Hola and happy Friday! In many ways, the following guest feature is so very apropos – given that I feel like it’s been ages since I’ve been home (yours truly have been on the road since last Wednesday! From DC to the beaches of Long Island to Heathrow to Switzerland, and now onwards to Sunset Beach on Shelter Island for a short family holiday that was planned eons ago.
That said… have you ever asked yourself, “how do I choose what to wear for homecoming?” For me, nowdays, it’s anything with a roll-on bag and a wrap/shawl. I know I know, not THAT type of homecoming you say. Actually I do adore those gorgeous, romantic, homecoming gowns (yours truly is no stranger to the home-coming squad you know, once upon a time, wink).
So read on and learn a bit more about what to wear, and how to dress for that special occasion – no matter what your body shape, comfort level, and sense of style. You may learn a thing or two, I know I certainly did!
Homecoming trends today provide options with looks and styles from every single era in history –from the Great Gatsby (see here for related feature on Gatsby glamour and diamonds) to Fifth Element; our generation has the most selection for homecoming dress styles.
This year the most popular dresses are (in no particular order):
- Celebrity Dresses; pick a celebrity who shares a similar body type for inspiration and you’ve got it made in the shade
- Print Dresses for every style and body type
- Ball Gowns for homecoming queen nods
The Homecoming Dress Secret
With so many homecoming dress trends coming off fashion runways, the very best way to look your best for your homecoming dance is to isolate your body type and eliminate all options that don’t conform to your body properly.
This takes a HUGE load off –that’s hundreds of options you don’t need to spend time exploring. Now you can focus on the best of your particular fashion niche.
“How Do I Figure Out My Body Type?”
Learning your body type is pretty simple; there are 6 general body types for homecoming dresses to consider. Be sure to explore several websites that discuss body type so you can get a well-rounded opinion. No one website will have all of the answers you’re looking for.
Apple
Someone described as having an “apple” body type is generally carrying their body’s weight in their torso and may likely have thinner arms and legs. A homecoming dress with an empire waist will draw the eyes to all the right places!
Pear
A well-defined waist that’s proportionately larger than one’s bust puts them in the pear body type category. Building up from the waist to add volume to a pear shaped body type’s upper body is key. An A-line or full dress with a fitted shirt will do the trick!
Busty
This body type is typically composed of narrow hips and larger bust. Homecoming dresses that will look good on this body type will draw attention upwards to the face and work to balance the wider features of the wearer’s upper body with their narrower lower body.
Hour Glass
A person whose bust and waist curves are proportionate are considered to have an “hour glass” figure. Homecoming dresses that compliment an hour glass figure will draw the eye to the waist, with possible open neck lines.
Slender
A fitted dress will look great on a slender body type, and it will emphasize the body type’s lean and long physique. For additional shape or dimension a belt or slit can be leveraged to look your best.
Petite
If you’re under 5’3” tall and thin, showing some leg can go a long way to balance your small body type. In other words, floor skirts may not be the best look for someone with a petite body frame. Instead, we suggest delicate, lacy and feminine-looking homecoming dresses that have a little more emphasis put on your stems.
It’s easier to look great for homecoming when you respect your body type and dress for it. Dressing for one’s body type is one of the best ways to avoid awkward dress malfunctions, too!
So there you have it! Anything we left out? Please write to me and I'd love to learn more about your best homecoming dress tips! In the meantime, check out the following link (which I stumbled upon purely by accident). It's got all of your favorite Disney cartoon characters mapped to couture/dressing gowns, how awesome is that!!!
