Homecoming is one of the most exciting times of the year, the dancing, the photos, the fun with friends, and of course the dress. Choosing the perfect HOCO dress is about more than just grabbing the trendiest color. The key is knowing what shades bring out the best features, using color theory to match undertone, hair, and eyes. Once a person knows what flatters her most, she can hit local and online stores confidently to find the perfect look to wear whatever makes her happiest.
The first step is to know the undertone. An undertone is the subtle hue beneath the skin’s surface that doesn’t change with tanning or seasons. There are three main types: cool, warm and neutral. Cool undertones have hints of pink, red, or blue. Silver Jewelry tends to flatter, but veins may look blue or purple. Warm undertones have hints of yellow, peach, or golden. Gold jewelry pops and veins may look green. Finally Neutral undertones is a balanced mix. Both gold and silver jewelry would look good. A tip to help figure out is to hold a white piece of paper to the face in natural light. If the skin looks rosy then the person is most likely cool toned, if it looks golden, then warm-toned.
According to Cammilie Styles, match colors to undertones. For cool undertones, wear jewel tones (sapphire, emerald, ruby, violet), icy pastels (lavender, baby blue), or silver or cool-toned metallics. Warm undertones look better with earthy shade (burnt orange, mustard, olive, coral), warm reds, champagne, gold, or bronze. Lastly, Neutral undertones can match most colors. Try blush, teal, navy, or soft champagne.
Then factor in hair color. Hair can add warmth or coolness to the overall palette. Blondes look best with jewel tones. Brunettes wear deep reds, cobalt, and warm earthy hues. Redheads look best in forest green, teal, and warm neutrals highlight red tones. Black/dark hair needs bold shades like crimson, royal purple, or metallics.
Next is eye color. Blue eyes look great with navy, icy silver, and aqua. While green eyes are great with plum, emerald, and gold. Brown also looks good with emerald, turquoise, and warm reds. Lastly, hazel eyes are good for olive, burgundy, and golden brown.
After understanding them separately, focus on the overall appearance. Features do not work alone, all of it combines to make a unique palette. If someone has a high-contrast appearance (e.g. fair skin with dark hair and bright eyes) bold jewel tones like emerald, ruby, sapphire, and deep navy look striking. Metallics (silver or gold depending on your undertone) also pop in photos. There is also Low-contrast appearance (e.g. blonde hair, light eyes, fair skin OR dark hair, deep eyes, rich skin) softer shades like blush, champagne, lavender, and teal harmonize beautifully. Muted tones let the natural coloring glow. Warm appearance (e.g. golden undertone, warm hair tones like auburn, golden blonde, honey brown, or hazel/golden eyes) earthy shades like rust, olive mustard, coral, and warm reds enhance flow. Gold jewelry and champagne fabrics emphasize warmth. Cool appearance (e.g. rosy undertone, cooler hair tones like ash blonde, black, or platinum, plus blue/grey/green eyes) need jewel tones, icy pastels, and silver metallics to make a person look radiant. Neutral appearance (e.g. balanced undertone, hair and eyes that don’t lean strongly warm or cool) could wear both warm and cool shades, but medium tones like blush pink, teal, navy, or soft gold tend to be most flattering.
Sizing can vary slightly by brand, but most HOCO dresses follow standard junior/teen sizing guide. Always check each store’s chart and measure before ordering. To measure, start with the bust which is the fullest part of the chest, keeping tape snug, but not tight. Then the waist is the narrowest part of the torso (usually 1-2” above belly button). Finally hips which are the fullest part of the hips/bottom. If it is in between, size-up. Someone can always tailor the dress for a perfect fit.
There’s plenty of great spots near Hamburg to go shopping like Windsor (Lehigh Valley Mall or Park City Center, Lancaster PA) Macy’s (Whitehall or Reading) Davids Bridal (Wyomissing, PA). For online shopping there’s PromGirl, Lulus, Beginning Boutique, and Oh Polly.
For more information visit the websites, The styleful, 2022, Clairol 2022, Camille Styles, and Healthline, 2020.
