Homecoming outfits are typically semiformal, including short dresses, jumpsuits, and two-piece sets. This guide helps you choose the perfect look by covering trending styles, accessorizing tips, and what to consider for comfort and event themes.
Homecoming dresses are traditionally worn to homecoming events, a cherished high school tradition in the United States that unites current students and alumni in celebrating school pride. The festivities typically center around a football game, often accompanied by a parade, a dance, and the crowning of a Homecoming King and Queen.
Choosing the right outfit is essential as it will guide how confident you feel and shape your comfort level. Dressing up is one of the most fun elements of homecoming—most schools allow students to dress formally, and pick their dream dress.
Below is our guide on how to find the right dress for you.
How to Dress for Homecoming
The first thing you should know is that homecoming is typically semiformal, with flexible outfit options (short, midi dresses, or even two-piece sets).
As a starting point, consider your school’s dress code, if it has one. You don’t want to get turned away at the door for a dress that’s too short, or for wearing colors that are too revealing. So, check with your homecoming committee what the dos and don'ts of the homecoming dress code are.
Now, is there a theme to your school’s homecoming event? Some homecoming events follow themes like: “A Night Under the Stars“, “Hollywood Glamour”, "Under the Sea", "Masquerade Ball", “Around the World”, others may have decade-based themes such as the 1920s, 50s Sock Hop, or 80s neon. If so, this will guide your choice.
The venue where your homecoming is held can also influence your choice of dress. If it’s indoor or outdoor, this can dictate the length of your hemline, how much coverage you opt for, and whether you’ll need a jacket or hat to deal with the elements.
The importance of comfort cannot be overlooked. Comfort is key when choosing a homecoming dress because the night is all about movement, fun, and celebration. From dancing with friends late into the evening, to walking in the parade, and posing for photos, it’s important to have an outfit that you feel comfortable moving in. After all, feeling comfortable and confident is the ultimate fashion accessory.
This plays into choosing your style of dress. Rather than following fashion, and choosing a trending style to match your friends, follow your personal style. That way, you’ll be confident in what you’re wearing and fully express your personality.
It’s not all about the dress! Sure, the dress is the main event, the showstopper—but the right shoes and accessories can tie an outfit together and complete your look.
Trendy Homecoming Outfit Ideas
Let’s break down some popular homecoming outfit styles, to give you some much needed inspo.
Trending homecoming styles:
- Classic & Elegant Looks - Timeless silhouettes include A-line dresses, satin slips, and dresses with lace detailing. When it comes to colors, black, navy, and red never go out of style. Accessorize with delicate jewelry, heels, and a sleek sparkly clutch. This creates an effortlessly sophisticated and polished look.
- Bold & Glamorous Styles - Dare to go bold? Sparkly body-con and sequined minis bring the wow. Metallics and jewel tones emphasize glamor. Add dramatic cuts, like off-the-shoulder, and leg slits, to turn heads. Accessorize with statement earrings, a shawl, and a bold clutch for a sensational look.
- Two-Piece Sets & Jumpsuits - Want a stylish alternative to a hoco dress, this is for you. Choose a crop top with a skirt, or a jumpsuit in velvet or satin to keep it luxe. Pair with layered necklaces or a chunky belt for added flair and visual interest. This look is perfect for those who want a modern and comfortable twist on hoco fashion.
- Casual-Chic or Minimalist Outfits - Think simple, sleek minimalist slip dresses with clean lines. Look for neutrals; champagne, ivory, or blush. Add block heels, and statement jewelry to layer your personality on top. This look is for you if understated elegance with a fashionable touch is your vibe.
Check out our homecoming dresses collection to start building your look.
How to Accessorize Your Homecoming Outfit
Typically, a nice pair of heels, simple jewelry, hair accessories, and a jacket will complement your dress perfectly. Accessorizing your outfit is a personal choice, some go simple, others like to express more of their personal style.
But, when you’re choosing shoes, jewelry, bags, and hair accessories to pair with your outfit, a few guiding principles will help you get those creative juices flowing.
Homecoming accessorizing tips:
- Matching accessories to outfit styles - With classic silhouettes like an A-line dress, add pearls and metallic clutches. Polished finishes work well. For more modern cuts, chokers, geometric earrings, and bold clutches will elevate your look. When wearing a beaded neckline, no necklace is needed, as it will compete with the dress. Instead, go for statement earrings and a bold bracelet. When choosing a v-neckline, opt for a drop necklace that fills the empty space on your chest. Scoop necklines are best complimented by round necklaces, or choker necklaces that follow the same lines. With a high neckline, skip the necklace entirely and go for bold earrings instead.
- Balancing statement pieces vs. minimalistic styling - For a simple dress, a statement necklace, chandelier earrings, and a bold clutch will take your style to the next level. For a dress with embellishments, keeping jewelry minimal (stud earrings, simple bangles, sleek clutch) will allow your dress to shine.
- Prioritize comfort - You’re going to be wearing heels for a number of hours, so block heels and platforms can give you height without hurting your feet. Choose a small clutch big enough for your essentials—but, not oversized, as a large bag will hold you back on the dance floor.
-
Adding a pop of personality through accessories - Choose contrasting colors like a red clutch with a navy dress to add a unique character to your ensemble. Special nail polish, a brooch, or a hair clip can take your outfit from run-of-the-mill to extraordinary.
Ready to build your outfit?
Now you know how to find a dress that both suits your personality, is comfortable, sticks within your school’s dress code, and stands out from the crowd.
TLDR:
- Choose a dress that fits within your school’s dress code.
- Pick an outfit that’s comfortable for walking, dancing, and posing for photos.
- Don’t follow trends, stay true to your personal style.
- Accessorize to take your look to the next level.
Our last minute tips and homecoming outfit hacks:
- Sit, walk and raise your arms in your dress - Check to see if anything rides up, or gets too tight.
- Flash test - Take a photo with a flash to see if anything shows through, and check your makeup.
- Heel test - Walk around in your heels for a few minutes, if you wobble, add gel inserts, or consider different shoes.
Don’t forget, confidence is queen. Before choosing any outfit, ensure you’re completely comfortable and confident wearing it. That way, you’ll bring your best self to homecoming and make lasting memories.
At Terry Costa, we’re here to help. Our qualified dress consultants love nothing more than helping you shine in an outfit that feels truly yours. They’ll guide you on colors that’ll flatter your skin tone, the right cut for your body type, and give you styling tips to make your dress truly yours. Pop into our store in Dallas, or chat with us online!
FAQs
What is the dress code for homecoming?
Homecoming is typically a semiformal event. This means dresses can be cocktail length or shorter. It’s less formal than prom, but casual outfits should be avoided, and be careful not to go for too short a hemline.
If you’re in doubt, check with your school whether there is a dress code.
What to wear to homecoming as a guest?
As a guest, it is important not to outshine the students, as it’s their night. The formality of your outfit depends on what part of the event you’re attending. If you’re only going to the football game, jeans and a nice top are fine. On the other hand, if you have a ticket to the dance, semiformal attire like a cocktail dress is the norm.
Are jeans ok for homecoming?
Jeans are OK for the casual parts of homecoming, like the football game. For evening events, you’ll want to be decked out in semiformal wear, or risk being underdressed and turned away.
