If this is how you accept a second place finish, well, you can sign me up! Rachel Wyatt, aka Miss South Carolina, has been selected the Miss America 2017 first runner up, finishing behind Savvy Shields, aka Miss Arkansas. Wyatt gracefully accepted the role of backup and will replace Shields should she become unable to fulfill her obligations and duties. Wyatt did so in a sparkly gown, complete with a train. Wyatt may not be wearing the crown, but her dress was just eye-capturing as the actual Miss America tiara itself.
Wyatt was also visual proof that placing second is not akin to being the first loser. She was gracious upon accepting defeat. Her gown looked like she captured stars from the sky and affixed them to her frock. OK, I know that sounds like a cheesy pickup line best reserved for a dive bar. But Wyatt's gown did remind me of a star-dotted sky.
Behold Miss South Carolina Rachel Wyatt. Her dress boasted a deep V bodice, a column silhouette, and a train that never seemed too bride-like. It was an elegant touch.
Wyatt skipped a necklace in favor of side-parted waves and statement earrings. Her whole presentation reminded me of a celeb on the red carpet of the Oscars.
Her dress was champagne colored, but the train was baby blue. That was an unusual but modern touch.
The dress flowed around Wyatt's frame.
That train, though! It added an ethereal, otherworldly quality to the Miss America 2017 stage. Congrats to Miss Wyatt on placing second in the pageant. She certainly dressed for the occasion.
