What to Wear to Homecoming: Men's Style Guide

If you’re here, you may be wondering how to choose the right outfit for homecoming. First and foremost, when debating over what to wear to homecoming, men need to follow the dress code.

The key to selecting the right outfit involves achieving a balance between feeling comfortable, expressing your fashion sense, and respecting the homecoming dress code. This guide will help you do just that!

Our suggestions, tips, and advice will give you the confidence to create the perfect homecoming outfit. Whether you prefer classic wear or trendy, we cover how to understand homecoming dress codes, style options, and how to accessorize for flair.

Understanding Homecoming Dress Codes

Dress codes for homecoming can range from formal, semi-formal, or casual. Before you decide on your homecoming outfit, first check the dress code requirements, and then follow them. Knowing the dress code will allow you to choose your attire with confidence.

You’ll usually be able to find the dress code requirement on the homecoming save-the-date email or mailed announcement. The announcement will typically include the date, the location, special activities, and the dress code for each activity.

Classic Homecoming Looks for Men

The Timeless Suit

A well tailored suit is a timeless choice for a formal or semi-formal homecoming dress code. Classic suit colors for fall homecoming events include navy, charcoal, or black.

Polish your look with a crisp, well-fitting dress shirt and a choice of coordinating neckties. Explore ties that harmonize well with the suit colors mentioned above:

• Ties to Match Navy Suits
• Ties to Match Charcoal Suits
• Ties to Match Black Suits

Dress Shirt and Slacks Combination

Combine a dress shirt with slacks to create a handsome homecoming look. Add a blazer or sport coat if the dress code is semi-formal. Consult our blazers and sport coats size guide to ensure that the fit of your jacket enhances your body type.

A tie is usually optional for a casual dress code but is guaranteed to dress up your look for a semi-formal homecoming. The tie fabric can help control the formality of your look. Wool, wool knit, and silk knit ties offer a less formal look than a pure silk tie.

Complete your dress shirt and slacks attire with clean dress shoes and a belt or suspenders. Remember, if you choose to wear suspenders, do not wear a belt.

Modern Homecoming Trends for Guys

Patterned Shirt and Suit Pants

If you prefer a bolder look, pair a patterned dress shirt with your suit pants. From plaids, stripes, or statement patterns, the look can be as subtle or strong as you want. For example, the Laura Ashley x Tie Bar Winter Forest Navy Dress Shirt will add panache to navy suit pants for a casual dress code.

Add a tie or a bow tie to elevate your outfit for a semi-formal homecoming. From the Dotted Report Marigold Tie over a blue patterned shirt or the Mini Dots Navy Blue Bowtie over the Pinpoint Check Blue and Brown Dress Shirt, the range of choices is almost unlimited!

Accessorizing Your Homecoming Outfit

Your outfit isn’t complete until you add accessories such as neckwear, pocket squares, tie bars, and cufflinks. For homecoming, you may want to show school support by choosing accessories in your alma mater’s colors.

Classically versatile regimental stripe ties are a great way to exhibit tasteful school support at homecoming events. For inspiration, take a look at the Dearborn Logo Repp Stripe Burgundy Tie or the Alma Mater Heritage Orton Repp Tie, available in a wide range of colors in addition to the red and gray featured here.

Shoes and Footwear for Homecoming

Your shoes are every bit as important as your clothing pieces. Footwear can make or break an outfit so choose your shoes carefully.

Dress shoes such as brogues or oxfords are a good option to wear with a suit. Loafers and Chelsea or Chukka boots are all good choices to pair with a blazer and slacks or more casual outfits.

Black dress shoes will provide the most formal look with your navy, charcoal, or black suit. Dark brown shoes will offer a less formal look, suitable for semi-formal dress codes. Light brown, tan, or russet leather or suede shoes will look more casual and are a good choice for casual dress codes.

If you’re purchasing new shoes for homecoming, be sure to break them in before you attend events. You want to ensure your feet are comfortable for long periods of standing and socializing or dancing the night away.

Grooming and Final Touches

Show pride in your appearance. Careful grooming is your first step to looking your best at homecoming. A good haircut and well-trimmed facial hair are important considerations. Wearing cologne or a fragrance is optional but if you go the scent route, be sure to keep it minimal and subtle.

Ensure your suit is well-tailored. Your shirt must be pressed if necessary and clean. Metal accessories such as your tie bar, cufflinks, and belt buckle should be well-polished. Check that your tie is clean, free of stains, and unrumpled. Make sure your neckwear always looks its best with good tie care practices.

What to Avoid Wearing to Homecoming

Avoid wearing overly casual attire to homecoming. Save your weekend jeans and sneakers or athletic wear for relaxing when you get back home. Show respect for your school and the occasion by adhering to the dress code.

Tips for Choosing the Perfect Homecoming Outfit

These suggestions will help you create the perfect homecoming outfit:

• Try the outfit on in advance of homecoming to get feedback from family and friends.
• Consider coordinating your outfit with your date or the group you’ll be going to events with.
• Be sure you have:
  • Suit or jacket and pants for formal or semi-formal homecoming.
  • Dress shirt for formal and semi-formal homecoming, t-shirt or patterned shirt for more casual homecoming events.
  • Neckwear if you want to wear a tie or bow tie.
  • Dress shoes for formal or semi-formal homecoming or a relaxed shoe style that is clean for a casual homecoming.
  • Socks.
  • Accessories to complete and balance your look such as belt or suspenders, tie bar, and pocket square.
  • Accessories for warmth if the weather is going to be cold — warm scarf, hat, and gloves.

Find Your Perfect Homecoming Look at The Tie Bar

Whether you prefer a classic, traditional look or a more trendy, modern vibe, let the homecoming dress code guide you when choosing the right pieces for your outfit. Then incorporate your personal sense of style with well-chosen accessories.

The Tie Bar’s wide range of quality suits, dress shirts, ties, bow ties, and accessories are perfect for creating the ideal homecoming outfit. From classic to trendy, you’ll be inspired to explore The Tie Bar’s stylish collections for high-quality, fashionable options.

You can find everything you need for your perfect homecoming look at The Tie Bar!

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