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Homecoming is an annual tradition, usually in late September or early October, to welcome back alumni. The activities vary widely;  however, they usually consist of a football game played on the school's home football field, activities for students and alumni, a homecoming parade, and the coronation of a Homecoming Queen (and at many schools, a Homecoming King). Illinois and Missouri are generally given credit for establishing the annual tradition that has become known as homecoming. However, the University of Missouri has received the most recognition as being the birthplace of the tradition.

The University of Missouri Homecoming can be traced back to 1891, when the MU first faced off against KU in the first installment of the Border War. The intense rivalry originally took place at neutral sites, until a new conference regulation was announced that required intercollegiate football games to be played on collegiate campuses. To renew excitement in the rivalry, and celebrate the first meeting of the two teams on the Mizzou campus in Columbia, Missouri, MU Athletic Director Chester L. Brewer invited all alumni to "come home" for the game in 1911. Along with the football game, the celebration included a parade and spirit rally with bonfire. The event was a success, with nearly 10,000 alumni coming home to take part in the celebration and watch the Tigers and Jayhawks play to a 3-3 tie. The Missouri homecoming model, with its parade and spirit rally centered around a large football game is the model that has gone on to take hold at colleges and high schools across the United States.

Royalty Emerges
The Homecoming Court is a representative group of students that typically consists of a King and Queen, and possibly Prince(s) and Princess (es). Generally, the King and Queen are students completing their senior year. Classmates traditionally nominate students who have done a lot to contribute to their school, and then students vote for members of the Court from the nominees. Once the Homecoming Court candidates are announced, the entire student body votes for the Queen and King.

Everyone Loves a Parade
Many Homecoming celebrations include a parade. The parade includes the school's marching band, and floats created by the classes and organizations to show off their school spirit! Every class prepares a float which corresponds with the Homecoming theme. In addition, the Homecoming Court takes part in the parade.

And Then They Dance
The Homecoming Dance – usually the culminating event of the week is a formal or in-formal event. In many ways, it is like a fall prom.

Homecoming is a major high school event and the right dress can make or break the dance. Your dress should express your personality, suit your own style and flatter your figure. Current trends for Fall 2009 include bright colors, empire waists and a return to styles trendy in the 1980s.

Depending on whether your homecoming dance is formal or informal, decide whether you need a long or short dress. Typically, homecoming dresses are short party dresses.

Beading, rosettes and other detailing can make a simple dress shine. If you choose an embellished dress, keep the rest of your outfit a bit more understated. On the other hand, a basic black cocktail dress can allow you to show off amazing shoes in a fun color or fabulous jewelry.  Be sure the color you choose is one of your best.

Choose a dress that fits your body properly and accent your best features. Look for our next posting to find out how to choose the right dress for your body type.