What to Wear to Homecoming: Your Full Guide

The biggest 2026 homecoming dress trends, taken straight from Sherri Hill's own Fall 2026 homecoming styles, are corset bodices, pearls and bows, structured satin and mikado, and playful bubble skirts. Sparkle is everywhere, from hot fix stones to fully beaded fringe, and halter, keyhole and pearl-trimmed necklines keep the focus up top. The colors run from blush, candy pink and pastel florals to black, chocolate, wine and emerald for fall. Where Do These 2026 Homecoming Trends Come From? Every trend in this guide comes from the dresses themselves: the styles in Sherri Hill's homecoming collection and the Fall 2026 collection. Rather than guessing at what might be popular, we looked at what the current homecoming dresses are actually made of, how they are cut and which colors they come in, and pulled out the details that show up again and again. Each trend below names a few style numbers as examples, so you can look them up and ask an authorized retailer about them. You do not need to follow a trend to find the right homecoming dress. If you love a look that is not on this list, wear it. Use these as a starting point, then choose what makes you feel most like yourself. What Are the 2026 Homecoming Dress Trends? 1. Corset Bodices The corset bodice is one of the most common details in this season's homecoming dresses, on short A-lines, fitted cocktail dresses and full ballgowns alike. Style 58017 drops its corset bodice to a basque waist over a ruffled chiffon skirt. Style 58200 is a structured satin cocktail dress on a corset bodice, with a basque waist, a pleated skirt and an adjustable lace-up back, and style 58316 cuts its corset to a straight neckline above a chiffon ruffle skirt. A corset adds support and defines the waist, which helps when you are posing for photos and dancing all night. The detailing is where you can show some personality. For a nod to 1920s-inspired style, look for a drop waist, like style 58179, a floral print taffeta dress with a drop waist and pleated skirt. For something a little bolder, sheer corset bodices such as style 58267, covered in hot fix stones, show the structure underneath. 2. Pearls and Bows Pearls and bows turn up across the collection, often together. Style 58237 is a strapless satin cocktail dress with pearls at the neckline, a bow at the waist and a box-pleated skirt. Style 58449 is a strapless pearl cocktail dress finished with an oversized taffeta bow, and style 58066 pairs a pearl neckline with bows at the shoulders. This trend has a sweet, polished feel. If your dress already has pearls or a bow, keep jewelry simple, such as pearl studs or a thin bracelet, so the details have room to show. 3. Structured Satin, Mikado and Taffeta Fabrics with body are a big part of this season. Satin, mikado and taffeta hold their shape, so skirts stand away from the body in crisp pleats instead of clinging. Style 58307 is a strapless satin cocktail dress with a box-pleated skirt and delicate beading, style 58175 is a strapless mikado A-line with pearls along the neckline and a bow at the waist, and style 58010 sets a pearl beaded corset bodice over a mikado skirt with a slit. These fabrics read as classic, even a little vintage, but the color you pick changes the mood. Style 58307 comes in pastels such as blush, yellow, periwinkle, lilac and light blue as well as black and navy. Soft shades feel fresh and modern; black or navy satin feels more like old Hollywood. 4. Bubble Skirts and Hems The bubble skirt, where the hem gathers back in on itself to create a rounded, puffed shape, is one of the most playful shapes of the season. Style 58150 is a strapless mikado cocktail dress with a pleated bubble hem and a bow at the neckline. Style 58210 pairs a lace corset bodice with a bubble hem skirt and a rose embellishment, and style 58306 is a strapless lace cocktail dress with a bubble skirt. A bubble hem works best when the rest of the look stays clean. Let the skirt do the talking and choose simple shoes and accessories. 5. Pink and Florals Pink comes in every strength this season, from blush and candy pink to bright pink and bright fuchsia. Style 58066 alone is offered in blush, candy pink and bright pink, and style 58316 comes in bright fuchsia. If romantic is the mood you want, you cannot go wrong with a pink homecoming dress. Florals are the other half of this trend. Style 58180 pairs a sheer lace corset bodice with a fitted floral print taffeta skirt. Style 58031 sets a corset bodice over a beaded floral skirt, and style 58230 is a fitted beaded floral cocktail dress with an open back and a detachable bow. When you accessorize pink, take the shade into account. Soft, light jewelry suits pastel pink, while fuchsia can carry bolder pieces. 6. Sparkle: Hot Fix Stones, Beading and Fringe Homecoming is a chance to start the school year with some shine, and sparkle runs through the whole collection. Style 58055 is a cocktail dress beaded across the full surface. Hot fix stones cover fitted styles like 58153, a halter cocktail dress on a corset bodice offered in seventeen colors. For movement, fringe is the detail to look for: style 58147 is a fully beaded cocktail dress with fringe along the hem, and style 67237 sets a corset bodice over a fully beaded fringe skirt. Keep in mind that a fully beaded dress usually feels heavier than one made from a lighter sparkly fabric, so try it on and move around before you decide. Want just a hint of shine? Look for a beaded or rhinestone neckline on an otherwise simple dress. 7. Statement Necklines This season's necklines are made to be noticed. The halter is the standout: style 58174 is a halter cocktail dress covered in hot stones, with a keyhole at the bodice, and style 58104 is a halter A-line in stretch satin with pearls, a corset bodice and a ruffled skirt. Other styles draw the eye with off-the-shoulder beaded straps, as on style 58144, or a choker, as on style 58113, a strapless drop-waist A-line with pearl embellishments. With a statement neckline, choose your necklace carefully. A halter or a dress with a choker usually looks best with no necklace at all; let earrings do the work instead. 8. Black and Deep Fall Colors Black is a classic for a reason. It flatters everyone, and a short black homecoming dress can be worn to plenty of events after homecoming is over. Most of the styles in this guide come in black. Beyond black, the Fall 2026 collection leans into rich colors that suit the season. Style 58047, a strapless stretch lace cocktail dress on a corset bodice, comes in wine, emerald, chocolate and magenta among its twelve colors. Style 58082 is a halter cocktail dress in velvet, beaded across the full surface, in burgundy and navy multi colorways. And style 58311 pairs a corset bodice that laces at the back with a sequin skirt, in black or wine. How Do I Choose the Right Homecoming Dress? The right homecoming dress is the one that makes you feel confident and ready for the night. Start with the mood you want, whether that is sweet, glam or classic, and use it to narrow down colors and silhouettes before you shop. A few saved photos or a quick mood board makes it much easier to explain what you are looking for at the store. Then think about fit and comfort. A corset bodice gives the most support, a halter feels secure for dancing, and an A-line skirt is easy to move in. For advice on choosing a shape that suits you, read how to pick the perfect homecoming dress for every figure. For dress codes, shoes, accessories and timing, see our full guide on what to wear to homecoming. Should a Homecoming Dress Be Short or Long? You can wear either, so it comes down to personal preference and your school's dress code. Short dresses are the traditional homecoming choice because they are easy to dance in and feel a little less formal than prom. A long dress is a great choice if you prefer the look or want to make an entrance. What Is the Most Popular Homecoming Dress Style? The classic homecoming dress is a short cocktail dress, and most styles fall into one of two shapes. A short A-line, fitted through the bodice with a skirt that flares out, is easy to wear and easy to dance in; style 58066, an A-line satin dress with a pearl neckline and bows at the shoulders, is a good example. A fitted cocktail dress, which follows the body from top to hem, is the sleeker alternative, and many of this season's fitted styles are built on corset bodices. Where Can I Find These Homecoming Dresses? In the US, Sherri Hill dresses are sold through authorized retailers. Use Find A Store to see the retailers near you; a seller that is not listed there is not an authorized Sherri Hill retailer. Sherri Hill dresses are made in sizes 000 to 26, though not every style comes in every size, so if you have your heart set on a particular style number, ask your retailer whether it is available to order in your color and size. Already thinking ahead to spring? See our 2027 prom dress trends, straight from the Spring 2027 runway. Frequently Asked Questions What are the homecoming dress trends for 2026? The top 2026 homecoming dress trends in Sherri Hill's current collection are corset bodices, pearls and bows, structured satin, mikado and taffeta, bubble skirts, pink and florals, sparkle from hot fix stones, beading and fringe, statement necklines such as halters and keyholes, and black with deep fall colors like wine, chocolate and emerald. Does Sherri Hill have homecoming dresses for 2026? Yes. Sherri Hill's homecoming collection and Fall 2026 collection include short cocktail dresses and gowns in a wide range of colors. You can browse every style on sherrihill.com, then use Find A Store to locate an authorized retailer near you. What colors are trending for homecoming 2026? Pink is the standout, from blush and candy pink to bright pink and fuchsia, along with pastel florals. For fall, Sherri Hill's current homecoming styles also come in black, chocolate, wine, burgundy, emerald and navy. Should I wear a short or long dress to homecoming? Either is fine, as long as it fits your school's dress code. Short dresses are the traditional homecoming choice because they are easy to dance in, while a long dress is a good option if you prefer it or want a more formal look. Where can I buy Sherri Hill homecoming dresses? In the US, Sherri Hill homecoming dresses are sold through authorized retailers, which you can find with the Find A Store tool on sherrihill.com. A seller that is not listed there is not authorized. Your retailer can check whether a style is available to order in your color and size. What sizes do Sherri Hill homecoming dresses come in? Sherri Hill dresses are made in sizes 000 to 26, but not every style comes in every size. Each style's size range is listed on its product page, and an authorized retailer can confirm what is available to order.

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!