Buying the Perfect Homecoming Dress

Heather Wood
Homecoming is a time that celebrates school spirit and it is especially a special occasion for any girl when her name is announced as the homecoming queen. Quite expectedly, no young woman would like to be seen in an ill-fitting dress for that special occasion. The ideal homecoming dress stands out with its fitted bodice and full skirt that flows from the waist to the ankle and, in most cases actually reaches to the floor.

The homecoming dress can conceal flaws in your body and slims down a pear shaped body by drawing attention to the upper body. Gowns with a dropped waist can make a woman look slimmer. You may also choose a gown with a corseted bodice or lace-up back for an even more glamorous look. The important thing to remember is that you should never take lightly the job of buying the homecoming dress, as it is indeed a once in a lifetime event for you.

It is only natural that you will want to have a dress that fits you perfectly so that you can show off your nice curves, without feeling uncomfortable or nervous at the same time. For the perfect gown, you must get your measurements right. However, it does not mean that if you wear a size two jeans, you would easily fit into a size two dress. Evening wear does have a different cut and you could choose a smaller or a bigger size that suits you better. Whether you buy online or from a store, correct measurement holds the key in both cases. To get the correct size, measure around the body by putting the tape under your arms. Follow it by placing the tape measure around the fullest part of the chest while keeping the arms relaxed.

Then, measure the waist by following the natural waistline. Place your finger between the tape and the body for a comfortable fit. Measure the hips by measuring the fullest part of the body. For petite women, one should measure about seven inches from the waistline. For women with average height, the correct hip measurement is done eight inches below the waistline.
If homecoming at your school is a very formal event, choose dresses made of satin, velvet or a sequined knit. You can also try on a sleeveless shift dress in cotton sateen or a short-sleeved jewel-neck dress in a shiny black jersey. When the temperature falls in autumn, pair one of these with a fuzzy angora sweater, and never forget your coat. If your date is tall, consider wearing heels. You can wear wedge sandals with a slip dress, or pair sling back pumps with a long-sleeved dress. Decorate your hair with clips, and slip on a beautiful necklace.

Start shopping well in advance so that you can have a look at all the available varieties. Form a clear idea in your mind if you will go for a full formal, semi-formal or dressy casual style. You now have plenty to choose from as many major trends are beginning to emerge.

Take black, for example. It is now the new black. Although classic black is still in vogue, it is the sophisticated black dress which is likely to steal the show. Slinky shapes with glamorous floor length skirts will be the new focus. One can expect to see a lot of classic black and white paneled bodice with a solid white A-line skirt as well as solid black dresses with dramatic white detailing. To keep up with the times, you can also choose winter white, especially with silvery beads and details. Shining fabrics will dominate, with satin and silk the main focus. The other major crazes will be beads, sequins, rhinestones, glitter, embroidery and specialty detailing.

There are many homecoming dresses to choose from and by taking the time to shop, you will ultimately emerge with a beautiful and envious style.

Published by Heather Wood

I am a 28 year old graduate of The College of NJ with a Bachelor's degree in English. I have been writing and editing for a variety of companies over the past few years. Also, I'm working on a novel and a fe...  View profile

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