Homecoming is one of the most anticipated and popular events at the start of the school year, and this dance is a great time to hang out with your friends and make some great memories. Most homecoming dances have dress codes, and you may be wondering what to wear for

homecoming. Our article gives you all the advice you need to put together the best outfit for your homecoming dance.

Is Homecoming a Formal Dance?

At most schools, homecoming tends to be a formal or semi-formal event. This means that the banquet and dance portion of this event will have a dress code, and you will likely need to purchase an outfit to ensure you meet this dress code. You may need to invest in suitable formal clothing, but these investments can pay off, as plenty of events during high school have formal dress codes, such as prom.

Do I Need to Stick to a Dress Code for Homecoming?

Depending on how strict your school is, you may need to stick to a dress code for homecoming. This can include wearing formal clothing, or simply refraining from wearing things like jeans, t-shirts with graphics or words on them, and ripped clothing. Many people may not be comfortable with truly formal outfits, but you can speak to your school’s homecoming organizers to learn what may or may not be acceptable to wear at this event.

What to Wear for Homecoming

Figuring out what to wear for homecoming can be confusing. We give you some tips on what to wear below so you can start to think about the best outfits for your personal style.

For Girls

In general, girls will get a dress like these for homecoming, as most formal and semi-formal clothing options for women include dresses. Girls can wear long formal gowns, cocktail dresses, or midi dresses, as long as the fabric matches a more formal style.

To complete your outfit, you can wear a pair of high heels in a color that matches your dress, and you can apply makeup and a formal look for your hair. You may also want to accessorize your outfit with jewelry that matches your dress and skin tone.

When choosing a color for a dress, keep in mind your skin tone and your school’s colors, as you may want to show some school spirit with your outfit in addition to flattering your complexion.

For Boys

Homecoming outfits for boys tend to be suits, or dress pants and a collared shirt. You can add a vest or a suit jacket if this is more your style, and you can accessories your outfit with a tie, bow tie, or cuff links.

Dress shoes are essential for boys attending homecoming, as sneakers, sandals, or worn-out shoes do not match the dress code. However, when choosing a dressier pair of shoes, make sure they are comfortable and that you can properly move around in them to prevent your feet from hurting by the end of homecoming.

Gender-Neutral

If gender-neutral outfits are more your thing, you can pick from whichever realm of clothing makes you more comfortable. You may want to wear a tailored suit, or a jumpsuit may fit your style more. Just make sure when selecting your clothing that you adhere to the formal or semi-formal dress code requirement of most homecomings, and that you choose something that flatters your figure and complexion.

How Do I Pick the Best Homecoming Outfit?

Picking the best homecoming outfit doesn’t need to be hard – you simply need to choose the outfit that you feel the most comfortable and confident in. This can include finding a dress that matches your personal style or enhancing your suit with some accessories that make you happy. As long as you are comfortable, able to dance, and feeling your most stylish, whichever outfit you choose for homecoming will be perfect.

Can I Thrift My Homecoming Style?

It is totally possible to thrift your homecoming style, and some people may even prefer to find their homecoming outfit in a thrift store in order to take advantage of more vintage styles. When shifting your homecoming outfit, be sure to start this process well ahead of your homecoming dance night, as it can take a while to find all of the clothes you need or the perfectly sized dress to ensure you look stylish on homecoming night.

Attending Homecoming With Style

Attending homecoming is something that many high school students anticipate greatly, and it’s important that you select an outfit that helps you feel your most confident and stylish for your big night. Whether you are investing in a formal gown, a fitted suit, or a combination of more gender-neutral items, you can rest assured that if you select your favorite look and adhere to any dress code rules, you’ll be fantastically dressed for homecoming night.