It was a sad day for India, as the country's representative, Rhea Singha, was eliminated from the pageant and did not make it to the Top 12 finalists. Before Rhea, India has won the pageant only three times. However, they have been equally historic moments for India. Here's a look at the beauty queen who won the crown for India and subsequently won our hearts.

Miss Universe 2021: Harnaaz Sandhu

Harnaaz Sandhu ended the dry spell of Miss Universe wins for India as she brought home the crown after 21 years in 2021. The Miss Universe 2021 winner competed against 80 other contestants from all around the globe. For the finale round, Harnaaz and the other finalists were asked, “What advice would you give to young women watching on how to deal with the pressures they face today?”

 

Miss Universe 2000: Lara Dutta

 

Lara Dutta was crowned the Miss Universe in 2000. Her victory was a monumental achievement as she broke previous records by achieving the highest scores in the swimsuit competition and the final interview. Her score of 9.99 remains the highest ever recorded in Miss Universe history to date.

 

Lara Dutta won the Miss Universe title in 2000.

For the finale round, Lara was asked to convince the people protesting outside the venue against the pageant. “I think pageants like the Miss Universe pageant give us young women a platform to foray into the fields that we want to and forge ahead, be it entrepreneurship, the armed forces, or politics. It gives us a platform to voice our choices and opinions and makes us strong, independent women that we are today,” she had replied, impressing the judges with her answer.

Miss Universe 1994: Sushmita Sen

Sushmita Sen was crowned Miss Universe in 1994. Her win remains a historic moment for India for many reasons, including the fact that she became the first Indian woman to win the title since the beauty pageant began 43 years ago.

 

Sushmita Sen was crowned Miss Universe in 1994.

During the final Q&A, the three finalists were asked to describe their idea of the “essence of a woman”. To which she replied, “Just being a woman is a gift of God that all of us must appreciate. The origin of a child is a mother, who is a woman. She shows a man what caring, sharing and loving is all about. That’s the essence of being a woman.”

RBC-Ukraine reports on who won the competition and how Ukraine's representative Alina Ponomarenko performed.

Who won Miss Universe 2024 and what place did Ukraine take

The title of Miss Universe 2024 was won by 21-year-old Victoria Kjær Tøjlvig from Denmark. She brought her country its first-ever victory in the competition.

The young woman is a dancer, entrepreneur, and aspiring lawyer.

 

Miss Universe 2024: Who won and how Ukraine ranked© RBC-Ukraine

 

Miss Universe 2024: Who won and how Ukraine ranked© RBC-Ukraine

 

Miss Universe 2024: Who won and how Ukraine ranked© RBC-Ukraine

Victoria Kjaer Tailvig (photo: instagram.com/victoriaakjaer)

Victoria, who also became the first blonde winner in a long time, received the tiara to applause from the other contestants from the current titleholder, Shainy Palacios of Nicaragua.

 

Miss Universe 2024: Who won and how Ukraine ranked© RBC-Ukraine

 

Miss Universe 2024: Who won and how Ukraine ranked© RBC-Ukraine

The winner of the contest Miss Universe-2024 (photo: instagram.com/missuniverse)

The first runner-up was Nigeria's Chidimma Adetshina.

 

Miss Universe 2024: Who won and how Ukraine ranked© RBC-Ukraine

Chidimma Adetshina (photo: instagram.com/chichi_vanessa)

Second place in the competition went to María Fernanda Beltrán from Mexico.

Third place was awarded to Suchata Chuangsri from Thailand, followed by Venezuela's Ileana Márquez.

It is worth noting that the last time a European contestant won the title was eight years ago – the 2016 Miss Universe winner was Frenchwoman Iris Mittenaere.

Unfortunately, Ukraine's representative Alina Ponomarenko, who impressed everyone with her national costume at the competition, was unable to make it to the grand final.

 

Miss Universe 2024: Who won and how Ukraine ranked© RBC-Ukraine

Alina Ponomarenko (photo: instagram.com/alina.lalli)

The 20-year-old from Odesa, who is involved in social initiatives, including the "Tree of Love" project that provides the elderly with medications, food, and essential items, did not make it into the top 30.

What you need to know about the Miss Universe competition

The Miss Universe competition is one of the oldest and most prestigious beauty pageants in the world. It was founded in 1952 by Pacific Knitting Mills, a company that produced clothing, and was initially intended as a promotional tool for the company's swimsuits. The early competitions were quite modest in scale and were mainly held in the United States.

Over time, the organizers realized that the competition could be much more than just a showcase of beautiful women in swimsuits. New stages were added, such as interviews, where participants were required to demonstrate their intellectual abilities.

The competition quickly expanded beyond the United States and became international. With each passing year, the number of participating countries grew, and the final was held in different locations around the world.

Throughout its history, the competition has changed owners several times, the most notable being Donald Trump, who owned it from 1996 to 2015.

Today, the Miss Universe competition is not just a contest for the title of the most beautiful woman, but also a platform for discussing important social issues. Participants present their social projects aimed at solving global problems.

Which country has the most Miss Universe winners

Venezuela ranks second with seven wins. Among the famous winners are actress Dayana Mendoza and model Stefania Fernandez. The last time a representative from this country won was in 2013, when María Gabriela Isler took the crown.

Puerto Rico follows with five titles, as well as the Philippines, India, and Mexico.

It is worth noting that the final of the Miss International 2024 beauty pageant recently took place in Japan, where Ukraine was represented by 19-year-old Sofia Zghoba.

igniting a spark of ambition among the students. Femina Miss India World 2024 Nikita Porwal, Femina Miss India 2024 - 1st Runner-up Rekha Pandey, and Femina Miss India 2024 - 2nd Runner-up Aayushi Dholakia shared powerful stories of resilience, growth, and dreams fulfilled, captivating the audience with their words of wisdom. Bennett University's very own Divyanshi Batra, Femina Miss India Uttar Pradesh 2024, was also part of the event.

 

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Nikita, the newly crowned queen, spoke with pride and humility about the responsibility of representing India on a global stage. "It's not just a privilege; it's a duty," she emphasized. "I carry the hopes of millions of girls, and I'm committed to showcasing not just India's development but also our rich culture and heritage." She urged the students to support her and Nandini Gupta in their quest to bring the Miss World crown home.

 

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"My life took a complete turn when I stepped into the limelight," revealed Rekha, who transformed from a behind-the-scenes media professional to a shining star on stage, sharing her journey of self-discovery. "Having worked in mass communication and films, I always believed in the power of self-confidence. Competing with 29 accomplished models was intimidating, but I trusted in myself and my potential." Her advice to the students? "Always trust yourself, even in unfamiliar situations. It's the key to success."

 

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Aayushi, known for her impactful social work, encouraged young women to embrace their strength and grace. "Beauty pageants today are about more than just appearance," she said. "They empower women to push their limits and be the best version of themselves. My mantra has always been: 'Make opportunities, don't wait for them.'" The day concluded with a fun, energetic game of Pickleball, leaving the students inspired and energized for the future.

 

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The actress wore a beautiful rose-embroidered gown from Bal’s final collection, Kaaynat, but opted to skip a key element of the original design - the jacket, leading to some criticism from fashion influencer Diet Sabya.

The gown itself was a stunning piece with intricate rose and leaf embroidery, paired with a strapless sweetheart neckline and whimsical, frilly designs at the bust. The elaborate embroidery at the skirt gave the dress a romantic, feminine vibe, with vertical floral patterns that lengthened her figure. However, Kiara’s decision to forgo the jacket, a vital part of the original look, was noted by Diet Sabya, who pointed out that the ensemble felt "incomplete" without it.

The jacket in the original Kaaynat look was a statement piece in itself, featuring bold floral and animal motifs that perfectly complemented the gown, adding depth, richness, and a strong traditional flair. It was integral to the look’s grandiose appeal, capturing the designer’s vision for his final collection.

Diet Sabya took to Instagram to call out Kiara’s styling choice, writing, "If you're going to wear a Rohit Bal, why would you not wear the entire look? Especially when it's from his last show???" The influencer went on to express frustration, saying, “Whoever is loaning out these Bal pieces - would like to have a chat. Would also like to have a chat with Kiara's stylist on some fashion etiquette and unspoken rules that we simply DO NOT CROSS.”

 

Kiara Advani’s styling choice of Rohit Bal gown at Game Changer events draws criticism

Many felt that by leaving out the jacket, Kiara’s outfit lost the full, regal grandeur of the original design, and the look became more simplified, resembling a regular dress rather than the couture statement it was meant to be.

Despite this, Kiara styled the gown with a mix of desi accessories. She chose a striking green kundan choker, which added a pop of color against the dress's white and red tones, and layered metal bracelets in silver and gold. Her hair was styled in voluminous, windswept waves, while bold kohl and warm eyeshadow enhanced her eyes, giving her a bright, glowing look.

While the dress was undoubtedly beautiful, the missing jacket left some questioning the authenticity of the styling—especially for such an iconic designer’s final collection.

However, with the right strategies and techniques, anyone can embrace their curves and look sleek and fashionable, no matter their size. In this article, we will explore 15 tips on how to dress to look slim.  These hacks will help you elevate your fashion game and feel confident and stylish every day.

15 Tips to dress sleeker

Invest in quality undergarments

Investing in quality undergarments is crucial for creating a smooth and flattering silhouette. Look for well-fitting bras that provide ample support, smooth shapewear to control any unwanted bulges, and seamless underwear to prevent panty lines. Control tops, waist cinchers, and body shapers can help you hide any areas you feel conscious about and make you feel more confident overall.

 

Hailey Biebar 

Experiment with different fabrics

Different fabrics can have a significant impact on the way your clothing fits and flatters your body. Look for structured fabrics such as twill, or canvas for pants and jackets, as they provide a firmer hold and create a streamlined look, but also make sure that you can steer clear of heavy and stiff fabrics like corduroy, and denim. These materials can add bulk and make you look larger than you actually are. Soft, flowy fabrics like rayon or silk can be used for tops and dresses to add volume and balance your proportions.

 

Alia Bhatt 

Embrace Vertical Stripes

Vertical stripes are a plus-size person's best friend as they create a slimming effect and elongate the body. Choose clothing with vertical stripes over horizontal stripes to create a sleeker, more flattering silhouette. Vertical stripes on clothing draw the eye up and down, making your body appear taller.

 

Gigi Hadid 

The stripes also create a visual break, breaking up the continuity of the fabric. The key is to choose a vertically striped garment that fits properly, hugs your curves and highlights the best part of you. To further enhance the slimming effect, it is recommended to wear vertically striped tops with solid-colored bottoms or vice versa.

 

Kriti Sanon 

Accentuate your waist

Accentuating your waist can help create an hourglass silhouette and make your body appear more proportionate. Look for clothing that cinches or nips in at the waist, such as belted dresses, peplum tops, or high-waisted pants. Even with comparatively looser clothing, a belt at the waist can create a defined waistline and draw attention to it. Garments with a cinched waist will highlight the narrowest part of your body, creating a slimming effect. 

 

 

Vaani Kapoor 

So to conclude, dresses that make you slimmer should hug your curves, especially your waist because that will help create a defined waistline and show off your natural shape.

 

Khushi Kapoor 

Opt for A-line silhouettes

A-line silhouettes can help you look slimmer by creating a balanced and proportionate figure. The A-line shape is characterized by a gradually widening hem, creating a subtle flare from the waist to the hemline. This shape draws attention away from the midsection and creates a flattering hourglass illusion. Additionally, the A-line provides room for movement while still maintaining a structured silhouette.

 

Deepika Padukone 

Avoid bulky tops

Avoiding bulky tops is important to look slimmer as they add volume and bulk to the midsection, creating an unflattering silhouette. Bulky tops can also distract from the natural curves of the body and draw attention to areas you may want to minimize.

 

 

Priyanka Chopra 

Additionally, ill-fitting tops can also make you look bigger than you are, so it's important to choose tops that fit well and hug your curves without being too tight. Opt for tops made from lightweight and breathable fabrics such as cotton or silk, as these materials drape nicely.

 

Alia Bhatt 

Experiment with different necklines

Different necklines can create the illusion of a longer neck, making you appear taller and slimmer. Opt for V-necks, scoop necks, or boat necks to elongate your neck and draw attention to your face. A V-shape neckline gives an elongated appearance to the neck and draws attention to the face, making the body appear slimmer while a scoop neck makes the body appear slimmer by drawing attention to the face. 

 

Deepika Padukone 

A boat neckline helps balance the proportions of the body and makes the neck and shoulders appear more relaxed. A sweetheart neckline is also a great option because it dips in the center to create a heart shape. This neckline helps to emphasize the curves of the neck and chest, while drawing attention away from the midsection. Good necklines is one of the sure shot ways to look slim.

 

Kriti Sanon 

Choose the right pants

To look slimmer in pants, choose styles that fit well, flatter your body, and elongate your legs. Look for pants with a high waist, as this will give the illusion of a longer torso and can help smooth any muffin top.

 

Kriti Sanon 

Pants in dark colors such as black, navy, or dark gray can also help to slim down your silhouette. Avoid styles that are too baggy or too tight, as these can add bulk to your figure. Instead, opt for straight-leg or slim-fit pants in a stretchy fabric that can contour your body shape. Look for details such as slimming seams, pockets that lay flat, and waistbands that don’t roll down. With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to find pants that look great and make you feel confident.

 

Ananya Panday 

Invest in Tailored Clothing

Tailored clothing can help create a slimmer appearance by providing a closer fit to your body shape. Unlike ill-fitting or off-the-rack clothing, tailored clothing is made to your specific measurements and takes into account your unique body shape. This results in a garment that hugs your curves in all the right places, creating a streamlined and flattering silhouette.

 

Deepika Padukone 

Tailored pants, for example, can be designed to sit at the correct waist height, and have a slim fit through the legs that avoids adding bulk to your figure. Tailored jackets and blazers can be made with a nipped-in waist and contoured seams, giving the illusion of a smaller waistline and a more defined silhouette.

Experiment with Layering

Layering can help you look slimmer by creating visual interest and adding depth to your outfit, drawing the eye away from areas you may want to conceal. When layering, aim for pieces that are form-fitting, such as fitted shirts or slim-fit sweaters, as these will create a streamlined look. Avoid adding too many layers or using bulky, oversize pieces, as these can add bulk to your frame.

 

Sonam Kapoor 

Additionally, layering can also help to create an elongated appearance. For example, wearing a long cardigan or vest over a fitted shirt and slim-fit pants can create a vertical line that makes you appear taller and slimmer. You can also play with proportions, such as wearing a long, fitted cardigan over a shorter dress, to create a balanced and flattering silhouette.

 

Alia Bhatt 

Only opt for oversized clothing only occasionally

Oversized clothing can add bulk to your body and make you appear larger than you are. The loose fit conceals the parts of your body you should be highlighting and add a few extra layers. Instead, opt for clothing that fits well and flatters your body, even if it means going up a size to accommodate your curves.

 

Ananya Panday 

To sum it up, everybody is beautiful and all bodies, irrespective of their shape and size are stunning. These takeaways are only to help you appreciate your body and enhance the best parts of you so that you can feel your best self! Anytime you feel self-conscious or comfortable in your body and want to look slimmer, turn to these points on how to dress to look slim for reference! You'll be feeling yourself in no time and be ready to slay the day. 

 

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