{"id":278804,"date":"2025-07-15T15:17:04","date_gmt":"2025-07-15T22:17:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/blog\/?p=278804"},"modified":"2025-07-16T06:51:47","modified_gmt":"2025-07-16T13:51:47","slug":"what-is-homecoming","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/blog\/fashion\/what-is-homecoming\/","title":{"rendered":"Homecoming Incoming: Your Complete Guide to What It Is\u2014and What to Wear"},"content":{"rendered":"
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When the marching band starts practicing the fight song and the football coach won\u2019t stop calling doubles, it can only mean one thing: <\/span>homecoming<\/span><\/a> (or hoco) is right around the corner! A tradition that started in colleges that has now spread to high schools, homecoming started as a way to welcome alumni back to their school.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Once a college tradition meant to welcome alumni back to campus, homecoming (or hoco<\/em>, if you\u2019re in the know) has evolved into a full-on celebration of school pride\u2014and yes, an excuse to dress up. While the event still nods to its roots, today\u2019s homecoming is more about uniting the student body than hosting alumni mixers.<\/p>\n\"homecoming\n

At most high schools, the festivities span an entire week, with themed dress-up days, pep rallies, and friendly competitions leading up to the big game and the even bigger homecoming dance. Think: coordinated outfits, a little class rivalry, and plenty<\/em> of photo opps.<\/p>\n

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College homecoming looks a little different\u2014less spirit week, more tailgates, cultural events, and club activations\u2014but the vibe is the same: energetic, communal, and full of opportunities to show off your campus style. Whether you\u2019re in high school or college, consider this your reminder to plan your outfit now!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Why Is It Called Homecoming?<\/h2>\n
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The name \u201chomecoming\u201d comes from exactly what it sounds like: alumni returning to their alma mater. The tradition began in the early 20th century, when colleges and high schools started inviting graduates back to campus for a big game, <\/span>usually football<\/span><\/a>. Over the years, that single event evolved into something more: parades, pep rallies, and, of course, the dance. Today, even if your school\u2019s homecoming doesn\u2019t involve alumni, the name still captures the spirit of it all\u2014pride, connection, and a major moment for community.<\/span><\/p>\n

When Is Homecoming?<\/h2>\n
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Homecoming usually happens in the fall, typically between late September and early October. The exact date varies by school and often depends on the football schedule\u2014especially if there’s a big rivalry game on the calendar. Since the event is traditionally centered around a home game, schools tend to plan homecoming week to align with one of the season\u2019s most anticipated matchups<\/p>\n

Homecoming vs. Prom: What\u2019s the Difference?<\/h2>\n
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While both homecoming and prom are school dances, they\u2019re not the same, and they have very different vibes. Prom typically happens in the spring and is reserved for upperclassmen, often juniors and seniors. It’s known for being a formal affair, with tuxedos, floor-length dresses, limousines, and fancy venues. There\u2019s a certain level of pressure and expectation that surrounds prom, from getting the right outfit to planning the perfect night.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Homecoming is much more relaxed. It’s usually held in the school gym or cafeteria, and while students still like to dress up, the attire is often <\/span>semi-formal<\/span><\/a>. You\u2019ll want to wear a nice dress, but a floor-length gown is probably a <\/span>little<\/span><\/i> over the top. Since the weather is still usually pretty warm, <\/span>short hoco dresses<\/span><\/a> are pretty popular. The atmosphere is more casual, the music is fun, and the main focus is hanging out with friends. You don\u2019t need a date to enjoy homecoming; in fact, many students go with groups, making it a more laid-back, social event.<\/span><\/p>\n

What Grade Is Homecoming For?<\/h2>\n
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One of the best things about homecoming is that it\u2019s open to everyone. That includes freshmen! In fact, many students attend their first high school dance at homecoming. It\u2019s a great way for underclassmen to ease into the high school social scene without the formality or pressure of prom.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The same is true at college. Many colleges have homecoming dances too, and they\u2019re open to the entire undergraduate community. Whether it\u2019s your first year or your last, homecoming is a shared experience that helps students feel connected.<\/span><\/p>\n

A Celebration Worth Showing Up For<\/h2>\n
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Homecoming is a tradition that blends fun, friendship, and school spirit. Whether you’re dressing up for the dance, showing off your school colors during spirit week, or just hanging out at the game with your friends, hoco is about enjoying the moment and feeling like part of something bigger. So grab your tickets, plan your outfit, and get ready for a week of memories you\u2019ll look back on long after you graduate!<\/span><\/p>\n

Are you planning your look for the homecoming dance? Head to our Homecoming Shop<\/a> to get a jump on the must-have styles of the season–and be sure to share your hoco fits on Instagram<\/a>\u00a0or\u00a0TikTok<\/a> @lulus using #lovelulus!<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

When the marching band starts practicing the fight song and the football coach won\u2019t stop calling doubles, it can only mean one thing: homecoming (or hoco) is right around the corner! A tradition that started in colleges that has now spread to high schools, homecoming started as a way to welcome alumni back to their… Read more »<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":209,"featured_media":278830,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[10,42077],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-278804","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-fashion","category-lifestyle"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nWhat is Homecoming? A Complete Guide - Lulus.com Fashion Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Homecoming is right around the corner! 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