The Do’s and Dont’s of Homecoming: What Not To Wear
Oct 4, 2017
It’s homecoming season again! Spirit week has officially begun, and everyone is scrambling to get their homecoming plans and outfits in order. Here are some quick tips on what NOT to wear to homecoming.
GUYS
- Do not wear jeans. This is one of the only two dances during the school year, so do not show up in jeans. It’s not a regular school day or a hang out with your friends. It’s one of your only chances to dress up and look presentable. Do yourself a favor and trade in the jeans for a nice pair of pants.
- Don’t wear cut-off gym tanks or muscle tanks. I’ve seen people change from their nice clothes into muscle tank tops after they take their pictures. Yes, the gym gets hot, and yes, everyone gets gross and sweaty. But there is no need to change into workout clothes. You will look ridiculous.
- Do not wear sneakers. I understand that gym shoes are very comfortable, but beauty is pain, not comfort. Dress shoes look much nicer in pictures, and they make a person look cleaner and more put-together. Plus, it gives you some extra height, if you want it.
So, what should you wear? Homecoming is a semi-formal event. Guys do not need to wear full suits, but they also shouldn’t dress up in something they could wear to school. Typical homecoming attire for guys is a button up shirt with dress pants or khakis, a tie or bow-tie, dress shoes, and maybe even a vest. This is your chance to look good and have a good time! Don’t waste it on muscle tanks.
GIRLS
- Don’t wear long prom dresses, but don’t wear dresses that are too short. Homecoming is not prom, so you’ll look silly if you show up in a floor length ball gown. Be attentive to the length of your dress. A dress that is too short can be inappropriate (and this is a school dance after-all).
- Be aware of the material of the dresses. If the fabric is see-through or mesh, that can cause some serious wardrobe malfunctions. Thick material like wool is not a good idea. It will cause complete overheating of your body. Light colors will result in visible marks on dresses, so pay attention to the color of your dress.
- Do not keep your heels on when you’re on the dance floor. Many girls take of their heels and change into socks as soon as they walk into homecoming. Don’t be that girl that punctures people’s feet because she feels tall in her heels. Yes, you look great, but the pain isn’t worth it.
What should girls wear? Traditionally, girls wear short dresses to homecoming because the long dresses are reserved for prom. The most important thing to remember, if you’re a girl, is know your body type. Not everybody looks good in the same dresses, so look for dresses that fit your body and that you are comfortable wearing. After all, the dance lasts a couple hours, so you’re going to want to be comfortable in whatever you’re wearing.
The most important thing about homecoming is to have fun. This dance symbolizes the return to a fresh school year. Spend it with your friends, and enjoy yourself!
ally • Oct 3, 2021 at 9:18 PM
I bought a long dress to prom because its hot asf and nobody really cares..youll look beautiful in a short or long dress!!
Hr • Oct 2, 2021 at 5:33 PM
I hate them they forced people to wear dresses and not wear what they want to wear.
Rish Patel • Sep 26, 2021 at 11:04 AM
I’m not going to homecoming because I don’t want to. I’m not allowed to wear short dresses without leggings. I can’t get near boys that are strangers and i’m not allowed to eat out. So now what
Walter E. Strong • Dec 29, 2022 at 2:13 AM
Leave home as soon as you possibly can.
Kim • Sep 18, 2021 at 10:11 AM
Kennan, are you that ignorant to assume the article is telling you what you can and can’t wear? Everyone should know their body type and what type of clothing will look great on them. Some people are not curvy, some are pear/apple shape, straight and some are in between. Some who are considered to be over weight and a little thicker has to find clothing that compliment their figures. Some just don’t care how frumpy they’ll look and wear oversized clothes to hide their bodies, whether slim or fat.
yup • Oct 28, 2021 at 3:10 PM
Hey there.
I just wanted to take some time to express that the idea people should and should not wear something due to body type is, as Kennan said, quite a bit rude.
You and others are not entitled to dictate what people, especially girls, should wear for their body type. The idea of “they have to find clothes to compliment their figure” is ridiculous. Who says? You are not the prime authority. If a girl has a lot of stomach and wears something that shows she has a lot of stomach, that action is hurting absolutely no one and the only way it would hurt someone is if someone who had a similar ideology to you voiced their opinion on what someone else decided to wear.
I am aware that this is an opinion you hold, but keep in mind that people sometimes choose to dress for themselves and what you think of them is not their problem, it’s yours.
Have a great day.
Lindsay • Sep 15, 2021 at 6:23 PM
If you don’t feel comfortable wearing a short dress because you’re worried about falling or something and flashing someone or something like that, you can always get spandex pants (but in the form of shorts) I think they’re called spanx? I don’t know, it’s my first homecoming and I’m being forced to wear a dress so I’m not all that happy about it either, but that solves my main issue with wearing a dress, so I’m fine with it.
emily castillo • Sep 14, 2021 at 11:01 AM
if you don´t feel comfortable in a short dress is it okay to wear a long dress?
freshwatergirl • Sep 8, 2021 at 3:25 PM
honestly, I wish this article went more in-depth. don’t wear jeans and a tank top? seriously, i doubt anyone who could get a date to homecoming is that oblivious. also, what’s up with the advice for girls? don’t wear a long dress or a short dress. there’s a perfect length to look for, but we won’t tell you! don’t wear a thick dress or a thin dress- just figure it out! :)))) find a dress that fits your body type… of course we won’t tell you how. cmon, why waste web space. if you’re not going to tell us what to look for in the shops, maybe include some pictures of an ideal outfit.
kennah • Aug 14, 2021 at 9:41 PM
i’m kinda pissed that it says “know your body type because not everyone looks good in the same dress” or whatever because girls should wear what they’re comfortable in, and i feel like that’s telling girls what they can and can’t wear because they “don’t have the right body” for it. it’s kind of rude and insensitive to people who struggle with body image issues already.
L • Nov 12, 2023 at 3:48 AM
Not everyone looks good in the same thing, that’s true. The idea that anyone can wear anything they want may sound good until someone shows up looking ridiculous in something and gets made fun of for it and feels self-conscious. People should want to wear something flattering that highlights their assets and makes them feel confident and attractive.
Haily Ross • Oct 2, 2019 at 8:06 PM
I don’t know what to wear but I don’t want to wear a dress what should I wear instead.
Joshua Moore • Sep 28, 2019 at 6:45 PM
I don’t know what to wear I’m confused this is my first homecoming I’m going to I want it to be special can you Recommend something special.