Semi-Formal Look

Homecoming dances are usually considered to be a semi-formal event. The term semi-formal relates to the attire worn at the event and the extravagance of the evening. If your school has decided to stick with the traditional semi-formal side of homecoming then you are in luck. With so many wonderful options available to the semi-formal dress seeker you may find yourself having a much easier time picking out an amazing dress.

These semi-formals cater to girls who prefer a cute and flirty cocktail dress as opposed to a long gown. With prom season at an end the upcoming homecoming events will give you a chance to be more courageous with your dress choices. The 2011 formal fall collections are all about being bold. Strong colors, vibrant textures and flirty lengths are all the craze this season. Even if you have a tendency to stay on the safe side you are being given the chance to step up your game. Tony bowls, a top formal wear designer, has given all girls the chance to show off their brilliance with this year's collection.

It's all about the cocktail. Although cocktail dresses can dramatically vary in design the most common feature is the length. A knee-length cut is a general requirement for most cocktail dresses. Certain dress designers have taken this concept and added special flare to their designs while still encompassing the general idea. Many cocktails now come with the knee length design kept only in the front while extending the length of skirts backing to the ankle, floor or even adding a length of train. These designs are show-stopping and can give an added touch of brilliance to any semi-formal event. If you tend to think outside the box this can be an amazing way of incorporating your way of thinking into your homecoming attire.

Long or Short?

Many cocktail dresses come equipped with a fabric called taffeta. This is a high-end fabric that is found on most formal wear gowns and adds an amazing layer of exterior texture. What you will usually find in the homecoming lines is yarn-dyed taffeta which has a stiffer texture but creates volume. Short skirt cocktail dresses can sometimes be designed to provide the allure of a ballerinas dress. By adding multiple layers of taffeta to the skirt of a cocktail dress the illusion of movement is created. This is one of the best designs to be worn to a dance. Your dress will almost move independently. Silk taffeta has different attributes. Known as piece-dyed taffeta this material has a silky texture and much more comfortable feel. It is a beautiful material for formal wear gowns but the delicate nature of the fabric makes it a candidate for rips and tears. If you plan to stay on the dance floor, or wear your gown to an after-dance dinner then you may want to opt for a cocktail dress with more durability. This is especially true for girls who are borrowing or renting their dresses. It is never a bad idea to think ahead to the event and prepare for the 'what if's'.

If you prefer the long-gown cocktail design to the shorter versions then you are in luck as well. Many dresses from this season offer a front-slit that can be just as flirty. Most often girls will choose a longer cocktail dress according to the weather. Since homecoming events take place in the fall you may find yourself in a location that is just too chilly to wear a shorter cocktail dress. The longer, front-slit design allows you to stay warmer in colder weather but can also give you a more comfortable layout for the dance. It is true that dancing, crossing your legs and even getting in and out of your car can be much easier with a slit-front gown. Closed gowns will restrict your movements more than any other design. So be aware that there are options available to you even if the weather is not quite as accommodating.

You can still enjoy a shorter cocktail gown in cool weather as long as you consider the fabric that is used. A heavier material can keep you a little more comfortable. Don't forget the power of your accessories. A sleek shoulder throw paired with ankle-high booties and thin, skin tone leggings may be just the thing you need to stay warm while still wearing your prized flirty cocktail.