The 35 wildest state costumes from the 2026 Miss USA pageant
The Miss USA 2026 pageant kicked off on Monday with the costume contest, where contestants wore colorful outfits that paid tribute to their states.
The 2026 Miss USA pageant kicked off on Monday with the state costume contest. Contestants showcased their state pride through elaborate and colorful outfits.
Miss Alabama Samantha Havenstrite paid tribute to the camelia, her state flower, with a strapless white gown featuring sculpted camelia petals and a matching headdress. She drew inspiration from the resilience of the camelia, which can bloom even in the coldest months.
Miss Arizona Kaitlyn Humphrey drew inspiration from the Valentine State, wearing a sparkling red bodysuit with baby-pink feathered wings and a gold headpiece shaped like a heart. Her outfit honored Arizona's nickname as the Valentine State.
Miss California Acacia McBride took inspiration from the legendary warrior queen Calafia, wearing a black-and-gold bodysuit resembling Calafia's armor and a helmet-like headpiece. McBride paid homage to Queen B by incorporating a Beyoncé-inspired bow and arrow.
Miss Connecticut Jaeden Hamelly shimmered in a navy-blue bodysuit with thousands of rhinestones, representing the USS Connecticut, the submarine capital of the world. Her dramatic backpiece showcased sculpted lace waves, and she accessorized with a conical flask in each hand.
Miss Delaware Julia Hatoum represented the chemical capital of the world with a silver corset and shorts beneath a white lab coat adorned with metallic hoops resembling electron shells of silicon. She depicted her career as a chemical engineer and Delaware's status as an innovative state.
Miss District of Columbia Kennedy Lucas commemorated America's 250th birthday with a star-spangled ensemble featuring a red-and-blue bodysuit with gold stars and Washington Monument-inspired headpiece against a backdrop of fireworks.
Miss Florida Aileen Cerchiara brought Florida's flamingo to the Miss USA stage with a pink crystal-adorned outfit featuring over 10,000 pink crystals, diamond chains, and a feathered backpiece. She accessorized with a feathered headpiece and sparkling pink boots.
Miss Hawaii Darja Bassut's costume paid tribute to the hibiscus, her state flower, featuring a centerpiece of large crimson hibiscus petals on her back. Her ensemble also included a sparkling yellow bodysuit, feathered headpiece, and nail art in hibiscus colors.
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