Miss America 2026: When Fashion Becomes Self-Expression

Credit: Cassie Donagen/Instagram

What does Cassie Donegan’s fashion tell us about personal narrative and resistance?

When Cassie Donegan was crowned Miss America 2026 on September 7 at the Walt Disney Theater in Orlando, the optics were clear: a poised, elegant young woman taking center stage. Yet the most powerful statement from Donegan wasn’t the crown—it came through her words and personal aesthetic. This article seeks to move beyond traditional pageantry coverage, offering a fashion critique that elevates her win into a culturally significant moment about self-expression, style, and resilience under scrutiny. What will be covered in this article:

1. Cassie Donegan’s “Grandma Chic” and Body Autonomy
2. Evening Gown Elegance
3. Mini Bags: Quiet Trendsetter
4. The Makeup Controversy
5. Shaping Discourse Around Fashion Messages

1. Fashion as Identity: Cassie Donegan’s “Grandma Chic” and Body Autonomy

Credit: Cassie Donagen/Instagram

Miss America winners often capitalize on a visual signature—Dolled-up glam, ballgown drama, or regal poise. Donegan disrupted this pattern by embracing what she humorously labeled "grandma chic"—an aesthetic anchored in comfort, authenticity, and individuality. She remarked, "I, myself, walk around in what my siblings love to call ‘grandma chic,’ and I think that’s great". This isn’t passive nostalgia; it's a deliberate fashion stance that elevates an underappreciated aesthetic.

Even more potent was her message during the rapid-fire Q&A segment: "I believe that being true to yourself 100 percent is the most important thing that you can do, and if that includes your self-expression through piercings or tattoos, then 100 percent do it. I think that no one has the right to tell you what you can do with your own body. This is your vessel, and you should be able to walk around proudly in it."  PEOPLE.

 In a beauty contest historically rooted in conformity, her articulation of body autonomy resonates as both bold and refreshing.

Critically, this is more than image crafting—it’s a paradigmatic shift: fashion as a vehicle for personal rights, not just ornamentation. Her body, and how she chooses to present it, becomes an intentional statement. That’s the core of fashion critique.

2. Elegant Gowns, Understated Power

Taking a moment to dissect the evening wear throughout the finals, the gowns were undeniable in elegance and refinement. They honored pageant tradition—sleek fabrics, regal silhouettes, tailored to flatter the figure—yet they floated on the runway rather than overshadowed the women themselves.

Credit: @missamerica

• Silhouette sensibility: Most contestants opted for figure-enhancing cuts—mermaid, column, sheath—but maintained composure over spectacle. No overwhelming ruffles or sheer drama. It was “less is more,” especially when finesse counts.

• Material and texture: Subtle silk sheens, gentle sparkle, and soft color palettes allowed the gowns to complement rather than compete.

• Decision in restraint: In a world where every red-carpet is a chance to outshine, the discipline to choose graceful understatement speaks to maturity and awareness.

From a fashion critic’s standpoint, this indicates a pageant that is evolving—valuing confidence and poise over showmanship. Whether this becomes a broader trend remains to be seen, but tonight, elegance held the highest form of power.

3. Mini Bags: A Trend Beckons?

Credit: @missamerica

While the evening wear reigned, one accessory quietly caught attention: small, shiny mini bags peeking amidst the formalwear. Though lightly mentioned across visual coverage, their presence sparks interesting opportunities for commentary.

Trend genesis: 

The mini bag—once relegated to streetwear or casual style—is now conversing with haute couture. Their presence here suggests an untapped niche: formal intersection with everyday practicality.

Aesthetics and symbolism: 

Mini bags, especially metallic or high-sheen versions, offer a playful contrast—an accent of casual confidence amid glitz. It’s like a wink at personal utility dressed in formal polish.

Emerging?: At this stage, it’s a motif, not yet a movement. But watch for designers to adapt them—perhaps miniature mirrored clutches, metallic totes, or even structured micro-sacs as statement accessories in evening gowns.

If brands and stylists pick this up in upcoming fashion weeks, they might owe their spark to these small yet salient debut moments.

4. The Makeup Controversy: Scrutiny, Grace, and Public Armor

Credit: Cassie Donagen/Instagram

No critique would be complete without addressing the backlash—the harshest frontier of fashion discourse.

Cassie’s stage makeup drew widespread criticism. Social media comments ranged from questioning tone and concealer work to outright ridicule. One user wrote, “Her make-up application needs work… need her make-up artist to step forward and apologize.” Another said she looked older than her age or that the makeup “drowned her out”- BORED PANDA

But to critique without context is partial. Stage lighting demands more dramatic makeup—this wasn’t a photoshoot, it was theater under bright lights. As one defender noted: “People saying stuff about her makeup don’t understand stage makeup; it’s very common with cheer, dance, and pageants. The lighting washes you out, so what looks crazy off stage looks really good on stage.” HOLA! USA

More importantly, Cassie handled it gracefully. She told PEOPLE: "I'm just a normal person. No, I don’t want to hear people ever say anything negative, especially about my appearance… But I also respect that the internet is a public space and that people have the right to their opinion… Often you do have to just pick and choose what you allow yourself to digest… leaning into those who are lifting me up…” 

Her approach is instructive: fashion — and critique — should not undermine personal worth. She responded with humanity, not defensiveness. That maturity is rarer than any gown or accessory.

Shaping Discourse Around Fashion Messages

How can we amplify the Self-Expression narrative? Everyday we're are active on social media seeing trends emerging and having a huge impact on our day-to-day lives. A perfect example is simply "The TikTok language". A huge percent of people active on Social Media communicate by adding relevant TikTok memes as they speak, and we can actually use this to our advantage. On platforms like Instagram And TikTok , consider posts contrasting Donegan's 'grandma chic' style against more traditional pageant glam and caption it "When 'grandma chic' takes center stage-does comfort outrank convention?' Invite audience interpretation with polls or carousel posts.

This would also be the perfect time for brands associated with clothing and accessories to cease the opportunity and bring the back 'Mini Bag' trend by incorporating it into street-style fashion and even runway moments.

How can we use this event in Business? 

Cassie’s embrace of self-expression aligns perfectly with indie designers and heritage brands creating inclusive fashion. A line celebrating body autonomy—maybe "grandma chic elevated"—could resonate with her followers.

Brands focusing on stage-ready makeup (theater, performance) can partner using her story: “Makeup that stands up to scrutiny—and criticism.” Educational content around application in different lighting scenarios would position a brand as savvy and supportive.

Accessories brands could pilot limited edition shiny mini-bags as “Miss America inspired.” Capture the duality: functional smallness plus spotlight gloss. Marketing tagline: “Carry confidence, even in miniature.”

Final Takeaway

Credit: Cassie Donagen/Instagram

So where does this leave you, the reader? Cassie Donegan’s Miss America 2026 win is more than a headline; it’s an invitation to examine your own relationship with fashion. Do you dress to blend in, or to stand out? Do your clothes speak for you, or silence you? Fashion is often dismissed as superficial, yet Donegan proves it can be a declaration of autonomy, confidence, and truth. Her “grandma chic” may not be everyone’s aesthetic, but the principle behind it—wearing what honors your identity rather than someone else’s expectation—is universal. As you step into your own spaces, from offices to dinner tables to digital feeds, consider this: what story does your fashion tell about who you are, and are you proud of it?