Homecoming Dresses - Common Sense Guidelines

Whether you are the queen or not, feeling like a princess on homecoming night is a must. Trends are sometimes hard to follow, but picking the perfect dress for this season only requires a basic outline and an eye for the little details that will make your dress extra special. The most tried and true advice in deciding on what you will wear is to browse a lot, and try on as much as you can. If you find a prospective dress at a store and want to try to find a better deal online, take a picture. Alternately, if you find one online, print it out and take it to the store with you. Focused shopping like this is how you will find the best dress with the least stress.

Common Sense

Common sense is not so common. The stress over finding an appropriate dress in your budget can cause some of us to overlook the basics. One of these is asking upper class mates what others wore last year to the event. They will likely have some fashion faux-pas anecdotes. At least you will know what not to do. You can figure out how formal things tend to be. You could even ask to see some pictures from the night. Another thing to keep asking yourself is whether you are being yourself. Why you might not be wearing red Reebok's with your ensemble, it is important to think of your personal style when selecting a dress. One common sense note on picking the perfect heels for your perfect dress - you don't want to be a foot taller than your date. High heels are hot but don't overdo it.

Body Types

Once you find a general style you love or set your heart on a certain color, you can then think critically for a moment about what is going to flatter your body type. There is an abundance of seemingly complicated and sometimes contradictory information out there on what cut of dress is right for your body. They all basically hold these truths in common.

If you have fuller hips and thighs, look for a fuller skirt that does not hit you more than an inch or two above the knee. If you have been blessed with a fuller bust as well, look around for a plunging neckline. This is true generally for big busts. Halter tops fit well if they are made with fabric that skims your skin instead of binding. For making a small bust seem bigger embellish and avoid plunging necklines.

If you have a thicker waist elongate your look with an empire or princess cut. A belt can help here if you sling it low on your hips. Search for fashion that defines or redefines your waist. Heavier arms can be minimized with a fancy, embellished sleeve. Remember generally, though, don't buy baggy if you are trying to look slimmer. Things fitting well is the key to looking great. Wrap dresses are very slimming over all and can be found in beautiful formal styles. If you are trying to look more curvy, try a longer skirt style. Bubble dresses are trendy and work well if you have a boyish figure.


The dress will be yours. Start looking early, try on often, and do a lot of common sense research. It is always nice to make picking out formal wear a group project. Bring your friends along for the ride because two heads are always better than one in the dressing room. You can always offer to buy lunch in the food court. Dress for your type, experiment with your hair before the night of the dance, and don't over accessorize. Do not forget your camera to take pictures. Becoming the “princess you” for a night is priceless and the memories last forever.