Miss America 2026: Cassie Donegan's Gown and Style Moments That Stole the Spotlight

The Miss America 2026 pageant, held on September 7, 2025, at the Walt Disney Theater in Orlando, Florida, was a dazzling display of talent, poise, and fashion. Cassie Donegan, representing New York, was crowned the winner, becoming the eighth Miss New Yorker to claim the title in the competition's 104-year history.

As the new Miss America, the 27-year-old singer, actress, and advocate for arts education not only won hearts with her performance but also turned heads with her elegant style. At CelebThreads, we're celebrating her victory by spotlighting the fashion highlights from the event, including her gown, the top finalists' looks, and how these outfits align with 2025's emerging trends. From shimmering evening wear to empowering silhouettes, here's how Cassie and her fellow contestants redefined pageant glamour for a new era.

Cassie Donegan's Winning Gown: A Blend of Elegance and Authenticity

Cassie Donegan's crowning moment was as stylish as it was inspiring. As Miss New York, she captivated the audience during the evening gown segment, showcasing a look that embodied her "grandma chic" personal style—a nod to timeless, comfortable elegance with a modern twist.

While specific designer details for her gown weren't disclosed in official releases, Donegan's choice reflected the pageant's partnership with Jovani, a brand known for its red carpet-ready designs that emphasize individuality and sparkle.

Key Details of Cassie's Look

• Silhouette and Fabric: Donegan opted for a flowing, ethereal gown in soft, neutral tones—likely a blush or ivory chiffon with subtle beading. The design featured a fitted bodice transitioning into a mermaid skirt with a modest train, allowing for graceful movement during her talent performance of "A Darker Shade of Blue" from Some Like It Hot. This choice highlighted 2025's trend of sustainable, lightweight fabrics that prioritize comfort without sacrificing drama.

• Accessories: Minimalist gold jewelry and a sleek updo kept the focus on her radiant smile and confident poise. Her "grandma chic" vibe shone through with pearl accents, evoking vintage Hollywood glamour while aligning with Fall 2025's pearl revival seen on runways from New York Fashion Week.

• Why It Stole the Show: Cassie's gown wasn't just beautiful; it was a statement. During the on-stage interview, she championed authentic self-expression, saying, "I believe that being true to yourself 100 percent is the most important thing... This is your vessel, and you should be able to walk around proudly in it.

• " Her style mirrored this philosophy—elegant yet approachable, inspiring women worldwide to embrace personal flair in formal wear.

As the new Miss America, Cassie will receive over $70,000 in scholarships, funding her master's degree pursuits. Her win marks a milestone for New York, the first in a decade, and positions her as a global ambassador for arts education and empowerment.

Shop Cassie-Inspired Looks:

• Similar Flowing Chiffon Gown: $299 at Lulus (search for "Mermaid Blush Chiffon Gown")

• Pearl-Embellished Accessories: $45 at Kendra Scott (pearl drop earrings)

• Sustainable Fabric Dress: $150 at Reformation (ivory silk alternative)

Top Finalists' Fashion Highlights: Glamour on the Runway

The Top 5 finalists brought their A-game to the evening gown competition, each gown reflecting their personality and the pageant's emphasis on self-expression. With Jovani as a key partner (providing custom designs for many contestants), the looks leaned into 2025 trends like metallic sheens, asymmetrical cuts, and bold colors. Here's a breakdown of the standout styles:

Sadie Schiermeyer (Miss Texas, 1st Runner-Up)

• Gown Details: A sleek, emerald green velvet gown with a high neckline and subtle side slit, designed by Jovani. The rich hue complemented her fiery talent performance, nodding to 2025's jewel-tone trend from designers like Tory Burch.

• Style Vibe: Sophisticated and bold, perfect for her advocacy in environmental conservation. Paired with diamond studs, it screamed Texas glamour with a modern edge.

Paris Richardson (Miss Florida, 2nd Runner-Up)

• Gown Details: A shimmering silver sequin column dress with off-the-shoulder sleeves and a thigh-high slit, evoking ocean waves—a fitting choice for her Florida roots. This aligns with 2025's metallic revival, seen in NYFW collections.

• Style Vibe: Playful yet powerful, reflecting her community service in youth mentorship. Her wavy hair and minimal makeup kept the focus on the gown's sparkle.

Audrey Kittila (Miss Georgia, 3rd Runner-Up)

• Gown Details: A romantic blush pink ball gown with floral embroidery and a sweetheart neckline, likely a Jovani custom. The soft palette tied into 2025's floral motif trend, inspired by Spring runways.

• Style Vibe: Whimsical and feminine, matching her talent in classical piano. Delicate pearl earrings added a touch of Southern charm.

Emma Terry (Miss Alabama, 4th Runner-Up)

• Gown Details: A striking purple velvet and sparkle hybrid gown—half velvet for texture, half sequins for shine—with a backless design and sleek ponytail. From Jovani via The Clothes Tree by Deborah, it featured shimmering elements that caught the light during her en pointe ballet to "What a Feeling" from Flashdance.

• Style Vibe: Dramatic and athletic, honoring her ALS advocacy. The color pop embodied 2025's bold, empowering hues for evening wear.

These gowns, provided through the pageant's partnerships, highlight how fashion empowers contestants to express their stories, blending tradition with contemporary trends.

2025 Fashion Trends Spotlighted at Miss America 2026

The pageant wasn't just about crowns—it was a runway for 2025's hottest trends, from sustainable fabrics to personalized silhouettes. With Jovani as the official partner (gifting gowns for the evening wear and opening number), the event showcased how pageant fashion evolves with the times:

• Metallic and Sheer Fabrics: Seen in Richardson's silver sequins and Terry's sparkle-velvet hybrid, these align with Fall 2025's metallic resurgence at NYFW, emphasizing shine without excess.

• Jewel Tones and Florals: Schiermeyer's emerald and Kittila's blush floral embroidery reflect 2025's nature-inspired palettes, blending romance with boldness.

• Sustainable and Comfortable Designs: Donegan's flowing chiffon nods to eco-friendly, breathable materials, a key trend from brands like Reformation and Stella McCartney.

• Personalized Accessories: Minimalist jewelry and updos kept looks fresh, tying into 2025's focus on subtle, meaningful details over ostentation.

The pageant's emphasis on "authentic self-expression" (as Donegan highlighted) mirrors broader fashion shifts toward individuality, making these looks relatable for global audiences.

How Cassie Donegan's Style Inspires Everyday Fashion

As Miss America 2026, Cassie Donegan's "grandma chic" ethos—timeless pieces with a personal twist—resonates beyond the stage. Her gown's soft neutrals and flowing lines are perfect for transitioning from day-to-night looks in 2025. Channel her vibe:

• Casual Day Look: Pair wide-leg Levi's jeans (a nod to pageant's denim trends) with a chiffon blouse and pearl earrings for an effortless, empowering outfit.

• Evening Glam: Recreate her gown with a midi dress in blush tones, adding metallic heels for that red-carpet sparkle.

• Talent-Inspired: For her vocal performance, opt for a fitted velvet top with high-waisted pants, echoing Terry's dramatic style.

With over $70,000 in scholarships, Cassie will advocate for arts education while serving as a fashion icon, proving beauty pageants are about empowerment and style.

CelebThreads' Take: Celebrating Empowerment Through Fashion

At CelebThreads, we believe fashion unites and inspires—no rivalries, just shared style stories. Cassie Donegan's win, alongside the finalists' stunning gowns, showcases how pageant fashion evolves into empowering, trendsetting looks. From Jovani's custom designs to 2025's metallic and floral trends, Miss America 2026 was a masterclass in glamour with purpose.