Photo by Aly Ruiz

WCHS seniors Layla Taheri, Zoe Silver, Aly Ruiz, Skylar Ross, Andrea Garcia, and Arielle Klewans pose together in their dresses before the Homecoming dance.

With homecoming just behind them, the halls of WCHS are buzzing with gossip.  Who went with who to the dance, what other students’ plans were and most importantly, who wore what. As a new school year begins, a whole new set of trends and styles emerge at WCHS.  Here’s a few of those new trends:

1. Bows, bows and more bows! It seems that suddenly, bows are “the thing” and any store you walk into is bound to have something covered in bows, including homecoming dresses. This trend became popular on TikTok, along with trends such as “Girl Dinner” or “Girl Math,” as part of a widespread movement that is embracing femininity. So it is no surprise that the TikTok trend has now influenced the fashion choices of WCHS students at this year’s homecoming. .
2. Metallics are a retro-throwback for WCHS students who attended the homecoming dance. Metallics in fashion were first a trend in the 1930s and as all trends do, faded out, making a comeback in the 1970s, and have reemerged today. Wearing a metallic homecoming dress veers from the traditional  solid colored homecoming dresses of past years. Many students felt that it was a great way to add a touch of glamor to their 2024 homecoming outfits. 
3. Feathers are flying off the runways and straight into the WCHS hallways. Feathered dresses have made their comeback in fashion among teens, in part, due to pop star Sabrina Carpenter who features 1960s inspired styles in her performances and red carpet events. Following Carpenter’s revival of 1960s trends, WCHS students have started to draw inspiration from her, especially her incorporation of feathers into dresses. WCHS students have added flair to their dresses, showing off their personalities and staying on trend. 
4. Homecoming is a time when students look forward to being able to get all dressed up and show off their style. What better way to do that than with sequined lace? Sequined lace gives the effect of being glittery, but in a less blinding way as it shifts with movement. It shines subtly in  low light which is perfect for a night of dancing under the homecoming lights. This style grew to popularity after designer Sherri Hill released her line of dresses featuring sequined lace. The originals quickly sold out, but not before a new trend was sparked as many other designers caught on and began creating their own versions. Now, sequined lace dresses are everywhere, capturing the attention of fashion enthusiasts and making a splash at WCHS homecoming.
5. Ruffles were all the rage this homecoming among WCHS students. In recent years, tight-fitting, bodycon style mini dresses have been the go-to choice. However, there has been a shift this year as more and more students opting  for mini ruffle dresses for homecoming 2024. Ruffle dresses create the illusion of a smaller waist by adding volume to the bottom, giving off an hourglass shape. Additionally, they are far more dramatic than the typical homecoming dress, making ruffle dresses a popular choice for WCHS students looking to make a statement. 
6. Satin has always been popular in the fashion world for its timeless and chic look. This year, satin is “in,”  becoming one of the most prominent homecoming dress choices. The sleek, simple, yet luxurious feel and look of satin was a major selling point for students, especially with the “Clean Girl Aesthetic” trend circulating on TikTok. The “Clean Girl Aesthetic” highlights natural, elegant and effortless beauty, aligning perfectly with the vibe that satin dresses give off. As more students began embracing the “Clean Girl Aesthetic,” satin has become an extremely popular homecoming option.

WCHS students have set the tone for a fashionable school year ahead. From bows to satin, the trends seen at Homecoming this year are sure to influence the fashion choices for months to come.