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Last updated: August 27, 2025
Planning HOCO? This all-in-one FAQ covers dress codes, suit vs. tux, fit and tailoring, budget tips, flowers (corsages & boutonnieres), grooming timing, inclusive style advice, and more—so you can look sharp and actually enjoy the night.
➡️ Start here: Explore the full Homecoming hub on Men’s Wearhouse for ideas and outfit guides: https://www.menswearhouse.com/blog/homecoming/
Quick TOC
- What’s the HOCO dress code?
- Suit or tux for homecoming?
- Can I wear jeans or sneakers?
- What colors work best—and how do I coordinate with a date?
- How should a suit fit (fast fit checklist)?
- What if I’m buying last-minute—what can be tailored fast?
- Pocket square & tie basics (do they need to match)?
- Do I need a corsage or boutonniere? Who buys what?
- When should I order flowers and how do I pin a boutonniere?
- Do I need a date to go?
- Can alumni attend the homecoming dance?
- What’s a realistic HOCO budget?
- Grooming timeline (haircut, skin, nails) for photo day
- Inclusive style tips (sensory-friendly & wheelchair-friendly)
- Last-minute checklist
What’s the HOCO dress code?
Most schools call homecoming semi-formal. That usually means:
- Best bet: A two-piece suit or dress pants + dress shirt + blazer, dress shoes, and a tie or bow tie.
- Too casual: Hoodies, graphic tees, shorts; jeans are often not allowed (check your school’s rules).
- Too formal: Tuxedos are overkill unless your school says black tie.
See: Men’s Wearhouse Homecoming Style Guide for Guys (ideas by dress code): https://www.menswearhouse.com/blog/homecoming/homecoming-style-guide-for-guys-nail-the-dress-code-own-the-night/
Suit or tux for homecoming?
- Suit: Safe choice for semi-formal. Navy, charcoal, black, or a dark tonal pattern keeps it sharp.
- Tux: Only if your school specifically asks for formal/black tie. If you love the tux look, a white dinner jacket + black trousers can be a fun, dressy twist—but confirm the dress code.
Can I wear jeans or sneakers?
- Jeans: Usually no for semi-formal. If your school is looser, dark-wash jeans + dress shirt + blazer might fly—still ask first.
- Sneakers: Clean leather or dress sneakers can work with a suit at relaxed venues. If your school requires dress shoes, stick to Oxfords/derbies/loafers.
What colors work best—and how do I coordinate with a date?
- Timeless: Navy, charcoal, black suits with a white shirt. Add a tie/pocket square that ties in your date’s outfit.
- On-trend: Deep jewel tones (emerald, sapphire, burgundy) for ties, shirts, or a sport coat. Textured fabrics (like velvet for a blazer) read festive.
- Coordination tips: Match intensity, not identical swatches. If your date wears an emerald dress, try a green-toned tie or pocket square, not head-to-toe green.
Shop HOCO outfits: https://www.menswearhouse.com/c/occasions/homecoming-suits
How should a suit fit (fast fit checklist)?
- Shoulders: Seam sits right at the edge of your shoulder; no dents/overhang.
- Jacket chest/waist: Button closes without pulling; about a thumb of space between stomach and jacket when closed.
- Sleeves: Show a ¼–½ inch of shirt cuff.
- Length: Hem reaches mid-hand when arms rest naturally; seat is covered.
- Pants: Waist comfortable without belt cinching; legs tapered but not tight; hem with a slight break over the shoe.
What if I’m buying last-minute—what can be tailored fast?
- Quick fixes: Hemming pants, sleeve length, minor waist/seat tweaks are often fast. Complex changes (shoulders, major jacket suppression) take longer.
- Game plan: Grab a suit that fits your shoulders first; tailor the easy stuff.
- Call your store: Availability and turnaround vary by location and season.
Pocket square & tie basics (do they need to match)?
- Nope. They should complement, not perfectly match. Think related colors/patterns.
- Easy folds: For guaranteed polish, use a Presidential/flat fold; for a softer vibe, use a puff fold.
- Width alignment: Match tie width to your lapel width (skinny tie ↔ slim lapel).
Do I need a corsage or boutonniere? Who buys what?
- Tradition: The person wearing the suit typically wears a boutonniere. The other partner often wears a corsage.
- Modern take: Anyone can buy their own, skip them altogether, or do prom-style mini bouquets. Talk with your date or group.
When should I order flowers and how do I pin a boutonniere?
- Timing: Place your order 1–2 weeks before the dance for best selection. Pick up 1–2 days before to keep it fresh.
- Pinning (left lapel):
- Hold the boutonniere on the left lapel, stems down.
- Insert the pin from behind the lapel, through the wrapped stem, then back into the lapel fabric.
- Add a second pin if you’ll be dancing a lot.
Do I need a date to go?
- No. Homecoming is extremely group-friendly. Plenty of people go with friends or solo.
Can alumni attend the homecoming dance?
- Often no for the dance itself (many schools limit it to current students + an approved guest under 21), though alumni are welcome at the game and events. Always check your school’s guest policy and deadlines for forms.
What’s a realistic HOCO budget?
Budgets vary a lot by school and city, but a typical range might look like:
- Ticket: ~$20–$60
- Outfit: Build from your closet or plan for suit/separates/shirt/tie/shoes (buy or reuse). Tailoring, if needed, varies by work.
- Flowers: Corsage/boutonniere often $20–$60+ depending on florals and extras.
- Extras: Photos, dinner, transportation.
Save: Reuse dress shoes, borrow a tie, choose separates, or skip flowers.
Grooming timeline (haircut, skin, nails) for photo day
- Haircut: Aim for 5–7 days before HOCO (short cuts 3–5 days) so it settles. If you love a fresh fade, 24–48 hours is fine.
- Face: Start gentle exfoliation 1–2 weeks out; moisturize morning/night; avoid brand-new products the week of.
- Hands/Nails: Trim and clean the day before—hands show in corsage/boutonniere photos.
Inclusive style tips (sensory-friendly & wheelchair-friendly)
- Sensory-friendly: Look for soft, tagless shirts, smooth seams, and stretch waistbands. Try knit ties or skip ties in favor of a neat open collar + blazer if allowed.
- Wheelchair-friendly: Prioritize comfort while seated—slightly shorter jacket length, less bulk at the back, stretch fabrics, and hem pants to avoid catching on wheels. Magnetic or easy-closure shirts can help.
- Shoes: Break them in at home; cushioned insoles help for long nights.
Last-minute checklist
- Suit steamed & lint-rolled
- Shirt pressed (+ backup undershirt)
- Tie/bow tie and pocket square packed
- Socks that match trousers; belt matches shoes
- Boutonniere/corsage pickup time set; pins in pocket
- Wallet, ID/student ID, tickets
- Phone charged; portable charger
- Plan for photos, dinner, and a safe ride home
Keep browsing: More HOCO ideas
- What guys wear to Homecoming (outfit ideas on a budget): https://www.menswearhouse.com/blog/homecoming/what-do-guys-wear-to-homecoming/
- 2025 HOCO trends for guys: https://www.menswearhouse.com/blog/homecoming/homecoming-style-trends-for-guys-2025/
- Shop Homecoming essentials: https://www.menswearhouse.com/o/homecoming-essentials
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