With the upcoming Archie Williams Homecoming Dance Sept. 27, student speculation about the informal dress code has begun to circulate. Homecoming dances traditionally feature formal attire, including dresses, collared shirts, and ties, but Archie Williams welcomingly strays from the formal dress code. The casual attire adds free-spirited and fun energy to the dance, and the flexibility gives students free rein to put their own spin on Homecoming.
Dressing in casual, everyday clothing removes the pressure and stress that comes along with finding the “just right” formal outfit. During the Homecoming Dance, students are not confined to wearing dresses or formal pants, allowing more opportunities to show off personal style and reflect individuality. By removing the need to achieve a certain look, students can enjoy the event for what it truly is: a spirited, fun dance that brings the Falcon community together.
This also brings in the fact that informal outfits allow an air of creativity. Attending students often wear shorts, skirts, or casual pants with a chosen top, feeling free to dress in a way that is comfortable and makes them feel confident. Creating a more memorable experience, students are able to lean into personal style.
The casual nature of Archie Williams’ Homecoming attire also provides a contrast between the Winter Formal dance in February and Prom in May. Both events require students to wear more traditional formal attire. Not having to stress about homecoming dress makes each following dance a unique experience, and contrasts the events. This tradition also differentiates Archie Williams from most other schools that suggest formal wear, giving students a Homecoming experience curated for their own community.
An informal Homecoming also helps with clothing waste, instead of buying clothes you will only wear once, students can wear clothes they are already in possession of. This reuse of casual attire eliminates the need for costly purchases of formal wear, increasing accessibility of the dance regardless of financial situation. By reducing some of the financial burden that comes along with Homecoming, Archie Williams can ensure greater inclusivity and that every student can participate without the stress of affording a nice outfit.
The only dress code present at Archie Williams’ Homecoming is class colors. A fun tradition, each grade wears a different color to differentiate themselves and form a connection between students in the same grade. This year, for class colors, freshmen will wear green, sophomores will wear blue, juniors will wear white, and seniors will wear pink.
Casual attire embraces comfort and creativity, transforming the event from a traditional, high-pressure, formal affair, into a genuine, free-spirited event. The casual outfits allow Archie Williams to cultivate a year-starting event where everyone in attendance can enjoy themselves, and connect with the student community.
