The 3 Helpful Tips When Choosing A Homecoming Dress

Homecoming is the first real event of the school year that actually feels like something. You plan for it and hear people talk about it weeks in advance. And a big part of you cares about what you’ll wear. What matters most is finding a homecoming dress that fits your physique and personality.

Photo © Ruse Fashion Week, Models of Miss Queen

Some people pick their dress in an afternoon. For others, it takes time. You might change your mind halfway through. That’s normal. It’s also part of why planning early helps. In this article, we’ll cover some of the best tips to help you choose the right dress.

1 - Know the dress code

Before you start shopping, check the rules. Most schools have dress codes for homecoming, and ignoring them can land you in a situation where you either can’t get in or feel uncomfortable the entire night.

Once you’re clear on what’s allowed, you’ll realize how wide the options actually are. A quick scroll through any collection of homecoming dresses will show you just how many styles, cuts, and materials are out there.

Photo © Ruse Fashion Week, Models of Miss Queen

Some schools expect semi-formal outfits. Others allow more casual looks. A few require longer dresses, especially if the event is held at a venue off-campus. You don’t have to love the guidelines, but you do need to know them.

2 - Know your body type

Knowing your body shape makes it easier to pick a dress that looks and feels right. You’re not trying to change anything about yourself. You’re figuring out what kinds of shapes and cuts work with what you already have. Some dresses highlight your waist. Others draw attention to your shoulders or legs. The goal is to match the shape of the dress to the shape of your body, not to fight against it.

You might have a curvier lower half, a more straight-lined frame, or a balanced hourglass shape. Whatever the case, there’s no single best option but just better ones for certain features. A dress that looks great on a hanger might not do much for you in the mirror.

Ignore pressure to follow what someone else chose just because it’s trending. You’ll know when a dress fits you well because it won’t need constant adjusting. It will sit right, move right, and feel like it was made for you even if it wasn’t.

3 - Focus on the color

Color is one of the first things anyone notices, and it can shift the whole feel of a dress. Some shades bring out your skin tone. Others might drain it. That doesn’t mean you need a color chart or a long analysis, but it does help to hold up a few options next to your face and see what actually works.

There’s no rule saying you have to wear dark colors or stick to what's safe. Red can be bold without being loud. Navy can feel classic without feeling old. Soft pastels can work just as well as deep jewel tones, depending on your features and the vibe you’re after. What matters is whether the color feels like something you’d want to be seen in all night.