This post was updated on 9th July 2025
Table of Contents

The homecoming may only be a one-night affair, but girls do the preparations several weeks or even months before the actual event. There are a lot of things to think about when planning to attend a prom, one of which is picking the ideal dress.
Instead of feeling excited, some girls would feel anxious and stressed in the process, especially because there are overwhelming choices.
To help you enjoy your shopping experience, we have prepared a comprehensive guide that will bring you up to date with the latest trendy styles.
Styling Guide for All
Knowing your body type is the first step in choosing the perfect dress. For instance, a-line dresses look good on practically every body type, and you can never go wrong with this style.
On the other hand, if you want to show your curves, you can go for mermaid dresses. While a basic satin dress can help you look effortlessly chic, embellished gowns add a bit of shine to your ensemble.

Getting the Fit Right
An ill-fitting dress can ruin your look, no matter how gorgeous the design is. Good thing The Dress Outlet has a wide selection of fashionable homecoming dresses that come in different sizes, including plus-size options. Just take an accurate measurement of your body and pick among the varied options.
An important thing to remember is that different brands have different sizing, so always check the exact size chart offered by The Dress Outlet to make sure the dress will snugly fit you.
Think About the Homecoming Theme
The prom theme can greatly influence your choice of dress. What you choose to wear should complement the theme while also exhibiting your style, whether it's a conventional theme like "Under the Stars" or something more unusual.

Things to Remember During the Homecoming
Go for simple, elegant elements, and let your dress take center stage. Don't overlook the significance of wearing comfy shoes, either.
You'll probably be dancing all night, so wear footwear that won't give you foot pain. Keep in mind that less is more when accessorizing your homecoming dress.
Dress to Impress: Confidence is Key
Selecting your homecoming dress marks merely the initial stage. The way you wear it determines the rest, so keep in mind that your best accessory is your confidence.
It's obvious when you feel confident in what you are wearing, and it will have an effect on your overall look.
Accessorizing Your Homecoming Dress to Make a Statement
If you plan on making a bold statement even when you have a simple dress design on your prom night, you can opt to accessorize with stunning pieces.
You can add a necklace, bracelet, and earrings that complement the dress and show your personality. A purse with a distinct design can also be an eye-catching addition to your dress.
When accessorizing, you should remember that it should match perfectly with what you are wearing. If you have a simple dress, you can use bold pieces; however, if your dress already looks striking, go for subtle accessories.

Hair and Makeup Complementing Your Dress
Other essential features you should plan ahead of time for your prom are your makeup and hairstyle. Like the accessories, these can make or break your overall appearance.
Your dress design and color should be the basis for selecting your hair and makeup. You can go for an updo if you want to highlight your neckline, while if you plan on wearing a loose, Bohemian dress, you can go for braids as well as loose curls.
For the makeup, start by considering the color of the dress. If you plan on wearing a vibrant colored dress, then go for nude color for your makeup and vice versa.
The Best Shoes for Strutting in Style
When we think about shoes for the prom, the first choice is always the classic high heels, but this may not be true for all.
You have to think about your comfort, and we know that high heels are not that comfortable to wear, especially if you are dancing and standing all night.
When choosing a shoe, other than its style, you should also think about the comfort and confidence that it gives you.
It's imperative to match your shoes and dress. Brightly colored dresses might look great with neutral-hued shoes.
If your dress has a more subdued hue, you may spice it up with a statement pair of shoes. Never forget that comfort is important.

Snapshot of Memories: Immortalizing Your Homecoming Night
The homecoming is not an everyday event, so you need to preserve your memories of the night by taking pictures. Like your outfit, you also need to plan ahead of time when taking pictures.
You should already have poses in mind, or better yet, try out these poses with your friends before the actual prom.
Keeping Your Homecoming Dress Pristine After the Dance
Your dress could require some cleaning after a fun-filled night of dancing. Keep in mind to adhere to the label's cleaning directions.
To keep your garment in excellent shape for potential use in the future, proper storage is also crucial.
Final Preparation
The day before your prom night should already be a time for you to relax and make minor preparations.
Everything should be ready, from the prom dress, shoes, accessories, and things you need for your makeup and hairdo.
Don’t forget to have a prom emergency kit ready in case of any mishaps during the event. Safety pins, bobby pins, a compact mirror, and lipstick are some of the important items you should have inside your purse.
With these ready, you can tackle minor problems during the night.

Both the event itself and the dress you choose for homecoming should be memorable. With all the new trends in 2023, The Dress Outlet is guaranteed to have the dress perfect for you so you have nothing to worry about. Just show them your style, be confident, and enjoy the night.
With this comprehensive guide on the homecoming dress trends to 2023 you can rest assured that your prom preparation will be like a walk in the park.
More from Fashion

Romance Meets Edge: Bringing Emily Blunt’s Structural Red Carpet Style to Real Life
Emily Blunt has mastered the art of combining soft, feminine details with fierce, architectural tailoring. Suppose you want to know how to dress like Emily Blunt, the secret lies in balancing contr...
Read more
Olivia Rodrigo's 55-Year-Old Mini Dress Still Feels Fresh
When Olivia Rodrigo recently stepped out in a 55-year-old archival piece, it confirmed what the fashion world has been whispering: vintage fashion making a comeback is the defining movement of the ...
Read more
My Spring Calendar Is Filling Up: Chic Outfits for Every Special Event
Is your social calendar suddenly packed? Navigating what to wear as the seasons change can be tricky, but finding chic outfits for every spring event is entirely possible with a curated wardrobe st...
Read more
The June Style Report 2026: 13 Chic Outfits to Weather the Summer Shift
Need help navigating the notoriously unpredictable transition into summer? From battling chilly morning fog to surviving afternoon heatwaves, building your June wardrobe essentials requires strateg...
Read more
5 Summer Fashion Trends You’ll Actually Want to Wear in 2026
Looking for the top women's fashion trends 2026 to update your warm-weather wardrobe? This guide breaks down the 5 summer fashion trends you’ll actually want to wear, focusing on both high-impact a...
Read more
Stop Having "Nothing to Wear": The Ultimate 2026 Capsule Wardrobe Guide
Looking to streamline your closet this year? Building a women's capsule wardrobe relies on investing in quality wardrobe basics and versatile fashion pieces that seamlessly mix and match. This defi...
Read more
The 'Midnight Garden' Edit: Why Dark, Moody Florals are Taking Over Fall 2026 Formalwear
Florals aren't just for spring anymore. As we hit the Fall 2026 formal season, those bright pastels are taking a backseat to something way more romantic and low-key mysterious. The "Midnight Garden...
Read more
How Pearls are Replacing Rhinestones on 2026 Formal Gowns
For years, formal fashion was all about who could wear the most blinding rhinestones. But in 2026, the red carpets, proms, and galas are seeing a massive shift. The new obsession is "Pearlcore." Pe...
Read more
The 'Sheer-Sleeve' Revolution: Why Illusion Lace is 2026's Favourite Way to Show Skin
Let’s be honest: a lot of women stress about showing their arms when they dress up. But wearing a heavy, solid long-sleeve dress can feel too hot, too restrictive, or just too old-fashioned. That i...
Read more
Bring the Drama: Corseted Bodices and Sweeping Silhouettes
If you want to turn heads at your next big event, it is time to embrace the biggest formal wear trend of 2026: corseted bodices paired with sweeping silhouettes. This combination offers the perfect...
Read more
The massive trend for 2026 is a move away from heavy, stiff ballgowns toward the effortless grace of the "Old Hollywood" era. Cowl necklines and liquid-like silk slip dresses are dominating the pro...
Read more
How to Channel Met Gala Florals at Your Next Formal Event
Want to look like a star at your next big event? Florals are always a huge hit at the Met Gala. This guide shows you how to wear floral dresses that look like high fashion, not just a basic spring ...
Read more
As wedding fashion evolves, one vintage detail is making a massive, modern return: the corset back. For the plus-size Mother of the Bride, a lace-up bodice isn't just a beautiful design element; it...
Read more
What Should Women Wear to a Black Tie Event? A Modern Guide
Black tie is the gold standard of evening beauty, signalling a night of high importance and refined style. For women in 2026, proper black tie attire centres around the floor-length gown, luxurious...
Read more
What Does Formal Dressing Really Mean for Women?
Formal dressing is no longer just about wearing a long gown; it’s about a polished, intentional aesthetic that reflects confidence and respect for an occasion. This guide demystifies what "formal" ...
Read more
The 3 Profiles of Daytime Semi-Formal: Classic, Romantic, and Modern
Daytime semi-formal events are the perfect opportunity to showcase your personal style without the rigid expectations of an evening gala. By categorizing your look into one of three distinct profil...
Read more
The "Quiet Luxury" Cocktail Hour: How to Master Minimalist Semi-Formal Style
The "Quiet Luxury" movement has officially taken over the formal wear world. This blog explores how to master the art of minimalist semi-formal style, focusing on the "Old Money" aesthetic where qu...
Read more
Formal vs. Semi-Formal Dress: What’s the Real Difference?
Ever looked at an invitation and felt a wave of panic because you weren't sure what "Semi-Formal" actually meant? You aren't alone. This blog breaks down the confusing world of dress codes, explain...
Read more
The Mermaid vs. The Ball Gown: Choosing the Right Dramatic Silhouette for Your Body Type
When it comes to high-stakes formal wear, the battle usually boils down to two iconic silhouettes: the Mermaid and the Ball Gown. This guide breaks down the "Royal Revival" of the voluminous ball g...
Read more
Beyond the Classic Red: 7 Reasons Aqua and Teal are the Freshest Choices for 2026
As we step into the 2026 formal season, the traditional dominance of ruby reds and emerald greens is being challenged by a refreshing wave of oceanic hues. Aqua and teal have emerged as the "it" co...
Read more