This 2024 homecoming dance showcased a wide range of fashion choices. Whether a student chose to incorporate themselves into the dance’s “Echoes of Atlantis” theme or simply wear what they felt good in, this year’s dance was marked by a simple yet stylish vibe, creating a classy party atmosphere reminiscent of an upscale club.
By far the most popular homecoming dress style was a classic, form-fitting strapless bodycon.
“I didn’t want anything too long since I felt like it would be difficult to dance in,” attendee Emerson Reno, 11, said. “However, I also wanted something that fit my figure nicely without having to worry about anything slipping off or ripping.”
Comfort and mobility was a major factor for attendees. Rarely did anyone wear a dress that hung below the knees, and if they did, it was cut loose from the hips, allowing a considerable amount of legroom. Those who wore heels kept to the average height of 3 inches, while the rest wore slip ons, dress shoes, or even sneakers.
“I really didn’t want to wear too much,” Lillie Jones, 12, said. “I just wanted to be comfortable, so I went with something simple. It’s easier to move around and have fun when you’re not worrying about losing your things.”
When choosing an outfit, color is an important detail to consider. This year’s dance’s color scheme took on a dreamy, ethereal tone with an aesthetic consisting predominantly of pastels.
“I was conflicted when choosing the color of my dress,” Jones said. “I didn’t want anything too bold, but I also wanted to wear something that went well with my hair and skin tone. Eventually, I decided on a light purple, since I felt it provided a nice balance between the contrast of my dark hair and pale skin.”
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Junior Emerson Reno’s homecoming outfit: A classic off-the-shoulder black bodycon dress with a form-fitting silhouette. The dress is crafted from a fabric interwoven with subtle shimmer—such as fine Lurex threads or micro-sequins—determining the dress to be of higher quality and sense. Complementing the neckline, a double-strand pearl necklace ties in the dance’s oceanic theme as well as adds a vintage, elegance quality to the overall look.
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Senior Lillie Jones’s homecoming outfit: A strapless bodycon dress that creates a sleek, streamlined silhouette. The heather purple with red and blue iridescent accents as well as the light addition of micro silver sequins add a whimsical, fun vibe to the otherwise simplistic party dress.
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Junior Kaylee Wong’s homecoming outfit: a dress with a form-fitting, strapless bodycon silhouette that emphasizes the figure. It’s adorned with a ruched detailing along the sides, creating a textured look, similar to that of seafoam. The asymmetrical hemline with a ruffle adds a touch of flow and movement to the bottom, giving it a simple yet elegant feel. The soft green lace fabric not only accentuates the orange highlights in her hair, but her natural makeup and ivory skin tone.
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While matching the dance’s “Echoes of Atlantis” theme wasn’t a priority for most attendees, many students tried to incorporate the aesthetic of their outfits through accessorizing.
“I didn’t feel like my dress matched the theme very well, so I tried to tie into the underwater vibe with my pearl necklace and earrings,” Reno said. “I also brought my black Fendi bag to match the dress, attempting a classic, old money type of look.”
With a careful eye for detail and design, few attendees naturally captured the theme’s essence.
“I wanted to try going for a sort of mermaid-turned-human kind of vibe,” said Junior Kaylee Wong. “The dress is tightly fitted around the waist and hips, but the skirt flows out into a ruffled, asymmetrical hemline that adds a touch of movement to the bottom, just like a fish’s tail.”
The 2024 homecoming at Emerson High presented a fascinating lesson in the art of minimalist fashion, where simplicity reigned and extravagance was prudently set aside in favor of comfort and practicality. The attendees adorned themselves with designs that prioritized ease without sacrificing elegance, making the dance’s atmosphere truly mature into its theme, a night in the lost city of Atlantis.
