What Is a Homecoming Dress? Your Guide to Homecoming Style

Homecoming is a popular event for individuals in high schools and colleges across the United States. 

One of the most important parts of homecoming is choosing a dress that shows off your style and matches the homecoming theme. It can be difficult to find the perfect homecoming dress, which is why we’ve created a guide to help you understand homecoming and ensure you show up for this event in style.

What Is Homecoming?

Homecoming is a popular event hosted by high schools and some colleges in the fall shortly after classes begin. September and October are the most popular months for homecoming, and this event is created to welcome back alumni to the high school or college. 

There is typically a football or other sports game during homecoming week followed by plenty of school spirit events and culminating in a formal or semi-formal dance. Current attendees of the high school or college mingle at this dance with alumni and have a great time celebrating the school and showing school spirit.

Homecoming became popular around the 19th century. While traditions and events may have changed over time, the homecoming dance is an ever-popular occasion for individuals to celebrate.

It’s important to note that homecoming isn’t prom. Prom is typically held at the end of the school year for high school students and is intended to give individuals a celebration for the end of their high school experience and the next phase of their life.

Does Homecoming Have a Dress Code?

Whether or not homecoming has a dress code depends on your school and how they handle their homecoming dance event or other events during homecoming week. 

Some schools put fun themes in place and will request that individuals choose their outfits according to this theme. Other schools will request a formal, semi-formal, or more casual dress code. 

Make sure that you check if your homecoming dance will have a dress code ahead of time so you know what style of homecoming dress or outfit to search for.

What Is a Homecoming Dress?

A homecoming dress is one that you will wear to your homecoming dance. Depending on the theme and formality level, you may be able to wear a cocktail dress, a longer gown, or a dress that matches a specific theme, such as a beachy dress. 

Homecoming dresses do look similar to prom dresses occasionally, but prom dresses tend to be longer and more formal. Homecoming dresses usually end up being more casual, shorter in length, and have a wider variety of accepted styles, embellishments, colors, and patterns.

How Do I Choose a Homecoming Dress?

If you are having trouble choosing a homecoming dress, it helps to take a step back and consider what you might want and need in your homecoming dress. There are plenty of different styles, silhouettes, patterns, and colors available when it comes to homecoming dresses, so don’t let yourself get overwhelmed.

Things to consider when trying to choose a homecoming dress to wear include:

• The theme of your homecoming dance
• Any specific dress code regulations set by your school, such as formal or black-tie outfits
• The length of the dress you feel comfortable wearing
• Whether or not you want to match outfits with friends or a date
• The colors you love wearing, or colors that complement your skin tone and undertone
• Any accessories that you want to wear with your homecoming dress
• The type of shoes you will be wearing with your homecoming dress
• Specific patterns, embellishments, or styles of dress that you love
• The specification of the homecoming dance event, such as outdoor events or anticipated poor weather

This can feel like a lot to keep in mind. Making note of a few of these items ahead of time can help direct your search for the perfect homecoming dress and ensure that you find the perfect style for your needs.

What if I Don’t Want to Wear a Dress to Homecoming?

While homecoming dresses are the more traditional choice and many individuals love to wear a dress that defines their style, a dress might not be the thing for you. 

In these cases, it’s perfectly acceptable to wear a suit or other skirt and blouse outfit, as long as they fit the theme and are appropriate for your homecoming dance. 

Keep in mind that if you do decide to select a suit to wear for your homecoming dance, it’s a good idea to get the suit tailored so that it fits properly and allows you to comfortably wear it throughout the evening.

Accessorize Your Homecoming Style

Homecoming dresses are made complete with fun accessories and personal style elements that help you be unique. 

Adding jewelry, hair adornments, makeup and hairstyles, bags, jackets, and shoes to your homecoming dress can help make it uniquely yours These accessories may also help you better fit the theme of your homecoming dance. 

It helps to keep in mind any accessories you think you might want to use as you select your homecoming dress so that you find a complementary style.

Your Dream Homecoming Dress

Understanding what a homecoming dress is might be confusing at first because there are many potential styles and silhouettes of dresses that are appropriate for your homecoming dance. 

To help narrow down the options and choose between formal, semi-formal, casual, or themed dresses, check with your school’s specifications for your homecoming dance event. Browse homecoming dresses from popular brands that help you ensure you find your dream homecoming dress and attend this event in style.