Hemline and event length sort these dresses faster than color does: a short hem above the knee suits a night on the dance floor, while the long homecoming dresses and off-the-shoulder ball gowns belong at a dinner or formal program.
Between them sit a two-piece set, a glittery A-line, navy ruffles and a high-low ruffle hem.
1. Two-Piece Dresses
A sequined halter top over a flowing skirt gives a two-piece dress its modern edge, and I like that the red, white and teal versions here all keep the same split between a sparkly top and a soft, moving skirt.
The halter neckline draws the eye up toward the shoulders and collarbone, so it works well if you want your top half to be the focus.
A skirt that flows rather than clings keeps the whole look easy to dance in.
Because the pieces are separate, you can size each one on its own, which helps if your top and bottom measurements differ. Of the 3 colors, I would pick teal if you want something less expected than red or white.
2. Short Homecoming Dresses
Dancing is the reason to pick a short dress, and the range is wide: any color or cut works as long as the hemline stays above the knee.
A short hem moves freely, so you can spin, step and sit on the floor for photos without gathering fabric in your hands.
Before you buy, do a squat and a quick twirl in the fitting room, since a hem that rides up is the most common complaint with this length.
Shoes matter more here because the whole leg is visible. I would choose a block heel or a low strappy sandal over a tall stiletto if the night is mostly spent on the dance floor.
3. Long Homecoming Dresses
For an evening built around a dinner table or a long program, a floor-length gown in a deep brown with an embellished bodice reads formal without looking stiff.
Sitting for hours is the real test of a long dress. Look for a bodice that stays put when you lean forward, and check that the skirt does not bunch under you when you sit.
Hem length needs a try-on with the actual shoes you plan to wear, because a gown that skims the floor in heels will drag in flats.
4. Glittery A-Line Dresses
Soft pastels in white, blue, pink and yellow make a sleeveless sparkling A-line one of the easier shapes to wear, since the skirt flares gently from the waist and skims over hips and thighs.
That cut suits most body shapes, and I especially like it on anyone who wants definition at the waist without a tight skirt. The glitter does the decorating, so keep jewelry small, such as studs or a thin bracelet.
Sparkle catches light differently in person than on a rack, so try the dress under bright light before deciding. Blue is my pick if you want pastel without going sweet.
5. Navy Ruffled Cocktail Dresses
Navy satin with a fitted bodice and a ruffled, floral-accented skirt is a rich color choice that still looks polished next to the usual bright shades.
Satin shows every bump, so wear smooth underlayers and have the bodice fitted close; the ruffles on the skirt then supply the volume.
The floral detail already adds interest, so I would let it do the work and leave everything else plain.
Gold heels warm up navy nicely. If you prefer a quieter finish, silver or nude shoes also work, though gold is the one I would choose.
6. Off-the-Shoulder Ball Gowns
A voluminous off-the-shoulder satin ball gown in black is the most dramatic option I would pick, and the bare shoulders keep all that skirt from overwhelming you.
The neckline frames the collarbone, so wear your hair up or swept to one side and let a statement earring carry the jewelry.
Because the skirt is full, try the dress with the shoes and any petticoat layers you plan to use, and practice climbing stairs and sitting down.
It suits a formal, dressy event best. For a casual dance, a gown this large may feel like too much, and a shorter style would be easier to move in.
7. High-Low Ruffle Hem Dresses
A high neckline paired with a sleeveless cut and a ruffled hem that dips longer at one side gives this lavender dress a balance I like: covered on top, playful below.
The high neck and bare arms keep the bodice clean, so the hem does all the talking. If you like to show off your shoulders and arms but want less skin at the chest, this shape handles that well.
Gold shoes, a gold clutch and metallic jewelry suit the soft purple, and I would keep to one metal so the color stays calm.
Try the dress with your actual heels, since a high-low hem looks best when the short front shows your legs and the longer back clears the floor.
Lavender is a gentler choice than the usual jewel tones, and I would pick it for a daytime game or an early evening dance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What dresses to wear to homecoming?
For a night of dancing, a hem above the knee is the practical choice, since it lets you spin freely and drop to the floor for group photos.
A floor-length gown or full ball gown fits a formal dinner or a long program, though that much skirt can look overdone at a casual dance.
What are some good prom dresses under $50?
I can’t point to a specific dress at that price, because I don’t have prices for any of these styles.
What I can say is that a simple short dress in a flattering cut, such as an A-line, needs little extra styling.
Where can I buy homecoming dresses online?
Peaches Boutique and Windsor are 2 online shops that carry homecoming dresses. Wear the shoes you plan to dance in during that try-on, because a heel shifts where the hem lands.
