Homecoming started as a school dance revolving around school spirit and football games, but in the last 10-15 years has transitioned into an event revolving around fashion and pictures. Going to homecoming with the intent to post on social media has made people more conscious about what they look like and wear. With this recent emphasis on the fashion, people are more concerned about buying the perfect dress than ever before. The “perfect dress” is different for everyone- some people want to be exactly on trend and others want to show off their individuality. I interviewed Sam Achim, the president of Fashion Club at SHS, to hear her opinion on what will be popular for 2024 homecoming dresses.
Q: Why did you want to be president of Fashion Club?
A: I’ve always been into fashion since I was very young, and I knew that I wanted to do something with it in my life. Unfortunately, I know that I can’t really have it as a career choice so Fashion Club was always super fun for me, and I even always took the classes for fashion offered at the school and it helped me do more of something that I love.
Q: Which brands are on the rise for homecoming dresses for 2024?
A: Definitely Akira, Dillard’s, Nordstrom, Urban Outfitters– that’s where my dress is from– wait, no it’s not, my dress is from Free People. I can’t think of vintage brands, but vintage homecoming dresses in general are in.
Q: What styles, cuts, textures, and patterns do you see trending for homecoming dresses?
A: For sure sequins, also ruffles, tulle, satin and that sheer, beaded mesh material. Bows are going to be big– I’m wearing bows. I’m also hoping to see more strapless dresses. I personally look for what’s flattering on me personally, so looking at undertones that match my skin and styles that are better suited for my body shape.
Q: What’s the best homecoming dress you’ve seen as SHS and who was wearing it?
A: Okay Sophia Makofsky was wearing this black, tight, strapless dress, and it had flowers and this ruffly tulle coming off of it at different angles, like asymmetrical.
Q: How has fast fashion changed people’s standards for dresses, and what are some alternatives for people who want a more affordable dress?
A: I feel like fast fashion has changed the minds of people so they’re like “okay I’m just going to be wearing this dress for one night I shouldn’t be spending that much money on it,” and I feel like you can totally do that, I’m not judging, but I feel like you could find more better quality clothing at a cheaper price at a thrift store, boutique or any secondhand store. Also upscale stores, even though they’re more expensive, the quality makes up for it. You can do a lot with nothing while avoiding fast fashion.
Q: Where are some good places to thrift a dress?
A: Some good places to thrift– I found my homecoming dress at Clothes Mentor, it’s in Mayfield Heights. You could also do Uptown Cheapskate, Plato’s [Closet], the Goodwills around us– oh, there’s this consignment shop in Twinsburg called Twila’s Treasures. Also online secondhand stores like Poshmark, ThredUp and Ebay.
I also spoke with Zaynah Wahab, a senior at SHS who is attending homecoming and bought her dress from Depop, an online thrift store.
The search for the perfect dress can lead people to spend hundreds of dollars on a dress they only wear once. For this reason though, some people turn to Shein or Amazon for an inexpensive dress and disregard quality. As the stigma around thrifting dissolves, a middle ground for buying a dress that is affordable and doesn’t contribute to fast fashion, is looking at secondhand clothing online and in stores for more unique options. Whether your dress aligns with the predicted trends this year, or has no similarities at all, what matters is that you yourself like your dress and feel confident wearing it.
