Outfit Contest

PRIZES 

One blue (1st place) ribbon will be awarded in the following category:

• Best Outfit

RULES

1. Individuals must be present in person at the DC State Fair to participate.

2. Participants must commute to the fair in the outfit they are entering for competition.

3. Entrants must share an explanation of their outfit for judges that includes information on each element of the outfit.

4. Participants will be judged on their full outfit, including accessories.

5. This contest will be limited to 10 participants.

JUDGING CRITERIA

1. Personality (45%)

   1. Outfit evokes the distinct personality of the participant.

2. Provenance (45%)

   1. Pieces have unique story or sourcing, including being thrifted, hand-made, or are family heirlooms.

   2. Additional consideration will be given to pieces sourced from DC.

3. Fit (10%)

   1. Garments fit the entrant well. 

   2. Additional consideration will be given to garments tailored or altered in DC.

SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

1. Register for the outfit contest at https://www.dcstatefair.org/2026-contests by 11:00 pm on Friday, August 21. Walk-up registrants may also be accepted on the day of the fair if there is space.

2. On the day of the fair, at the time announced on the agenda and from the stage, show off and explain your outfit.