Fashion

The Top 10's 2016 Miss USA Evening Gowns

by Eliza Florendo

Few nights are as shiny and glamorous as the Miss USA Pageant (I'm talking glitter, sparkles, and smiles). It's like its very own category of dazzling, so radically different from usual red carpet looks, which is why all the 2016 Miss USA Gowns all managed to make my jaw drop — I've never seen so many gorgeous, flattering, shiny dresses in my life.

Let's do a little back tracking here. The Miss USA Pageant actually started in 1952, so we've had over half a century of beautiful dresses to covet. Every year, a Miss USA is chosen, and she's got a whole slew of responsibilities. And, she also wins some perks, like housing, a scholarship, and a chance to travel around the country, to name a few. Last year's winner and current Miss USA is Olivia Jordan from Oklahoma, who was officially crowned on July 12, 2015.

The evening gown portion is always my favorite part in Miss USA. It's almost like seeing everyone's prom dress, but adult style. While the interviews are always really interesting (I love to hear what these women are thinking on current issues and where they stand), there's something so magical about seeing all the gowns. They are, without a doubt, all beautiful.

This year's batch certainly didn't disappoint. Find all the looks, below.

Miss Virginia

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She's looking all sorts of right in a red silk jersey gown.

Miss Alabama

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An absolute vision in white.

Miss California

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This color is unbelievable.

Miss Georgia

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This cape is everything.

Miss Connecticut

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Off the shoulder is hot right now, and Miss Connecticut got it right.

Miss District Of Columbia

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Looking so good in gold!

Miss Missouri

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So obsessed with these sheer cutouts.

Miss Arkansas

Miss Arkansas took this season's biggest trend — lace — and brought it front and center.

South Dakota

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This drama is incredible.

Hawaii

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This lace is breathtaking.

Out of all these looks, I've got to say that Miss District of Columbia was my favorite of the evening, although all these women looked absolutely fabulous. Hard not to, when you've got all the lights and sparkles around you. Good luck to all of these women, and I can't wait to see how the night turns out.

Images: Patrick Prather