Miss Michigan Alma Cooper Wins Miss USA 2024 in Metallic Cutout Dress, Top 5 Evening Gown Trends: Cutouts, Thigh-High Slits and Sequins

Miss Michigan Alma Cooper Wins Miss USA 2024 in Metallic Cutout Dress, Top 5 Evening Gown Trends: Cutouts, Thigh-High Slits and Sequins

August 5, 2024

Miss Michigan USA Alma Cooper was crowned Miss USA 2024 after the finalists were announced on Sunday at the pageant in Los Angeles.

Contestants from all over the United States brought the sparkle to the Miss USA 2024 stage, but only five were selected to walk the stage for the evening gown competition, where they had the opportunity to showcase their style, grace and presence.

The top five of the Miss USA 2024 featured the winner of the night, Miss Michigan Alma Cooper, as well as Miss Kentucky Connor Perry, Miss Tennessee Christell Foote, Miss Oklahoma Danika Christopherson and Miss Ohio Macy Hudson.

The evening gown competition is one of three equally scored areas of the pageant, alongside the interview and swimwear portions. Contestants are encouraged to choose gowns that best show their personality, as long as they follow a simple dress code — no corset backs or glitter, while beads, sequins and rhinestones are highly encouraged.

Here, WWD takes a closer look at the Miss USA 2024 top five contestants’ evening gowns.

Miss Kentucky Connor Perry

Connor Perry, Miss Kentucky USA, at the 73rd annual Miss USA Pageant at Peacock Theater on Aug. 4 in Los Angeles.

Gilbert Flores

Perry wore the most dramatic look of the top five, brightening the stage in a yellow dress with voluminous ruffles covering both the front and the back of her ensemble, which also featured a high-slit silhouette.

Miss Michigan Alma Cooper

Alma Cooper, Miss Michigan USA at the 73rd annual Miss USA Pageant at Peacock Theater on August 4, 2024 in Los Angeles, California.

Alma Cooper, Miss Michigan USA, at the 73rd annual Miss USA Pageant at Peacock Theater on Aug. 4 in Los Angeles.

Gilbert Flores

Cooper embraced the metallics trend in a one-shoulder dress with a bold cutout on the bodice that created an asymmetrical silhouette.

Miss Tennessee Christell Foote

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 04: Christell Foote, Miss Tennessee USA walks onstage during the 73rd annual Miss USA Pageant at Peacock Theater on August 04, 2024 in Los Angeles, California.  (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)

Christell Foote, Miss Tennessee USA, at the 73rd annual Miss USA Pageant at Peacock Theater on Aug. 4 in Los Angeles.

Getty Images

Foote channeled Old Hollywood glamour in a classic black dress with a voluminous flared skirt and plunging neckline, which gave the ensemble an edgy twist. She accessorized with a flower-shaped crystal belt that matched her choker necklace.

Miss Oklahoma Danika Christopherson

Danika Christopherson, Miss Oklahoma USA at the 73rd annual Miss USA Pageant at Peacock Theater on August 4, 2024 in Los Angeles, California.

Danika Christopherson, Miss Oklahoma USA, at the 73rd annual Miss USA Pageant at Peacock Theater on Aug. 4 in Los Angeles.

Gilbert Flores

Christopherson embraced a modern take on evening wear, opting for a shimmering black crop top with a plunging design, which she paired with a matching maxi skirt. A gold chain connected both pieces, crossing in front of her bodice.

Miss Ohio Macy Hudson

Macy Hudson, Miss Ohio USA at the 73rd annual Miss USA Pageant at Peacock Theater on August 4, 2024 in Los Angeles, California.

Macy Hudson, Miss Ohio USA, at the 73rd annual Miss USA Pageant at Peacock Theater on Aug. 4 in Los Angeles.

Gilbert Flores

Hudson chose a sparkling purple dress with a sheer base, a halter-neck silhouette, a thigh-high slit and a dramatic train.

The Miss USA 2024 pageant is currently owned by Laylah Rose, a fashion designer and the founder of Laylah Rose Couture. She took over the U.S. license of the organization in 2023 from Thai transgender entrepreneur Anne Jakrajutatip, who acquired the Miss Universe Organization in 2022.

The 73rd Miss USA pageant featured representatives from all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Miss USA 2023 Savannah Gankiewicz crowned Miss Michigan Alma Cooper as her successor, who will go on to represent the United States at the Miss Universe 2024 pageant in Mexico in November.