Event Advice: How to Dress for Homecoming

Whether you’re a fashionista who sets the trends in school or you’re gathering inspo for the next homecoming season, we have you covered in our 2026 homecoming trends guide.  Our Top 6 2026 Homecoming Dress Trends  Below, we break down the incoming 2026 homecoming dress trends for your inspiration. Remember that if you find a look that you love that doesn’t adhere to the trends, there’s no reason for you not to go with it!  Corset Homecoming Dresses A corset homecoming dress embodies the romantic, modern princess vibe that dominated trends in 2026; she will continue to reign supreme in 2026. Corset hoco dresses have the benefit of adding support and defining the waist, which can give you a boost of confidence as you’re taking pictures and dancing the night away.  The great thing about corset dresses is that their detailing can also add a unique touch of personality. If you like a flapper vibe and want to nod to 1920s inspired style, try a corset bodice with a drop waist; if you like playfulness, corsets with mesh panels between the bones add flirty fun. Black Homecoming Dresses Black is a classic for a reason; it’s fashion’s favorite neutral because it’s flattering on everyone and can be taken to a ton of different events once homecoming is over.  A short black homecoming dress is a timeless look that can be dressed up or down, depending on what energy you want to bring to the event. Long, fitted black gowns offer sophisticated elegance. If you’re looking to make an entrance, a big princess gown in black will definitely do the trick, especially with lots of detailing.  Satin Homecoming Dresses To continue the vintage vibe, satin is making appearances on runways and through homecoming collections everywhere. Satin hoco dresses offer sleekness and can be a great choice for a more minimalist look that’s no less sophisticated.  While satin can allude to an old Hollywood glam aesthetic, it can easily be taken into the current era with pastel coloring, modern necklines, and unexpected details like color blocking. To go all-out with the vintage glamour, look at deeper colors like burgundy or black.  Pink Homecoming Dresses Trending pink homecoming dresses have been ranging from pastel hues to bold shades of hot pink and fuchsia. Basically, you can’t go wrong with a pink homecoming dress if romantic glamour is the vibe that you want to bring to homecoming.  When you’re accessorizing a pink homecoming dress, you’ll want to take the shade into consideration. Keep colors lighter with a soft pastel pink and go a bit darker with a fuchsia.  Sparkly Homecoming Dresses Homecoming is the chance to kick off the school year with glitz and glam, and we predict that attendees will be going all out in 2026. Sparkles may come in the form of sequins, rhinestones, shimmering fabric, or beads, but the sky’s the limit. Keep in mind that all-over beaded homecoming dresses may be heavier to wear and dance in than sequined fabric.  Want a taste of this trend without committing to a super flashy look? Look for demure embellishments like sequins along the neckline of your dress, or add sparkling accessories to more simple homecoming dresses.  Homecoming Dresses With Statement Necklines Finally, homecoming dresses with a statement neckline, like a halter, sweetheart, or a neckline with embellishments, will continue to make appearances through the 2026 season. Summer 2026 homecoming trends here may also include necklines emphasized with ruching, bardot necklines, or keyholes that draw attention to the neck.  When you have a statement neckline, you’ll want to choose your necklace carefully. If your dress has thick halter straps, you may want to skip one entirely. For a sweetheart or bardot neckline, you can go a little more statement than if your dress has a more intricate neckline, but simpler tends to work better.  How Do I Choose the Perfect Homecoming Dress?  Your perfect homecoming dress is going to be the one that makes you feel confident and ready for the big night. We suggest starting with a mood board of the vibe that you’d like to bring to the night, so you can more easily narrow down colors and silhouettes when you’re actually starting the shopping process. For tips on beginning your hoco dress research and shopping, check out our full guide on what to wear to homecoming.  Are Short or Long Dresses Better for Homecoming?  Short dresses tend to be more popular, but you can wear either a short or long dress to homecoming; ultimately, it’s up to your personal preference. The reason why short dresses are the go-to is that they’re easier to dance in and can appear a little less dressy. However, long dresses are a great choice if you prefer wearing them or want to make an entrance. What Is the Most Popular Homecoming Dress Style?  The most popular homecoming dress style is a short A-line dress. This is because A-line dresses are universally flattering, and homecoming attendees tend to prefer short dresses because of the dancing. Short bodycon dresses are another popular choice for this event, though.  2026 Homecoming Trends: Finding Your Perfect Look Knowing what’s trending for the upcoming homecoming season can give you a good starting place when it comes to knowing what you want to wear to the dance. Whether you want to fully embody one of these trends or you just want a hint of one of these looks on your dress, Sherri Hill’s homecoming collection has a dress just for you. 

Choosing a wedding dress is a deeply personal decision, though it can be helpful to know what the upcoming trends are to have a starting place in your research. Knowing what’s trending can help you decide which silhouettes and details you want to add to your shortlist while you compare gowns. Based on what we’ve seen from events like New York Bridal Fashion Week, here are our 2026 wedding predictions for bridal gowns, bridesmaid dresses, and color palettes. Even if none of these trends are your thing, your wedding dress (and wedding day) will be absolutely stunning, so don’t stress if the runways aren’t reflecting your personal taste!  2026 Wedding Dress Trends: Top 3 Bridal Gown Silhouettes The silhouette of your wedding dress is one of the first things that your guests notice when you make your grand entrance. Here are the top 3 2026 wedding dress silhouettes, though if you don’t see one you like, always feel free to choose a silhouette that shows your personality!  The Fairytale Ball Gown  Maximalism is officially back, and what better way to embrace it than with a big, grand princess gown? Brides everywhere are making dramatic statements, even at micro-weddings, in voluminous ball gowns to bring a sense of regality and luxury. As a bonus, this silhouette tends to be very flattering on most body types, giving you an extra confidence boost on your big day!  The Sleek and Chic Column Dress  On the other side of the wedding dress spectrum, the sculptural column dress has been spotted again and again as a trend for 2026 weddings. Column dresses are great for no-fuss brides, and with the right detailing, they can be just as elaborate as dresses with more volume. Look for corsetry and pretty draping for an extra romantic twist.  The Vintage Drop Waist Dress Finally, the drop waist wedding dress has been featured in a number of collections for 2026 brides. This look, popularized in the 1920s, is great for brides who want to balance a fitted look with a little more flair. If you’re looking for a dress that’s fitted through the hips and thighs but still gives some drama, check out Sherri Hill’s collection of mermaid wedding dresses. 2026 Wedding Dress Trends: Looking at Details In addition to silhouettes, we also looked at the trending details for dresses (or alternative wedding looks). These details can be paired with just about any dress silhouette to enhance your look.  Fabric Florals With a Twist 3D florals are one of the unexpected trends holding strong for 2026. These flowers flutter with movement, from a breeze during your outdoor ceremony to your dancing at the reception after. Dresses can be dramatically covered with these flowers, or simply accented with them. For a more subtle nod to the trend, go with floral-printed lace.  A Dramatic Train  This trend is for any bride who wants to make a statement, from big ceremonies to more intimate events. Naturally, you can find a dramatic train on a ball gown, but it can also be a detachable piece on a more subdued dress. You can even have a long train on a mini wedding dress for drama!  Wedding Look Versatility   Finally, there’s been an uptick in wedding looks that brides can convert or adjust to create other looks during their big day. For this trend, think removable overskirts for a dramatic reveal, layering pieces, bridal separates, and detachable trains or capes. These looks are designed to make dancing at your wedding reception easier without compromising the wedding look you love.  2026 Wedding Dress Trends by Season Looking for 2026 wedding dress trends by season? We’ve got you covered below.  Winter 2026 Wedding Dress Trends Winter 2026 is where the sculptured dress trend is likely going to shine. You’re likely to see corsets and other structured bodices paired with strategic, pretty draping and a drop waist silhouette. Fabrics with lots of details and texture are also going to reign supreme (as are heavier fabrics, like usual in the winter). Spring and Summer 2026 Wedding Dress Trends  Dramatic ball gowns, especially against an outdoor backdrop, are the name of the game for the warmer 2026 wedding seasons. Spring and summer are when you’re most likely to see wedding look versatility to combat the heat and keep the party going. This definitely makes sense; if you’ve ever negotiated what to wear to a beach wedding, you know shorter or streamlined looks tend to work best.  Fall 2026 Wedding Dress Trends  For fall 2026’s wedding season, versatility and convertible dresses will stay trending. You’re also likely to see 3D fabric florals and a sleeker wedding dress silhouette breezing down the aisle. Brides turn up the drama with longer trains and the occasional oversized bow.  What Are the 2026 Wedding Dress Color Trends? Silver is coming back in a big way for 2026 wedding color trends; pair it with midnight or navy blue for a whimsical starry night-inspired event, or warmer palettes for a dose of contrast. Warmer-toned palettes, in general, tend to be favored over palettes that run cooler in 2026, but you can nod to this trend with a cool contrast tone.   Color palettes that are more monochromatic, like shades of green, pink, or purple, are also popular choices for 2026’s wedding colors.   What About Bridesmaid Dresses 2026 Trends? Pastels are still reigning supreme for 2026 bridesmaid dress trends. Shades like butter yellow, sky blue, and sage green are popular dress color picks and can complement a range of wedding color palettes. Many of the trends above can also be found in 2026’s trending bridesmaid dresses, with an emphasis on bows and drapy, statuesque dress design. Sherri Hill’s collection of bridesmaid dresses covered these trends and more!  Embracing the Best of Wedding Dress Trends 2026 Wedding trends don’t have to affect any decisions you make for your big day, but they can give you a good guideline on what to expect while shopping for your event. Plus, looking at trends can give you direction on what you like and what you’re not sure of for yourself, which can make the research process less overwhelming.  When you’re ready to start shopping, take a look at our guide on what to wear to a bridal dress appointment so you can shop seamlessly and with confidence! 

Going out on a date is always exciting, though of course, the first question is always what to wear. In a new relationship, you can feel extra pressure to show up in a perfect outfit, and in an established relationship, you may feel pressured to keep it interesting for your partner. Regardless, our guide gives you inspiration so you can go into your next date with confidence.  Whether you’re going out to your favorite bar and want to mix things up, or you’re heading off to a gala, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite date night outfit ideas.  7 Date Night Outfit Ideas for Your Next Night Out If you’re tired of the same outfit rotation for your date nights and want to mix it up a little, you’re in luck. We’ve rallied our top seven date night outfit ideas so you can get inspired for your next night out with your sweetheart!  Sparkly Mini Dress for Glamorous Vibes There’s nothing that screams glamour quite like a sparkling cocktail dress. Go with bold colors like red or hot pink for all eyes on you, or a classic black for a glamour-meets-sophistication look. If you’re looking to add a bit of playfulness to your glittering look, choose a printed dress, or one with off-the-shoulder sleeves or ruffles around the skirt.  When choosing accessories, keep jewelry demure so your sparkly dress is the star of the show. Make sure you try your accessories on with your dress before your date night so you feel confident that your look is cohesive.  Pants and a Jacket for a Polished Vibe If it’s a chillier time of year and you’re dying to go out, pants or trousers with either a matching jacket or one that offers chic contrast can be the perfect date night solution. Pants that are flared or have a wider cut are super trendy and pair nicely with a more form-fitting top or one that shows more skin.  Unless you’re looking for a more serious vibe on your date, you may want to keep your shirt on the fun or whimsical side, or pair a plainer top with a statement necklace. A bodysuit can also be a great pairing, especially for a more active night out.  All-Red for a Hint of Fire If you want your date to know that you’re a passionate person, an all-red outfit can be the perfect way to embody it. For a more formal look, choose a red formal dress; for something a bit more casual, you can go with a co-ord or a red cocktail dress. Pair with red shoes and a matching red bag to complete your look.  Not totally sure about all red? Trade red shoes or accessories for a complimentary color like gold, beige, or pearl instead for a less monochrome look.  Tailored Pencil Skirt and Blouse for a Day-to-Night Look If you’re going from a day at the office to a date night out, you can effortlessly transform your look from day to night with the right makeup and accessories. Switch out office footwear like pumps or flats with statement boots or glitzy sandals, and add a bold lip for a nighttime vibe.  You can also choose a shirt or skirt that has a bit of a shimmer so it’s still office-appropriate but elevated.  Formal Dress for a Very High-End Night Out This may just be an excuse to buy a really fancy dress, and that’s okay! If you’re in need of a formal look for a formal night out, look at long dresses in formal styles. Darker colors tend to be more formal than pastels, but don’t let that stop you from getting the pastel dress of your dreams if the event calls for it.  When you’re thinking about a formal dress, be sure to keep in mind details like silhouettes, colors, and necklines that make you feel confident!  A Glam Romper for Whimsical Vibes  Rompers are the perfect solution for people who want the ease of a dress but with the added range of motion. A romper with glam touches like sequins or beading can be great for dates that involve activities like being at a carnival, mini golf, or lots of dancing. Like dresses, rompers come in just about every color of the rainbow (as well as just about any print), so the sky’s the limit. For date night, darker colors and more muted prints will add a touch of formality to your look, so keep this in mind.  A Co-Ord Set for a Casual Meets Cool Look If you’re heading on a date that’s not quite formal but not quite casual, a co-ord set makes you feel effortlessly put together. A lot of co-ords tend to be made of cropped tops and high-waisted skirts, making them whimsical in silhouette, but since they match, it adds a flair of uniformity.  Solid-colored co-ords make great backdrops for accessories, whereas printed co-ords tend to be more eye-catching on their own.  Dark Jeans and a Flowy Top for Casual Date Night The right pair of jeans can make you feel super confident and cute, and with the right top, they can be transformed into a fabulous date night outfit. You may not want to pull this one out on a very formal night out, but if you know you’re heading to a more casual bar or restaurant, this outfit can be just the thing.  Tops in pastel colors like pink, blue, or mint green are effortlessly feminine and offer a contrast to the dark jeans. Choose tops with details like ruffles, bell sleeves, or lacing at the chest for an extra dose of femme vibes.  How Do I Accessorize My Date Night Outfit?  It’s going to depend on what your outfit is, as well as what time of year it is. For instance, on a Valentine’s date in the winter, you’ll want to make sure you choose a jacket that complements your outfit but still keeps you warm. You may also want to add cold-weather accessories like a scarf or gloves.  When you’re putting an outfit together, the general accessories you’ll want to consider are your shoes, bag, jewelry, and any hair accessories. Outfits that are more neutral, like a black cocktail dress, will give you more accessory options than printed or busier outfits. If your outfit calls for it, you can also think about complementary scarves, belts, or hats.  How Do I Wear My Hair for a Date?  Above all, you’ll want to be comfortable and have your hair in a style that makes you feel confident. If you prefer wearing your hair up or back, you can add in some glitzy barrettes or clips for a touch of date night glamour. If you like wearing your hair down, you can wear minimalist jewelry that makes your hair the star, or wear a dainty headband for a minimalist look.  What Should I Not Wear on a First Date? Be sure to avoid any clothes that don’t make you feel your best. You’ll also want to keep overly casual clothes like pajamas at home. Even if it’s a more casual date night, you still want to make a good impression on your date.  Staying Confident and Cute With Our Date Night Outfit Ideas Dates always come with a few butterflies, but choosing what to wear for date night doesn’t have to be overly stressful. When you’re thinking about your outfit, always choose pieces that make you feel cute and confident; this will help lay the foundation for having a great time on your date!