in my “wardrobe tips” I touched on the fact that the image of Miss America is changing, especially in the interview room. At the local and state level most contestants are still doing what is safe, but I love that Miss Virginia dressed outside of the box for her Miss America interview.

On the national message baord, no one dislikes the outfit, but three debates emerged: Is it really fashion forward? Is sleeveless appropriate in January? And is she wearing panty hose?

All are stupid really; because the most important questions are did she look great? Yes. And did she feel great in it? She seemed to in the picture.

As for the stupid debates, naysayers have asserted that it’s just a stuffy knit dress that an older woman might wear to a fundraiser. Yes, I agree that it’s a classic style, and therefore works on stylish women of all types. Change the gold accessories to silver and I’d wear it all day long!

Next, some feel it’s not seasonal. I disagree; it’s not like it’s spaghetti straps, and red is a year round color! How unfortunate would it have been if she had settled for an outfit she didn’t love as much just because she thought she had to wear sleeves in January. I think part of what Miss America: Reality Check tried to teach us is that sticking to rules like that is what is holding pageants back. You have to admit, pageant wardrobes tend to follow a lot of rules! As a contestant, I found they helped me feel like I was doing things right. BUT all the rules have created what’s called the “pageant patty” image which pageant civilians can not identify with.

Finally, this debacle about panty hose has been brewing for several months and it honestly has me confused! While I am certain that colored stockings were very trendy this fall, many on the pageant net declare they wouldn’t be caught dead in hose. Despite what you call them - panty hose, stockings, nylons - do you think they're in, or out?

I consider myself rather fashionable but I had no idea that many feel hosiery is “out” until I read it on a message board. Of course, we've all heard it argued that it’s tacky to wear hose with sandals, but I didn’t realize wearing them in any way was considered old fashion.
Bare legs, they say, are sexier and more youthful.

I disagree; again, you should do what makes YOU feel best. Why would someone go bare legged if they’re not confident with the way their legs look?! I am pro-hose in three situations: #1. When my legs aren’t tanned or freshly shaved. (Some argue there are self-tanners. True. But I say hose are cheapers, easier and faster. Especially in cooler months, which brings us to #2... ) #2. For warmth, especially when I’m going to a venue that is likely air conditioned. #3. When even the most seamless thong would show a line. I personally prefer sheer hose that aren’t obvious and I own a couple pair of toe-less hose to wear with peep-toed heels and some sandals.

CLICK HERE for a fashion blog that has a ton of comments discussing the issue (from non-pageant points of view). It's even the topic of THIS year old business news article, "Pantyhose Regaining Footing After Losing Legs."

(I’ve always advised other contestants not to wear them in an opening number, as to not put lines on their stomach for swimsuit, but to always wear them with evening gown (if the gown allows) because they create a smooth line, help you hold your stomach in and they make you feel more elegant as you glide or strut across the stage, as opposed to clammy bare skin under your beautiful, expensive gown!)

As for Miss Virginia, some are using her to win the anti-hosier argument. I find that absurd! You can not tell from this picture! Perhaps she’s wearing a sheer pair. This is truly one of the dumbest arguments I’ve encountered in the pageant world, and that’s saying a lot!

Back to the general suit versus interview outfit issue, as I already said, I am all for a realistic, professional yet trendy outfit. Of the four business suits I wore while competing in the MAO system, I have only gotten use out of one of them outside of the pageant world. On the other hand, the two outfits I interviewed in at Miss Ohio USA have been further worn at everything from job interviews to holiday parties and casual events.

I love all of my Miss Ohio (America) suits, but the fact is that a lime green silk skirt suit, and another we affectionately call the “snow princess suit” do not have a function in the real world. They were perfect for the pageants, at the time, but I am excited for current and future contestants who can hopefully spend their money on items that will be practical in other parts of their lives.