The Do’s and Don’ts of Homecoming Dress Shopping

The Do’s and Don’ts of Homecoming Dress Shopping

 Still on the hunt for that perfect homecoming dress? No worries, girlie - we’ve got your back! Depending on where you live, you definitely still have time to find a dress - but before you dive in, let’s talk about some of the do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when shopping to ensure you make the most fabulous impression at hoco 2025 in Pittsburgh!

 

Sherri Hill
Style #57260

 

 DO'S

 

Keep the dress code in mind. 
Yes, you should absolutely pick the dress of your dreams, but you’ve got to make sure you abide by the dress code. Otherwise, what’s the point of all this fun dress shopping if you get kicked out of the homecoming dance?! Opt for a dress that aligns with whatever the dress code is, whether it’s semi formal or casual. Shorter dresses tend to be the vibe for homecoming, leaving floor length gowns for prom or other equally fancy events. 


Experiment with different styles.
Don’t be afraid to get outside your comfort zone when trying on dresses! Gone are the days of sticking with whatever people say is “flattering” on you. Of course you want to look incredible, but that doesn’t mean you’re stuck with whatever silhouette you think you “should” wear. Try on the body con dresses, the A-lines, anything you want! You never know what you might fall in love with. 


Have fun with accessories.
Definitely pair your dress with some cute accessories to jazz up the look. Go with comfortable heels, sleek flats, or chic sandals, depending on the style of your dress. Consider statement earrings if you’re going with a high neckline or a stack of bracelets if you’re going sleeveless. Also, carry a stylish bag or clutch that complements your look and is practical enough for carrying essentials throughout the evening! 

 

 

 Ashley Lauren
Style #4469

 

Consider hair and makeup that suits the dress.
Make sure your hair and makeup choices suit the dress you pick. Updos and romantic curls are fabulous choices no matter what style you go with, but we love keeping the neckline in mind when choosing a style! As far as makeup goes, make sure you wear a makeup look that you feel confident in and reflects who you truly are. You don’t have to go for a full beat if that’s not usually your vibe. And if you want to go all out, go for it! Just make sure your makeup suits the color of your dress. For example, a blue dress would look fabulous with a touch of a champagne shimmer on the eyelids and a light pink gloss! Keep a setting spray on hand to lock in your makeup and keep it in your bag to freshen up your face throughout the night. 

 

Portia and Scarlett
Style #PS23907

 

 DONT'S

 

Wear something inappropriate. 
Again, it’s super important that you stick to the dress code so you can actually enjoy your night out with your friends! While you’ll be shopping for a shorter dress, make sure you’re not going too short or too revealing with the neckline. Not only will it take away from your look and potentially get you kicked out of the homecoming dance, it’ll also make it really hard for you to dance the night away comfortably! 


Pick a dress you’re not confident in. 
Homecoming isn’t just a celebration of school spirit - it’s an opportunity to show off your personal style. Make sure you don’t go with a dress that doesn’t make you feel comfortable and confident. Embrace your personal style and go with a dress that suits it! Don’t feel the need to go with a dress that you wouldn’t normally reach for. This is a special occasion, but you also want to feel like yourself! 

 

  

Ava Presley
Style #26345

 

Wear uncomfy shoes. 
This is really a no-brainer, but we see this all the time - girls come in, find the perfect dress, and decide that they just HAVE to wear the tallest heels to make the dress pop. While we totally understand the sentiment, there’s also no fun in picking shoes that you either can’t dance in or end up leaving you with devastating blisters at the end of the night. Comfort is always queen here! 


Over-accessorize.
Yes, accessories are the cherries on top of the look, but too many pieces and you could end up looking like a cartoon character. Choose a few key pieces of jewelry that enhance the look without overwhelming it. Don’t wear too many statement pieces or excessive jewelry that detracts from the overall balance of your look. 

 

 Ultimately, the goal is to dress to impress and make sure you’re comfortable enough to be your most confident self! When you’re ready to find the perfect homecoming dress in Pittsburgh, come visit us at One Enchanted Evening. No appointments needed for homecoming!