The Top Homecoming Dress Trends of 2012

The countdown to Homecoming has begun! Are you searching for that breathtaking Homecoming dress? Still trying to find Homecoming dresses that are stylish and fit you to perfection? Don't despair, there's plenty of time left before that memorable evening arrives. When you start your quest for the Homecoming dress of the season, you'll want a frock that is unique, well-fitting, comfortable and trendy.

Homecoming dresses are not quite as formal as their prom counterparts, and you'll have a little more wiggle room when it comes to choosing trendy styles and shorter lengths. Luckily, the fall trends for 2012 have produced some unbelievably gorgeous gowns - both fashionable and with plenty of personality to match your own.

Elegant Homecoming Dresses: Mermaid Gowns

Homecoming dresses with a "mermaid" shape are named for their striking resemblance to a mermaid tail. This type of Homecoming dress is form-fitting and tightly hugs curves in all the right places, with the skirt dramatically flaring either at or slightly below the knee. These stunning statement dresses are often crafted in the strapless design, and flatter most body types beautifully. Girls with more voluptuous shapes will appreciate this Homecoming dress' tendency to flaunt the curves of an hourglass figure. Likewise, mermaid gowns enhance curves in slimmer, athletic builds, while emphasizing a small waist - creating an attractive silhouette.

When wearing this Homecoming dress, you'll want to choose your undergarments carefully in order to prevent this form-fitting gown from revealing more than you'd like! Mermaid gowns are a glamorous, couture choice for Homecoming dresses - and they'll show off your good taste, elegance and flair for the dramatic.

Asymmetrical Embellishments

The embellished one-shoulder dress is a glamorous red-carpet look, guaranteed to make a Homecoming dress unforgettable. This chic design element works well for longer, classic gowns, as well as short, funky Homecoming dresses. The thought of maintaining a strapless Homecoming dress throughout a night of dancing can seem daunting, but the one-shoulder dress solves this problem - it has the same designer appeal as a strapless gown, but adds comfort and security. This superb style is a very flattering choice, drawing the eye upward, toward the neck and upper body. Take your time when you're looking for one-shoulder Homecoming dresses, as it can be difficult to find the perfect fit. Search for an attractive fit for your body that makes you feel as beautiful as you truly are.

When completing your asymmetrical Homecoming look, try to stay away from flashy jewelry, because it distracts from the unique, embellished neckline. Instead, opt for simple accents, and perhaps style your hair into a sleek up-do, ensuring that your outfit enhances your natural beauty instead of overpowering it.

Prints and Patterns

A hot trend for fall 2012, the printed Homecoming dress is an eye-catching, bold expression of your unique style. The forgiving nature of a printed gown flatters nearly every body-type, but it's still important to find one that fits well. When you wear one of these uniquely-patterned gowns, you won't just walk into the dance, you'll make an entrance.

Printed Homecoming dresses offer a wide array of stunning options for self-expression. For a sweet, flowing look, pick a flowered chiffon gown in soothing pastels. Or if your style is a little more on the wild side, consider a dress with cheetah or zebra print accents. Either way, a printed Homecoming dress is sure to make you stand out on the dance floor.

Earth Tones

This autumn, earthy, muted hues are très elegant, and Homecoming dresses are no exception. The Pantone Fashion Color Report for fall 2012 features many earthy-based tones which would be perfectly suited for your gown. Some shades to watch include Ultramarine Green (a calming, deep blue-green), Rose Smoke (a dusty, veiled pink), French Roast (a sophisticated, espresso brown) and Rhapsody (an ethereal, muted lavender).

Especially flattering for girls with warmer skin tones, these colors provide an excellent opportunity to set your Homecoming dress apart from the sea of bright, neon-colored gowns on the dance floor.

The LWD - Little White Dress

To balance out that LBD (little black dress) hanging in your closet, the Little White Dress makes for a breezy, effortlessly elegant Homecoming dress. While shopping, it's important to make sure that you don't purchase a gown with transparent fabric. Make sure the gown is well-lined, although wearing skin-colored undergarments is still a good idea. Go for a longer hemline to create a classic look, or purchase a shorter dress with a fun and flirty attitude. Worn at any length, the white fabric of these Homecoming dresses is very appealing for most skin tones and body types. (And you can wear it throughout September, too!)

One of the perks of a cute LWD is that it can be found in nearly any style you might dream up, and it can be combined easily with another 2012 fall Homecoming dress trend: use stunning, bold and colorful accessories to turn your LWD into a stylish statement. Try pairing Pantone Fall 2012 colors together - such as Rose Smoke heels with Ultramarine Green bangles and earrings to spice up white dresses. Wear the Little White Dress to show off your unconventional fashion-sense and you'll be sure to turn heads!

Love Your Look

Try not to set your heart on one particular trend before you've explored all your options for dresses - this can be difficult to do! Not every girl will look her best in a mermaid- or asymmetrical-style dress. But with the great variety of this fall's fashionable styles and designs, you're sure to find trendy dresses that suit your personality.

When you're trying on dresses, keep in mind that you'll have a much better time if you're comfortable and confident. A dress that seems a little loose or tight in the dressing room is only going to become more irritating on the dance floor. And with the wide array of gorgeously-crafted dresses that are trendy this year, there's no reason to be uncomfortable. True, it will take time to find the dress, but consider the memories you'll make while wearing it - it will be worth the wait.