Another year, another homecoming – but not without new trends and the fun of seeing everyone all dressed up. As a time of friends, laughter, good eating, and good fun, deciding what you wear and accessories to wear it with it is all a part of the process.  For some, homecoming is a chance to prove that you can wear more than sweatpants and a t-shirt, and for others, dressing up is a hobby. Either way, here’s a look at some of the best dressed this year, and some of the most popular trends this dance around.

With a new year of school comes a new year of fashion trends. Homecoming is definitely influenced by the new tastes and trends that come with the ever-changing industry. Some common, some unique, some a mixture, styles varied immensely, but also converged to create a few major categories.  The dress, the shoes, the hair, and the makeup all worked to create these looks, as well as the spirited individuality which ends up shining through in each picture.

There was quite a shift in style this year to more of an elegant and simple look, which is slightly different from years past. Rather than dresses completely covered in jewels and sequins, simplicity in design allowed for the focus to be more on the subtle beauty of the dresses, and how they complimented the ones wearing them.  However, accents of sparkles, lace and crocheted fabric, cut outs, and sheer paneling were all still included here and there to add interest to overall design. All looked great with the mixture of modern meeting classy.

As another change in trend, neutral colors, including the shades of white, black, and gold, were very popular this year. Black especially was worn quite a bit, often accentuated by gorgeous statement necklaces, and pops of color either through shoes, nails, or lips. In addition, bright blues and vivacious reds as dress colors established variety, along with some other pretty unique colors, including emerald greens, dark blues, and red-hued purples. Though some colors were more eye-catching than others, all were very flattering and worked well with the skin tone and hair color specific to each girl.

While strappy high heels, gilded platforms, cute wedges, and sweet sandals all emerged as favorite footwear, a new type of shoe was added to the list this time around. Comfortable and working as a contrast, converse and other similar shoes like vans were used as a way to mix up the typical homecoming attire. Though seen in following years as well, there were many more girls who opted to wear classic black, white, or even sequined types of tennis shoes this year to offset normal style; these girls looked good while still staying at ease, without the worry of foot pain.  

Finally, simple dresses were also highlighted by simple hair, along with natural makeup. Pin-straight strands and soft waves were prevalent in this area, with hair either down, half-up, or in soft updos. At the same time, natural makeup, while enhancing features, made each girl look different, emphasizing both unique beauty and artistic creativity in each look as a whole.

Girls might spend hours getting ready for homecoming with beautiful results, but guys have their role in homecoming fashion too.  Overall, men’s homecoming trends are the classic slacks, button up, and tie. Some wear suit jackets, a few wear tuxes, but each are timeless looks that have lasted for years, as they should.  Girls may envy the  lack of stress boys have in getting ready for the big dance, but the gentlemen do generally have the responsibility of asking, paying for, and driving the ladies to homecoming.  Many girls would say the tradeoff is fair.

Whether dressed simply or elaborately, in lovely lace or smooth satin, with killer heels or comfy converse, there is no denying that every girl looked good and distinctive. In fact, all students wowed. Either boy and girl, with or without dates, each student made a statement, looking sharp and undeniably “breaking hearts.” In any case, always remember that no matter the trend, the key is to stay true to your unique personal style. Comfort in one’s own skin is the most important value in the end, and of course, when one feels good, they look good too. The confidence that radiates off one person can easily fill a room. This is the type of feeling one should strive for, while still maintaining humility. Good luck finding styles you like for next year and happy homecoming!

Gallery • 6 Photos

AAHS Seniors pose for homecoming pictures. Photo used with permission from Kylie Nash.