Homecoming is one of those events in high school and some colleges that is highly anticipated, though schools do celebrate homecoming differently.
Most of the time, homecoming is a week of school spirit-themed events that center around a sports game, typically American football. This week culminates in a homecoming dance where current students and alumni of the school can mingle.
Dressing for homecoming is important to many, as you no doubt want to show up in style. Our shopping guide tells you more about homecoming dresses and where to find your perfect homecoming dress.
What Is a Homecoming Dress?
A homecoming dress is one that you wear to the homecoming dance held by your school. This dress may be short, long, semi-formal, or formal, and there are many different styles to choose from.
It’s important to double-check any dress code requirements your high school or college has for homecoming dresses and to ensure you know what the formality of your homecoming dance is. More formal dances may require floor-length and formal gowns, while shorter and cocktail-length dresses may be appropriate for semi-formal events.
What Style of Homecoming Dress Should I Buy?
As you start thinking about the style of homecoming dress you should buy, you should also keep in mind your personal preferences and any colors that might represent your school. Plenty of individuals choose to show their school spirit by wearing a homecoming dress or accessories that reflect their school colors.
The most popular styles of homecoming dresses include ball gowns, A-line gowns, cocktail dresses, and skater-style dresses. You can browse through the many different homecoming dress styles online to figure out which style speaks to you the most before you head to a store and start trying your options.
The Best Places to Find a Homecoming Dress
If you aren’t sure where to start your search for a homecoming dress, pay attention to our recommendations below. We give you plenty of options for places to find the best homecoming dress for your needs, and you can visit one or all of these places in your search to find a homecoming dress.
Local Boutiques
Local boutique stores in your city are great places to start shopping for homecoming dresses. These stores typically have a wide range of dresses available, from long, formal gowns to short cocktail and semi-formal dresses.
Boutique stores typically have the newest and most on-trend styles for dresses. However, they tend to be a little more expensive due to the smaller size of the store and the selection of dresses they generally carry.
Local Malls
Your local mall is a great place to look for homecoming dresses. Malls feature department stores like Macy’s and Nordstrom in addition to stores like Forever21 and Windsor, all of which carry a wide selection of dresses.
These dresses can be used for homecoming or even more formal events like prom, and they are typically available at a range of price points. You may even be able to find these dresses on sale if you shop at the right times, helping you save some money on your homecoming dress.
Online Stores
Online stores are a popular option for homecoming dress shopping, though the number of online stores you can purchase a dress from may be overwhelming.
It’s important to narrow down your search in online stores to reputable stores from bigger brands. This will help you ensure you get the highest quality dress and that your homecoming dress shows up on time. Trusting an unheard-of store that you found via a social media ad might not be the best way to shop for your homecoming dress.
One major perk of shopping online stores for your homecoming dress is the ability to filter dresses by size, style, and color. This gives you a more streamlined experience and allows you to only see dresses that match your preferences and sizing needs.
You can always browse an online store for options and to see the style of dress you would like before shopping for a homecoming dress in person.
Thrift Stores
Thrift stores are a fun way to look for a homecoming dress while saving money. Many individuals choose to donate their formal and semi-formal dresses after a few wears. This means that you can purchase these gowns and dresses second-hand for a much cheaper price.
It may take you a few trips to your local thrift stores to find the perfect dress, so make sure you start this process with enough time before homecoming to find an outfit.
Discount Sales
Discount sales and clearance sales are easy ways to find a homecoming dress without spending too much over your budget. You can browse online sale websites like Facebook Marketplace, or you can shop clearance sales for last year’s homecoming dresses.
If you know you will be attending homecoming next year, shopping for a dress after the homecoming season has ended is a great way to find the perfect dress at a discount price.
FAQs About Homecoming Dresses
Finding a homecoming dress can be a stressful process. We answer your important frequently asked questions about these dresses so you can have any lingering concerns about finding the perfect homecoming dress put to rest.
What Is the Average Cost for a Homecoming Dress?
The average cost of a homecoming dress ranges between $50 and $500. These dresses are typically less formal than prom dresses, and they tend to be cheaper because of this. You can find homecoming dresses at a range of price points in any store, so you won’t need to worry about finding the perfect homecoming dress that fits your budget.
How Can I Save Money on a Homecoming Dress?
You can save money on a homecoming dress by shopping in thrift stores, visiting clearance sales, using online stores like Facebook Marketplace, or even making your own homecoming dress. You can also make a budget sheet for your homecoming night and check average dress prices in your area to ensure that you are staying within your budget while still having a great time.
How Early Should I Find My Homecoming Dress?
While you can wait until the last minute to get your homecoming dress, we recommend finding your outfit a few weeks to a month or so before homecoming. This allows you enough time to shop around and find the perfect dress that suits your style needs and your budget.
If you are planning on visiting thrift stores or discount stores, you may need to start the shopping process over a month ahead of homecoming. This ensures you have ample time to find a dress and potentially get it altered for the perfect fit.
What Accessories Can I Wear With My Homecoming Dress?
You can wear any accessories with your homecoming dress that you want. Many individuals choose to wear items that represent their school spirit or have matching colors to their homecoming dress. Earrings, necklaces, corsages, and high heels are all popular choices for homecoming dress accessories.
Can I Get My Homecoming Dress Tailored?
If you find the perfect dress while shopping online, in-store, or at a clearance sale but it happens to be a size too small or too big, you can get your homecoming dress tailored and adjusted.
The cost of homecoming dress tailoring depends on your needs and the tailor you use, but this can be a great way to make a discount dress fit you perfectly. Just make sure you have plenty of time to get your homecoming dress altered before homecoming night.
Looking Your Best for Homecoming
Homecoming is a popular event in both high schools and colleges, and many individuals want to ensure that they look their best on homecoming night. With our recommendations on where to shop for a homecoming dress, you can browse your options and start thinking about the best homecoming dress for your needs.
Make sure that you pay attention to the formality of your homecoming dance and any dress code requirements while shopping, and you’ll find your perfect homecoming dress in no time.
