5 Miss Universe National Costumes We’d Actually Wear

by Justin Fenner | 12:57 pm, August 17th, 2010

Normally, when we think of the sartorial choices at the Miss Universe pageant, over-sequined evening gowns and and tired pastel-colored bikinis are the first things that come to mind. But let us not forget that at this level of competition, contestants have to represent their nations as well as themselves, and one of the many ways they do that is by wearing a national costume.

Normally composed of clever symbology, tons of feathers and enough fabric to clothe a small village, the national costumes are supposed to represent the best a country has to offer. Most of them are completely outlandish and in any other circumstance would be impractical to wear. But this year’s group had a few shining examples of costumes that, minus a few accessories, we could actually see real people wearing.

Miss Universe National Costumes (1 of 5)

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Miss Canada, Elena Semikina, channeled some serious 1940s glam with her fur-trimmed coat and sparkly white dress. A little period, yes, but stunning and wearable nonetheless.