Which Dress is Best For You?

Ah, homecoming. The school spirit, the sense of pride, the excitement of being with friends and classmates and the crisp, clean autumn air all combine together to create one of the most magical, unforgettable nights you'll remember for years to come. Besides the shoes, the accessories and the hair and makeup, the best part of homecoming is finding the perfect dress that flatters your figure and matches the overall theme of the dance.

The very first thing you'll want to do is find out whether it's going to be a formal or semi-formal affair. If this is the first homecoming you'll be attending at your school, ask a few upperclassmen or friends if they know how formal the dance will be. While prom is pretty uniform anywhere you in the US, homecoming – on the other hand – will vary in its formality, depending on the school's tradition or location. In some places, the dance is just as regal as prom, while in others, both casual and dressy casual gowns are perfectly acceptable.

For semi-formal homecoming dances, consider a dress with a hemline that rests somewhere between the mid-calf and the lower portion of the thigh. Too far above the lower thigh and the dress may be too mini or risqué for your homecoming, while one that's longer runs the risk of having the opposite effect by looking too matronly or old-fashioned. Check out a few different lengths before you buy to find out which is most flattering for your figure.

If you're ever in doubt or having trouble finding the right dress, you can never go wrong with every girl's best friend. No, not diamonds – the little black dress, or the LBD as it's often called in the fashion world. With the right jewelry, makeup, hairstyle, and shoes, an ordinary black dress that falls just above or below the knee, can be transformed into the perfect homecoming dress for anyone's figure.

If dressy casual or casual gowns are in order for your dance, you'll actually have even more options available to you as far as both dresses and accessories are concerned. Try a sleeveless dress made of simple fabrics, as opposed to the more glamorous satins, velvets, brocade and sequins that are better for prom night or a more formal affair, paired with an angora sweater or a sheer wrap in a complementary color, along with either flats or shoes with a moderate heel.

While floor length gowns are usually reserved for prom night, it's possible to wear a long gown to a semi-formal homecoming dance provided you know how to accessorize and complete the look. Save the rhinestones, sequins, crystals, and sparkling effects for prom night, and instead opt for one or two noticeable accessories, such as a cocktail ring or stunning pair of dangling earrings, and allow the dress to remain elegantly understated. Remember, less is more. You aren't winning an Academy Award, simply going to the homecoming dance where you want to look your best.