Your cart (1)
Subtotal: $5,750.00
Homecoming
Are Homecoming Dresses Short? A Guide to Homecoming Dress Length
Most homecoming dresses are short, usually a mini or a hem just above the knee. Homecoming is a semi-formal dance and a step less formal than prom, and a short dress is easy to dance in. Short isn't a rule, though. Knee-length, midi, high-low and floor-length dresses are all fine for homecoming unless your school's dress code says otherwise. Long gowns are a popular choice for homecoming court and for dances that are more formal. The best length is one that suits your school's rules, your height and how you plan to spend the night.
In This Guide
Why Are Homecoming Dresses Usually Short?
- The dress code is semi-formal. Most homecoming dances call for a cocktail-length dress, not a formal gown. Prom is usually the long-gown night of the year.
- Homecoming is about dancing. A short skirt moves with you and won't get stepped on in a crowded gym or ballroom.
- The weather is still warm. Homecoming is usually held in September or October, when a short dress is comfortable at the game or for photos outside.
- It sets it apart from prom. Some students like to save the long gown for prom and choose something shorter and more playful for homecoming.
Homecoming Dress Lengths, Explained
| Length | Where the hem falls | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Mini | Mid-thigh | The classic homecoming look; shows off your shoes; great for petite figures |
| Above the knee | A few inches above the knee | The easiest length to wear; suits most heights and dress codes |
| Knee-length | At the knee | Strict school dress codes; a little more coverage |
| Midi or tea length | Mid-calf to just above the ankle | Tall figures; cooler weather; a vintage look |
| High-low | Short in front, longer in back | Showing your shoes with the drama of a longer skirt |
| Floor-length | At the floor, with heels on | Homecoming court, formal dances, college homecoming |
Can You Wear a Long Dress to Homecoming?
Yes. A long dress is perfectly acceptable at homecoming, and some students prefer one. A long gown makes sense if:
- You're on homecoming court. Court members are presented and photographed, often at the game, and a gown stands out.
- Your dance is more formal. Some schools hold homecoming in a hotel ballroom or call it a formal.
- It's cold where you live. A long dress keeps you warmer at an outdoor game or late-October dance.
- You simply love it. If a gown makes you feel your best, wear it.
To dance comfortably in a long dress, look for a slit, a lighter skirt such as chiffon, or a fitted gown that doesn't trail on the floor. Buy your shoes before the dress is hemmed, so the length is right with your heels.
How Short Is Too Short for Homecoming?
Check your school's dress code first. Some high schools set a minimum length, such as the "fingertip rule": with your arms straight at your sides, the hem must reach at least the tips of your fingers. Schools may also have rules on slits, cutouts and two-piece outfits.
Then test the dress when you try it on:
- Sit down and check how far the hem rides up.
- Raise your arms and do a few dance moves.
- Walk up stairs or climb in and out of a car.
- Check the back, especially if you're tall. A dress that is mid-thigh on a shorter model can be much shorter on you.
If you love a dress that's a little short, ask the store about alterations, or wear bike shorts underneath for dancing.
How to Choose the Right Length for You
- Your height: petite figures look taller in a mini or above-the-knee hem. Tall figures carry midi lengths, high-low hems and long gowns especially well.
- Your plans: if you'll be dancing all night, a short or above-the-knee dress is the easiest choice.
- Your role: on homecoming court, a long gown or a dressy short dress both work. Ask whether the court has a color or length theme.
- The venue: a gym or cafeteria dance leans short; a hotel ballroom can go either way.
- Your shoes: a short dress puts your shoes on show, so choose them with care. With a long dress, comfortable heels or flats hidden under the skirt are fine.
For advice by body type, see how to pick a homecoming dress for every figure, or enter your measurements in the Sherri Hill Fit Finder.
Sherri Hill Homecoming Dresses, Short and Long
The Sherri Hill homecoming collection includes both short cocktail dresses and long gowns, in sizes 000 and up. Sherri Hill dresses are sold through authorized retailers; use Find A Store to locate one near you. If the store doesn't have your color or size, the retailer can check whether it's available to order.
Style 58153
A fitted halter cocktail dress in hot fix stones, on a corset bodice, with a mini hem. It comes in seventeen colors, including light pink, periwinkle, royal and emerald, in sizes 000 through 18. See style 58153.
Style 58307
A strapless satin cocktail dress with a box-pleated skirt and delicate beaded embellishments. It comes in nine colors, including blush, light blue, lilac and black, in sizes 000 through 18. See style 58307.
Style 58068
A strapless brocade cocktail dress with a bubble hem and a three-dimensional flower at the bodice. It comes in lilac, pink and light blue, in sizes 000 through 18. See style 58068.
Style 58195
A long gown with a strapless satin corset bodice, a chiffon skirt with a slit, and a neck piece. The light skirt and slit make it easy to dance in. It comes in thirteen colors, including bright pink, burgundy, emerald and light blue, in sizes 000 through 18. See style 58195.
Style 58090
A strapless ballgown with a corset bodice, a bubble skirt cut with a slit, and a rose embellishment: a standout choice for homecoming court. It comes in thirteen colors, including light blue, red, lilac and black, in sizes 000 through 18. See style 58090.
See every style in homecoming dresses and cocktail dresses, read what to wear to homecoming for the full dress code, and find your size with the Sherri Hill Size Guide.
Shop the Look
Your retailer can check whether a color or size is available to order.
Find A Store
Find a Sherri Hill Retailer
In the United States, Sherri Hill dresses are sold through authorized retailers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all homecoming dresses short?
No. Most homecoming dresses are short, usually a mini or just above the knee, but knee-length, midi, high-low and long dresses are all acceptable unless your school's dress code says otherwise.
Are homecoming dresses meant to be short?
Short dresses are traditional because homecoming is a semi-formal dance, held while the weather is still warm, and a short skirt is easy to dance in. It's a custom, not a rule.
Can you wear a long dress to homecoming?
Yes. A long dress is perfectly fine, and it's a popular choice for homecoming court, more formal dances and colder weather. A slit or a light skirt makes it easier to dance in.
What is the best length for a homecoming dress?
Just above the knee is the easiest length: it suits most heights, meets most school dress codes and is comfortable for dancing. Petite figures often prefer a mini; tall figures carry midi and long lengths well.
How short is too short for homecoming?
Follow your school's dress code. Some schools use the fingertip rule, where the hem must reach your fingertips with your arms at your sides. Sit, raise your arms and dance in the dress before you buy it.
Should homecoming court wear long dresses?
Not necessarily. Long gowns are a popular choice for court, since court members are presented and photographed, but a dressy short dress works too. Ask whether your court has a color or length theme.
