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What to Look for in Homecoming Dresses 2025

Homecoming isn’t as formal as prom, so you should be looking for a semi-formal homecoming dress. Typically, this means a dress with a short length, like a cocktail dress. You can go full-length, but as a rule, homecoming dresses are fun, flirty, and easy to move in. Beyond that, you really are free to choose whatever you like!

It’s a good idea to have your climate in mind when you start looking for a dress. For example, if you live in a northern state, it may actually be chilly in the evening by the time homecoming rolls around, so you’ll want a warmer homecoming dress. Of course, for hot states, you’ll definitely want to take advantage of homecoming dresses with shorter lengths and light fabrics to keep cool if you’ll be spending much time outside.

It’s also a good idea to have any school rules in mind when you’re choosing your homecoming dress, as some schools are more restrictive than others. The rules often aren’t fair, but you might as well choose a dress that you feel amazing in and aligns with the rules so you don’t run into any issues on homecoming night.

How to Choose Your Homecoming Dress

Take advantage of the long summer break to browse different stores and try on several styles to see which suits you and your body shape the best. Your homecoming dress needs to fit perfectly, so if you see a dress you love, consider getting it tailored. Simply shortening the straps, hemming, or nipping in at the waist will make an off-the-rack homecoming dress really sing your figure’s praises!

Also, talk to your classmates about their homecoming dresses. If you’re in a group that likes to coordinate (even if it’s just to ensure you’re all wearing different colors), start doing that now.

Remember to choose a color that complements your hair, eyes, and skin tone – don’t be afraid to stick up for yourself if your friends want you to wear a color you hate. This is your homecoming dress, and you should feel amazing in it.

If you’re going with a date, you’ll want to think about what they’ll be wearing as well. You’ll want to be sure your homecoming dress will match their outfit so you two will look fantastic together both on the dance floor and in photographs.

Homecoming Dress 2025 Trends vs Homecoming Dress 2024 Trends

Want to look good and be right on trend with your homecoming dress? The trends this year are similar to trends in 2024, with 2025 trends featuring more boho styles, fun embellishments like sequins, and more love for cocktail dresses. Here are the trends to keep in mind as you shop for homecoming dresses:

Off-the-Shoulder

The off-the-shoulder neckline is a classic look for a homecoming dress, throwing back to fashion icons like Marilyn Monroe and Brigitte Bardot. This is perfect for an elegant appearance and provides more security when moving than a strapless neckline.

Off-the-shoulder homecoming dresses look especially good on girls with a long, lean frame or on girls who want to enhance their curves and shoulders.

Jumpsuits

If you aren’t a homecoming dress kind of girl, never fear, because jumpsuits are in for homecoming this year. With so many different jumpsuits to choose from, you could be classy, glamorous, or edgy, and most importantly, you will stand out from the rest of your classmates. Look to the Kardashians (and Jenners), Zendaya, Emma Stone, and Rihanna for inspiration.

A black jumpsuit with embellishments or a statement necklace or belt is always a killer look, and definitely in this year. If black is too harsh, look for blush tones. If you live somewhere warm, you can also consider a romper for homecoming, which can be either playful or sophisticated, depending on the material, color, and how you style it.

Two-Piece

The two-piece look is super on-trend for homecoming dresses this year, so if you can get away with showing a slip of midriff, do. Two-piece sets give you so many options to mix and match patterns and colors, and you also have more freedom to find a skirt that best suits your silhouette without compromising on the style of the top.

This is also a great choice for those in hot climates or who will get warm dancing all night, and it’s a fun way to make sure your homecoming dress doesn’t look too formal for the occasion.

Bohemian Styles

Boho, also known as bohemian, styles are majorly on trend in 2025, and you will likely see lots of homecoming dresses matching this style in your favorite store. Boho homecoming dresses are flowy, less strictly form-fitting, and typically feature pastel colors or fun floral patterns.

If you prefer your homecoming dress to be on the more casual side of semi-formal, a boho homecoming dress is a great choice. When paired with your favorite jewelry and some high heels, it’s a style that’s sure to turn heads.

Embellished Homecoming Dresses

Embellishments like sequins, statement overlays, and pleated fabrics are super trendy for homecoming dresses this year, and you can expect to find lots of dresses embracing this style. A regular black homecoming dress can be enhanced with the addition of sequins or a flowy wing-sleeve cape, giving your look an eye-catching element that makes you stand out.

Homecoming Dress Colors

The color of your homecoming dress is going to be the first thing that everyone sees, so it’s an important factor when you’re making your wish list.

Since homecoming is a celebration of your school pride, you can choose a color to match your school’s colors. Alternatively, if you have a signature color or a color that you just love wearing, why not start the school year wearing it?

Keep in mind that your homecoming dress (or alternative fit) doesn’t have to be restricted to solids; you can do a print or a color-block look! Read on for more color ideas.

Red Homecoming Dresses

Homecoming is the perfect event to make a flashy first impression to open the school year with, and there’s no color more audacious than a bold red. Universally understood as the color of passion and boldness, a red homecoming dress is sure to turn heads.

Traditionally, homecoming dresses tend to be short, but a long red dress will ensure that all eyes are on you.

Browse Our Red Homecoming Dresses

Orange Homecoming Dresses

Orange brings warmth, energy, and fun. An orange homecoming dress kicks the school year off with optimism and rejuvenation. It’s an offbeat choice, but it’s a surprisingly versatile color that works for lots of different skin undertones and hair colors.

Orange homecoming dresses tend to be short and fitted, but you can go for a long look if you’re really hoping to make an entrance.

Green Homecoming Dresses

When you’re looking at green homecoming dresses, you’ll notice that there’s a massive range of shades within the color green.

Lighter mint greens and darker emerald greens have different vibes, but they still nod to growth, new beginnings, and prosperity. Greens that fall on the darker side also allude to nature, especially when paired with brown accessories.

Browse Our Green Homecoming Dresses

Blue Homecoming Dresses

Blue is one of the most popular homecoming dress colors for a reason. You can select a light blue or a darker royal blue for your homecoming dress, and blue comes in both cool-toned and warm-toned shades, so you can find one that perfectly flatters your complexion. Plus, blue matches both gold and silver jewelry, allowing you to accessorize this look easily.

Browse Our Blue Homecoming Dresses

Purple Homecoming Dresses

A purple dress brings an air of elegance and royalty to homecoming – a perfect choice if you’re hoping to be crowned homecoming queen (or you just feel like a queen bee!) Dark, rich purples are closely associated with luxury, while light lavenders also nod to playfulness.

You can also get a bit of the best of both worlds with a standout bright purple, which will turn heads and give you a vibrant vibe.

Browse Our Purple Homecoming Dresses

Black Homecoming Dresses

Little black dresses are the ultimate in sophistication and subtle elegance – they’re a classic for a reason. A short black homecoming dress kicks off your school year with class, while a long black gown adds a hearty dose of drama to your homecoming look.

The versatility of a black homecoming dress is second to none, so it’s an ideal option if you’d like to play around with your accessories. You can opt for colorful shoes and jewelry, simple neutrals, or sleek metallics.

How to Style Homecoming Dresses in 2025

How to style your homecoming dress can be just as important as the dress itself. We’ve gathered everything you need to know to make your look pop.

Don’t Be Afraid of Jewelry

Since homecoming is a semi-formal event, you can be playful with your jewelry - even costume jewelry works great for this. In general, the simpler your homecoming dress, the more elaborate you can be with your jewelry. You can pair a neutral homecoming dress with lots of colorful gems or make a subtle dress flashier by wearing lots of rhinestones or sparkly accessories.

If you have an embellished and loud homecoming dress, you can opt for simpler jewelry. However, if you feel like really glamming it up, this is one of the occasions where you can often get away with both an elaborate dress and flashy jewelry.

Wear Shoes You Can Dance In

Sky-high stiletto heels may be the first thing you think of when you think of party shoes, but that doesn’t mean they’re always the best choice. You’ll want something that complements your homecoming dress but that you can also dance easily in.

Take some time to walk around in any shoes you’re considering, and make sure they’re easy to move in. A slightly lower heel or even a flat may be easier.

If higher heels suit your homecoming dress better, consider ones with a thicker heel than a stiletto - these can give you a better sense of balance and more support throughout the night.

Be Playful With Your Hair

While proms often call for highly formal updos, homecoming offers you more freedom with your hair. You can be a bit playful and choose a look that’s fun but still flatters your homecoming dress.

For instance, a more bohemian-style homecoming dress may look best with long, flowing, natural hair. On the other hand, a dress with an elaborate neckline may work best with a non-formal updo (like a loose bun with lots of wispy tendrils) so that your hair doesn’t hide anything.

Find the Perfect Homecoming Dress for You

If you keep these tips in mind, you’re sure to find a gorgeous homecoming dress that will be the hit of the night. But no matter what the trends are or what a style guide tells you, remember - the most important thing is that you love your dress and feel incredible in it. Any homecoming dress that makes you feel as fabulous as you are will always be what you look best in!

For even more tips for your big day, check out our homecoming guides:

We hope these guides help make your homecoming magical!

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