Today we’re sharing six tips for finding a homecoming dress that mom and daughter both like, darling hoco dress finds, plus a helpful brand list for getting started on your search. It doesn’t have to be stressful to find an appropriate but on trend dress for your teen. We show you how!

Keep reading and scrolling to get ready for HOCO but first: don’t forget to go over all the manners and social skills girls need to know for homecoming. We outlined them all in our new EBook for Teen Girls! 

Tips for Buying Homecoming Dresses

1. Be patient

Start early and give yourselves plenty of time! It takes a lot of trying on to find the right dress. Consider ordering several dresses and doing a dressing room try-on at home, then send back what doesn’t work. Many retailers offer free shipping and returns which makes this easier. 

2. Measure

Measure your daughter’s height, bust, etc. and look at the measurements online and use that as a guide as you look online. Some retailers like Revolve will give sizing details like the length from shoulder seam to hem which is helpful. will give the model’s height and normal size so you can use that as a guide as well.

Tip: Sometimes the dresses seem too short online but the models are really tall, so just keep that in mind as you shop! 

3. Alter

Get creative, moms. Order a long dress and have it cut off. Order a bigger size and have it taken in. Sometimes that’s necessary to get the appropriate length or coverage. Also, take the dress to the tailor in plenty of time for the dance to make sure the alterations are correct. Sometimes you need to send back a second time. 

4. Teach

Use shopping for a homecoming dress as a teaching opportunity to show your daughter how to find things that flatter your daughter’s body type. Just because something looks good on a friend (or a model) doesn’t mean it’s right for her. Show and teach her that you can be stylish but still dress in an age-appropriate manner. In the process, find the brands that fit her well that you can come back to again and again.

5. Borrow

Well-fitting dresses are often from the more expensive brands. But instead of splurging for every dance think about borrowing. The styles haven’t changed too much in recent years, so ask friends and family with older daughters if they have a dress that might work for your daughter. But be sure to know the etiquette of borrowing. And be sure to offer your daughter’s dresses in future years. 

6. Practice

Girls don’t want to worry all night if their is strap is going to fall or down or their dress is going to rip because it’s too tight. So when trying on dresses have her practice walking, sitting and standing in the dress (with heels!).  

Be sure to see our full list of dress brands at the bottom of the post but to help you get started here are some 2023 homecoming dresses we love!

Homecoming Dresses 2026

Dainty Sleeve Homecoming Dresses

Strapless Homecoming Dresses

Sash Homecoming Dresses

Sparkle Homecoming Dresses

One Shoulder Homecoming Dresses

Frilly Homecoming Dresses

Long Homecoming Dresses

 

Brand List for Homecoming Dresses

• ALC Brand
• Alice + Olivia
• Amanda Uprichard
• Badgley Mischka
• BCBG
• Bobbi and Bricka
• Clover Girls Dallas
• David’s Bridal
• Dillard’s
• Elliatt
• French Connection
• Hello Molly
• Hemline 
• Lovers + Friends
• Lulu’s
• Mia Bella Couture
• Milly
• Pepper Mayo
• Saylor
• Self Portrait
• Sherri Hill
• Trina Turk
• Terry Costa
• Tohja
• Revolve
• Shoshanna

Girl moms, we have a free homecoming checklist for girl moms with all the things that need to be done before homecoming. Get it here!