Miss Universe 2021 Hot Picks

Namibia is starting to emerge as a dark horse in the pageant world and Chelsi Shikongo is ready to keep this streak going! The asymmetric neckline draws attention straight to her stunning facial beauty without being too distracting. Let’s not ignore those cutouts! It’s easy to get swallowed up by an evening gown, especially when it’s a strong color like red, so adding these cutouts was a smart way to showcase Chelsi’s figure. Oh, and if Chelsi’s name seems familiar- there’s a reason why! This queen is named after Chelsi Smith, Miss Universe 1995, who was crowned in Namibia!

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Image Credit: https://www.instagram.com/benjaminaskinas/?hl=en

Her gown, her pose, her confidence: perfection! Thessaly Zimmerman looked so statuesque while representing Aruba at the Miss Universe pageant. The high slit, silver embellishments, and matching sparkly shoes make this look extra glam and perfect for a pageant of this caliber!

Elle Smith may have had the shortest reign of all the Miss Universe titleholders, but that didn’t stop her from coming to play! Out of the five Michael Cinco gowns that she brought to Miss Universe, Elle chose this nude gown with green embellishments for the preliminary competition. The ultra-high slit, overskirt, and dramatic sleeve make this look eye-catching, to say the least! We love that this design drew attention to Elle’s facial beauty without being too distracting. Any pageant queen would know the perfect look is all about finding that balance!

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Image Credit: https://www.instagram.com/benjaminaskinas/?hl=en

There’s something special about a queen who’s willing to take a risk and we’re living for Maristella Okpala’s look! There are so many elements of this evening gown that make it stand out: the bright blue color, dramatic cutouts, eye-catching fringe- we can go on! While some might say her look is over the top, any pageant pro will know that a unique look like this is perfect for an international stage like Miss Universe.

Is it cliche for us to fall in love with a purple gown? Even though the Queenly team is all about purple, Michelle Marie Colon especially understood the assignment! The dramatic off-the-shoulder sleeves scream Hollywood glam, which is especially perfect for the Miss Universe pageant. The shimmery, ombre fabric added even more movement to her dazzling performance.

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Image Credit: https://www.instagram.com/benjaminaskinas/?hl=en

Will Lalela Mswane prove that winners wear white? South Africa has been consistently strong at the Miss Universe pageant and Lalela is no exception! This regal, white evening gown makes her look so statuesque on stage while also complementing her skin tone. The embellished, vertical design down the center and high neckline draw attention up to stunning face and perfectly styled bun.

The pageant powerhouse has arrived! Along with South Africa, the Philippines has emerged as a pageant powerhouse, having captured two Miss Universe crowns in the past several years. Beatrice walked into the preliminary competition ready to keep their streak alive! Her dramatic, red evening gown was instantly eye-catching and the ultra-high slit and cutout make this look glamorously sultry.

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Image Credit: https://www.instagram.com/benjaminaskinas/?hl=en

This girl is on fire! Pascale’s two-toned evening gown made her immediately stand out during the preliminary evening gown competition. The combination of orange and yellow makes her gown reminiscent of dancing flames, which added a gorgeous effect as she walked across the stage!

The Queenly team has three words to say about Jade’s gown: Miss Universe worthy! A unique gown like this was created for the international pageant stage and Jade wore it so confidently. The multiple shades of blue beading made this gown flow like water while she walked across the stage, adding an eye-catching aspect of movement to her performance.

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Image Credit: https://www.instagram.com/benjaminaskinas/?hl=en

When in doubt, go with a classic gown! Valeria gave off such goddess vibes in this strapless, silver evening gown. The high slit and low neckline make this look radiate glamour! The structure of this gown highlighted Valeria’s long, lean figure and made her performance so powerful as she strutted across the Miss Universe stage.