How to Pick the Perfect Homecoming Dress for Every Figure

Use these ideas as a starting point, not a rulebook. If a silhouette makes you feel confident in the mirror, it is the right one for you, whatever a chart says about your body type. For dress codes, dates and accessories, see our full guide to what to wear to homecoming.

How do you find your body type?

Stand in front of a mirror, or measure your bust, waist and hips, and notice which part of you is widest and where your waist sits. Most people fit more than one description below, for example petite and pear, or athletic and fuller-busted, so read every section that sounds like you. Body types are a loose guide, not an exact science, and no list covers every body. For floor-length and everyday styles, our general guide to dresses for body types goes into more detail.

What homecoming dress is best for a big bust?

If you have a fuller bust, support and structure matter more than any single silhouette. These details help:

• A structured bodice. A corset or boned bodice holds its shape and supports you without relying only on straps. Many strapless styles are built this way, so a fuller bust does not rule out strapless.
• V-necks and sweetheart necklines. Both open up the neckline and keep the look balanced. A very high, plain neckline can make the bust look like one block.
• Wider straps, halters and sleeves. They add support and let you wear your usual bra or a supportive alternative. A halter with a structured bodice is a good option if you love an open-shoulder look.
• A defined waist. A seam, belt or bow at the natural waist keeps the dress from hanging straight down from the bust.
• Fit to your largest measurement. Choose the size that fits your bust, then have the waist and hips taken in. Tailoring a bodice down is much easier than letting it out.

Try the dress on with the bra or bodysuit you plan to wear, and move around in it: sit, lift your arms and dance a little. Our guide to neckline types explains what to wear under each neckline.

What homecoming dress is best for a small bust?

A smaller bust gives you the most freedom with necklines. Strapless, spaghetti straps, high necks, deep Vs and open backs all work without extra support. If you want to add shape up top, look for:

• Ruffles, draping, pleats or embellishment across the bodice or neckline.
• A sweetheart or straight-across corset bodice, which creates a defined line.
• Bold color or sparkle on top with a simpler skirt.

What homecoming dress suits an hourglass figure?

If your bust and hips are about the same width with a clearly defined waist, you have an hourglass figure. Most styles suit you; the main goal is to keep your waist visible. Fitted bodices, corset styles, wrap dresses, bodycon minis and fit-and-flare skirts all follow your shape. Very loose shift or trapeze dresses can hide the waist, so if you like a looser fit, add a belt. Bright color works well on this shape too, like yellow or a green homecoming dress.

What homecoming dress is best for a pear-shaped body?

A pear or triangle shape has hips that are wider than the bust and shoulders. To balance your proportions, put the detail on top and let the skirt skim your hips:

• Silhouette: A-line, fit-and-flare or a structured skirt that flares from the waist.
• Necklines: strapless, off-the-shoulder, square and V-necks draw the eye up to your shoulders and collarbones.
• Details: embellishment, color or texture on the bodice, with a simpler skirt.
• Hemline: just above the knee is the easiest length to wear. If you prefer a fitted skirt, choose fabric with some stretch so it moves with you.

What homecoming dress suits an apple shape?

An apple shape carries more of its weight through the midsection, usually with slimmer legs and often a fuller bust. These choices are comfortable and flattering:

• Empire waists and A-lines. A seam just under the bust, with a skirt that falls away from the body, is comfortable and easy to move in.
• Structured bodices. A corset bodice shapes the waist without clinging.
• V-necks. They lengthen the upper body and show off your neckline.
• Shorter hemlines. If you like your legs, a mini or above-the-knee hem puts them front and center.
• Fabrics with body. Satin, brocade and lined fabrics hold their shape better than thin jersey.

What homecoming dress suits an athletic or straight body type?

An athletic or straight figure has shoulders, waist and hips of a similar width, or shoulders slightly wider than the hips. You can show off toned arms and shoulders or add curves, depending on what you prefer:

• To show off your shoulders: halters, one-shoulder and strapless necklines.
• To add a waist: corset bodices, cutouts at the waist, belts, peplums and embellishment at the waistline.
• To add volume below: ruffles, pleats, tiers and flared skirts.
• To play it straight: a sleek bodycon or sequin mini looks sharp on this shape.

What homecoming dress is best for petite girls?

Petite usually means about 5'4" or shorter, and it can go with any of the body types above. The aim is to keep the dress in scale with your frame:

• Hemline: above the knee or a mini shows the most leg and makes you look taller. Midi and tea lengths can cut the leg at its widest point.
• Silhouette: fitted, A-line or a short flared skirt. Avoid very full, heavy skirts that can overwhelm a small frame.
• Prints and color: small prints over large ones; one color from top to toe makes one long line.
• Necklines: V-necks and strapless styles lengthen the upper body.
• Shoes: nude or skin-tone heels extend the line of the leg.

What homecoming dress suits tall girls?

If you are tall, the main thing to check is length. A short dress that is mid-thigh on the model may be very short on you, so check the hem when you sit and when you raise your arms. Tall girls carry long sleeves, bold prints, tiered or full skirts, high-low hems and midi lengths well. A drop waist or a belt at the hip can also break up a long torso.

How do you choose a homecoming dress for curvy and plus-size figures?

Start with fit and support, not with rules about what to avoid. A well-fitted dress in your true size looks better than a looser one chosen to hide your shape. Things to look for:

• A structured, lined bodice or corset that supports the bust and defines the waist.
• Fit-and-flare, A-line and wrap shapes, or a fitted dress in stretch fabric if you like a body-hugging look.
• Straps, halters or sleeves if you want extra support. Strapless works too when the bodice is well constructed.
• A sweetheart or V-neck to frame your neckline.
• Any color you love. Black is not your only option.

Sherri Hill dresses are made in sizes 000 to 26, but not every style is made in every size, so check the style details or ask the store. Our size guide explains how to measure yourself and match your measurements to a size.

What dress length is most flattering for homecoming?

Homecoming dresses are usually short or cocktail length, and an above-the-knee hem is the most versatile: it suits most heights and is easy to dance in. A mini works well for petite and straight figures; a knee-length or high-low hem gives a little more coverage; midi and tea lengths look best on taller girls. Check your school's dress code too, because some schools set a minimum length.

What style of dress looks good on all body types?

The A-line is the closest thing to a universal homecoming silhouette. It fits at the bodice and waist, then flares gently past the hips, so it defines the waist on straight figures, skims the hips on pear shapes and is comfortable on apple shapes. Fit-and-flare and wrap dresses come next. Whatever the silhouette, a dress that fits your bust and waist well will always look better than one that is the right style but the wrong fit.

Where can you try on Sherri Hill homecoming dresses?

In the US, Sherri Hill dresses are sold through authorized retailers. Browse the homecoming collection to choose a few favorites, then use Find A Store to find an authorized retailer near you. The store can tell you which styles they carry and check whether a style is available to order in your color and size. Try on more than one silhouette, including one you would not normally choose. It often turns out to be the favorite.

Try the Sherri Hill Fit Finder to see your body shape, your size and the silhouettes that suit you.