Every year, Wakefield students prepare for Homecoming celebrations by dressing up in a variety of formal clothing and reveling in shared school spirit. When performing these high school rituals, students must consider their personal style and societal pressures.
Homecoming presents students with a unique opportunity to express themselves through fashion. Sophomore class Vice President Finley McNair shares her familiarity with this annual phenomenon.
“It’s a really good way to show how you would like to dress when we don’t get to do that necessarily at school because there are more restrictions,” McNair said. “You get to dress however you want to.”
There is a large variety of styles and aesthetics expressed at Wakefield. Sophomore Sophie Williams would describe her style as “Alternative Goth,” which she plans to show off at Homecoming by dressing up in a black corseted dress with a layered skirt.
“Goth is a subculture,” Williams said. “It shows what you believe in and what you stand for.”
Additionally, outfits can strongly communicate the importance of values nonverbally. Junior Cameron Bryan chose what he wore to Homecoming with this in mind.
“My suit is vintage,” Bryan said. “I’m also a big family person, so wearing my grandfather’s suit lets me express that.”
Plenty of couples go to Homecoming together, and some duos have difficulty agreeing on how to coordinate what they will wear. However, when done well, couples’ outfits can be some of the cutest ensembles you see at the dance. Caroline Spears is a sophomore who worked with her date, Cameron Bryan, to coordinate a cute couple’s attire.
“I decided to wear dark blue because [Cameron] wanted to wear his grandfather’s suit, and because it’s his favorite color,” Spears said.
Furthermore, style and aesthetics mark evolution in a person’s life. They can highlight growth and the embrace of individuality. Sophomore Olivia Eckhardt speaks on her own experience of picking out her Homecoming dress.
“When I was in middle school, I used to wear a lot more of the classic, tighter Homecoming dresses,” Eckhardt said. “I’ve started picking out things that are some of my favorite colors and are sparkling and glittery. It just makes me really excited to put it on.”
However, Homecoming represents so much more than glittery dresses and coordinated couple outfits; it’s a longstanding tradition that encourages school spirit and peer camaraderie, leaving a lasting impact on students who choose to participate.
“As somebody who is a sophomore… going to Homecoming is definitely [an experience] where you can meet new people and have really great conversations,” Spears said. “You don’t necessarily have to go, but the point is that you’re going to meet other people who are willing to talk to you.”
