Style Awards Judge's Top Tips: Win With Originality & Confidence

The spotlight, the glamour, the anticipation – style awards are an electrifying celebration of fashion, creativity, and self-expression. From local Ladies Days to prestigious national galas, these events offer an incredible platform for individuals to showcase their unique sartorial flair. But what exactly does it take to impress a discerning style awards judge and walk away with that coveted prize? It’s a question that often sparks a mix of excitement and trepidation.

Contrary to popular belief, winning isn't solely about designer labels or following the latest fleeting trends. It's about a deeper understanding of personal style, meticulous attention to detail, and above all, radiating genuine confidence. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the insights shared by seasoned style awards judge panels, offering practical tips and invaluable advice to help you craft a truly winning look that champions originality and leaves a lasting impression.

Beyond the Hype: What Truly Catches a Style Awards Judge's Eye

When a style awards judge scans a room, they're not just looking for expensive clothes. They're looking for a story, a personality, and a cohesive vision. The judging process is often a nuanced one, where an outfit's overall impact and the wearer's authentic connection to it weigh heavily. Whether it's the Randox Grand National Ladies Day Style Awards with partners like River Island and House of Cavani, or the prestigious SA Style Awards, the core criteria remain surprisingly consistent: individuality, effort, and confidence.

A common misconception is that one needs to be outrageous or bold to stand out. While a vibrant colour or an elaborate fascinator might initially grab attention, many past winners have proven that understated elegance and super-chic simplicity can be just as, if not more, impactful. As one style awards judge noted, winners over the years have looked "completely different and they’re all different ages," underscoring the idea that there's no single formula for success beyond being authentically you.

Crafting a Winning Look: Key Principles from a Style Awards Judge

To truly shine, consider these fundamental principles derived from what judges consistently value:

1. Originality Over Expense: Style Isn't About the Price Tag

Perhaps one of the most liberating insights from a style awards judge is that you absolutely don't need to spend big on designer labels to win. A memorable example highlights a past winner who pieced together an outfit from Vinted, a charity shop, and existing items in her wardrobe – all on a student budget. This perfectly illustrates that perception of needing a hefty budget is often "completely wrong."

What truly matters is how you’ve put a whole outfit together. Anyone can purchase a head-to-toe look from a mannequin or an online model. The magic happens in the "other little bits that make your outfit original" – the personal touches, the thoughtful layering, the unexpected combinations. This approach not only showcases your creativity but also aligns with growing trends in sustainable fashion. By embracing pre-loved pieces, upcycling, or reimagining items from your own closet, you demonstrate ingenuity and a unique perspective. For more innovative ways to style on a budget, you might find valuable insights in our article: Style Awards Judges: How to Impress Without Breaking the Bank.

2. The Power of Cohesion and Detail: Every Element Tells a Story

When it comes to judging, often "all we see are the photos that people have had taken in front of the flower walls," meaning your "outfit has to say everything about you." This emphasizes the importance of a cohesive look, where every element, from your shoes to your hairstyle, contributes to a unified aesthetic. Accessories are paramount here: have you chosen statement earrings, a unique clutch, or a hat that complements your ensemble?

Consider the details. Dr. Tamaryn Green's simple yet elegant gold two-piece at the SA Style Awards judges' dinner, paired with light makeup, a slick lower bun, and silver loop earrings, showcased how careful styling elevates a look. Similarly, Tamara Dey's "disco therapy" gold high-slit dress was perfected with a grey short haircut featuring an edgy blue strike, coordinated blue nails, and striking gold jewellery. These examples prove that a well-thought-out, harmonious approach is far more impactful than a collection of disparate expensive items.

3. Confidence is Your Best Accessory: Wear What You Love

This tip is arguably the most crucial: wear something you love. If you select an outfit purely because you think it "ticks the Style Awards boxes" but don't genuinely adore it, it will show. Discomfort translates into stiffness, an inability to move freely, and a palpable lack of ease. Conversely, if you love what you’re wearing, "you’ll feel comfortable and confident and that will come across."

Confidence is a powerful non-verbal communicator. It transforms an outfit, making you walk taller, smile brighter, and engage more genuinely. A judge can spot authentic joy and self-assuredness from a mile away. Your comfort allows your personality to shine through, adding an intangible sparkle that no amount of designer fabric can replicate.

4. Balance of Simplicity and Impact: It's Anyone's Game

While an eye-catching bright colour or bold pattern can certainly draw attention, a style awards judge confirms that you don’t need to be outrageous or bold to win. "Equally somebody could walk in and just look super-chic in something very simple," proving "it really is anyone’s game." The diverse array of winners over the years, varying in style and age, further cements this point.

The key lies in finding the balance that suits *you*. Lira, known for her show-stopping gowns, surprised attendees at the SA Style Awards judges' dinner in a vibrant purple floral pants and black feather top jumpsuit by Gert-Johan Coetzee. This unexpected yet perfectly executed look showcased her versatility and fearless approach to style, proving that stepping outside one's comfort zone, when done with confidence and thought, can be incredibly impactful without being overtly "bold."

Real-World Inspiration: Lessons from SA Style Awards Attendees

The SA Style Awards judges' dinner, held at the luxurious Zebra Square Gallery in Hyde Park Corner, Johannesburg, serves as a fantastic case study in how to truly impress. Attendees, many of whom are influencers, designers, or even judges themselves, consistently exemplify winning style. Their choices offer valuable lessons for any aspiring award winner.

Dr. Tamaryn Green's Elegant Simplicity: Her gold two-piece, a boob tube with a criss-cross back and a belted long skirt, was a masterclass in understated elegance. By supporting a designer within the pageant world and opting for a look that had been worn before (by Joubert in red), she showcased both loyalty and sustainability. Her simple makeup, slick lower bun, and silver loop earrings ensured the outfit remained the focal point while exuding sophisticated grace.
Lira's Surprising Statement: Breaking from her signature gowns, Lira donned a colourful jumpsuit featuring purple floral pants and a black feather top, designed by Gert-Johan Coetzee. Paired with a feathered purse, black earrings, and her natural hair styled back, this choice highlighted originality and a willingness to experiment. It was a delightful surprise that perfectly encapsulated her vibrant personality. For more details on their stunning looks, explore our article: SA Style Awards: Tamaryn Green & Lira Shine at Judges Dinner.
Tamara Dey's Coordinated Glamour: Tamara Dey truly embraced her "disco therapy" in a gold high-slit dress by David Hutt. What made her look exceptional was the meticulous coordination: her distinctive grey short haircut with an edgy blue strike was perfectly matched by blue nails, while striking gold jewellery amplified the dress's shine. This demonstrated a holistic approach to styling, where every element played a part in the overall dazzling effect.

These examples underscore that whether you opt for simple elegance, a bold statement, or coordinated glamour, the underlying principles of originality, careful curation, and confident execution are what truly resonate with a style awards judge.

Your Journey to Style Awards Success: Actionable Advice

Armed with these insights, here’s how to put them into action:

Define Your Personal Style: Before you even think about an event, understand what makes you feel good. What colours, silhouettes, and fabrics truly represent you?
Start Early & Experiment: Don't leave your outfit to the last minute. Gather inspiration, try on various combinations, and experiment with accessories. This allows you to find what feels comfortable and looks cohesive.
Focus on the Details: Think beyond the main garment. Consider your shoes, bag, jewellery, hair, makeup, and even your manicure. Do they all tell the same story?
Practice Your Poses: If photos are part of the judging, practice in front of a mirror. Understanding your best angles and how to carry your outfit will make a huge difference in the final image.
Prioritise Comfort: If you're constantly tugging, adjusting, or feeling constrained, your discomfort will be visible. Choose an outfit that allows you to move freely and enjoy the day.
Embrace Your Uniqueness: Don't try to be someone else. Your authentic self is your most powerful asset. Let your personality shine through your sartorial choices.

Conclusion

Winning a style award isn't about conforming to a rigid set of rules; it's about celebrating your individuality with confidence and meticulous attention to detail. The top tips from a seasoned style awards judge consistently highlight the importance of originality, the thoughtful curation of an entire look, and the undeniable power of feeling comfortable and confident in what you wear. So, as you prepare for your next glamorous event, remember that your personal style, delivered with self-assurance, is your ultimate winning strategy. Step out, own your look, and let your unique fashion story captivate every judge in the room.