Affordable homecoming dresses are a Must-Have for many female U.S. and Canadian college students, as well as their faculty, staff, and Alumnae, at the beginning of the school year. Homecoming is a traditional celebration in American and Canadian universities since the early 20th century. At that time, universities started inviting their alumni to join current and new students in watching a game featuring their athletes. Read what to consider when picking your homecoming dress, where to find and/or buy it, and how to style a homecoming dress for the many different events during homecoming week.
Disclosure: Ad. The homecoming dress is a sample of my choice from Ever Pretty. They do not endorse the post. I wrote it entirely myself, and it represents my own 100% honest opinion.
What Is a Homecoming Dress?
A homecoming dress is less formal than a prom or cocktail dress. Typically, this semi-formal dress has a short length to around knee-length (see these, for example). The vibe is on the modest side. The clothing must be comfortable for participating in non-professional activities, such as a homecoming dance, homecoming parade, movie night, and the final homecoming game.
What to Consider When Choosing a Homecoming Dress
Since homecoming is a week-long affair packed with activities, your dress should be easy to care for and versatile in style. Your dress should look great with a denim jacket to wear to a sports event, but also professional with a cardigan or blazer to mingle with peers in your field.
The latter is of particular importance for students in their final year of college when they meet with alumni. Some of the alumni might work in companies that plan to hire new graduates. Therefore, talking with alumni about their jobs is sort of an informal job interview to dress for within the framework of the homecoming event. Consequently, it is essential to choose a homecoming dress with the typical weather of your university’s location in mind.
Which Style of Homecoming Dresses Is Best for Your Climate Region?
In regions where the fall is already chilly, dresses with short to 3/4 sleeves are best for thermal comfort. The length still allows for participation in hands-on activities without having to roll up your sleeves. The latter may look awkward on a semi-formal dress.
In a subtropical or Mediterranean climate, dresses with or without short sleeves in more breathable fabrics, like polyester, are best. In regions with a desert climate, evenings can be very chilly. So a matching cover-up is needed.
When fall is the rainy season or typically rainy, go for a dress that is shorter than your raincoat or trench coat. A wet hem looks plain ridiculous at any time.
In a windy climate, a sleek cut is best to avoid looking like you set the sails when walking in the parade.
Outfit details: Ever Pretty dress, Halftee top, Hermes collier de chien, Nine West pumps, unbranded citrine-moonstone necklace and jade bangle, Nordgreen watch Uno Alla Volta scarf, purse c/o R. Riveter.
Video Tutorial of Homecoming Outfit Ideas for Various Events
The following video tutorial shows outfit inspirations for the events and outfit ideas discussed below.
Meetings with Peers
In these meetings, students and alumni of their field mingle. It is an informal job market. As a student, your goal is to look professional; as an Alumna, you want to look sophisticated, modern, and hip. Add a cardigan or blazer, pumps, and accessorize with pearls, studs, and a watch.
Outfit Idea for Homecoming Dance
Alumnae and students can go for a glamorous, preppy, elegant, or classic look with a twist with their accessories. Since it’s an event among potential future peers, stay on the modest side and avoid anything extreme. Express your personal style with your accessories, sandals, and clutch.
Homecoming Game Outfit Inspirations
When the colors of your university work with those of your dress, a team jacket or hoodie is a great option. Otherwise, opt for a denim or athleisure jacket to give the outfit a sporty, semi-casual vibe. Accessorize with a fun necklace and earrings.
Where to Find Affordable Homecoming Dresses for Alumnae
At Ever Pretty, you can find affordable homecoming dresses starting at $29 in event-appropriate modest mini-length and midi hems from extra-small to plus sizes, with and without sleeves. Their collection offers beautiful dresses for arm-shy alumnae, faculty, and staff, as well as chic short dresses for students who want to show more skin without going overboard. Browse their collection now to find your perfect dress for the celebrations.
Photos of me: G. Kramm
Video: N. Mölders
© 2013-2025 Nicole Mölders | All rights reserved
I love the orange and green together – it’s one of my favourite colour combinations!
Emma xxx