Homecoming is right around the corner, and finding a dress is one of the most important tasks to consider. For some girls, it can be difficult to find a dress of their liking while also trying to match the theme of the dance. A quick scan of old yearbooks shows how styles have evolved throughout the years. They used to be mainly neutral colored and flowy. Now, dresses are shorter and more sparkly. No matter the trends, dress shopping looms large in homecoming dance prep. Prices can get unbelievably high, and no one wants to pay more than $200 for a dress that will only be worn once. At one local dress boutique, homecoming dresses are around $90-$270. For senior Delaney Miller, the price tag should reflect the fit.
“I would be willing to pay more if it fit nicely without having to get it altered,” Miller said.
With the dresses already being pricey, getting them altered can add to the financial stress. According to a poll of Rolla High School students, 30% of students shopped locally, 48% shopped outside of town, and 21% chose to shop online. With so many different places and styles to pick from, it can be a struggle to know where to even start. Miller has noticed a shift in trends too. This year, fringe, off-the-shoulder straps, neon pink, poofy, and dark green dresses are trending.
Fortunately for Miller, she was able to snag a dress off-the-rack.
“I got my homecoming dress this year for twenty dollars at Dillard’s, so I would definitely suggest looking into retail stores,” Miller said.
Shopping at reasonably priced stores saves money and often also turns up dresses that are equally as pretty as the more expensive ones. With the dance coming up next week, students still have time to find the right dress. No matter the dress pick, shopping can be a fun and exciting experience, especially if you have backup.
“I usually go shopping with my friends or my mom, which is super fun because we make a day out of it. The whole process is just a lot of fun,” Miller said.
