LIFE

Homecoming season is here, and there's no better time to kickstart some new traditions. From painting your face for the big game to getting glam with the girls, these are five things that are guaranteed to make this hoco your best one yet. 

Slay spirit week

We get it: Dressing up for spirit week can take a lot of effort—especially if you wait until the day of. But if you can commit to the planning ahead of time, you'll make the best memories with your squad.

Start early by getting all of your outfits assembled in the days leading up to spirit week. Schedule a hangout with your crew, have everyone bring whatever they have from home to match each theme and organize all of your looks. Senior citizen day? Anything but a backpack? Twin day? By prepping beforehand *and* making it a group effort, you'll have the most fun.

@ryleemathis

Root for the home team

Whether your school's football team is on the road to state champs or is at the bottom of the standings, making a big fuss for the game can be a super fun way to usher in homecoming. Grab some facepaint in your school's colors, get decked out in all the swag and snag premium seats in the student section so you can cheer your heart out.

Even better? Ask your 'rents if you can host a pre-game party for your crew so you can get ready together (and have all the snacks, too!). Bonus points for making posters for that extra source of support for the players. Go team! 

Plan a hoco proposal

Nothing says core memory like that perf hoco proposal. Whether you're asking your best guy friend, your crush from chem class or your GF of two years, make it super personal and sweet by incorporating inside jokes, a rhyme that goes along with the homecoming theme (see one Sabrina Carpenter-approved idea below) or a sport they play. Should you ask someone you've only uttered a few words to? Probably not. But if you have a solid connection (and a hunch they'll say yes), ask, ask away! 

@centralgj_warriorfootball

Host a GRWM

Why get glam solo? Have your besties over for a few hours of beauty prep before the big dance. Set up different beauty stations at your desk with mirrors and hair tools, play your favorite music and do your primping together. (And don't forget to provide snacks, because it's super important you eat, too!). Spending time together beforehand is a fun way to bust pre-dance jitters and make all the memories.   

Take wayyy too many photos 

Let's be real: A huge part of hoco is the photos. And whether you're taking silly pics or iconic shots, planning a mini photoshoot with your squad is a tradition you need to start ASAP.

First, find an aesthetic location (Think: A lake, the beach, a golf course or someone's pretty backyard) and time it just right for the best light. (Pro tip: One hour before sunset—aka the golden hour—offers lovely, glowy light to capture stunning photos). Make sure you give yourselves plenty of time for all the poses.

And once hoco is over? Get all your pics printed and have the squad over again to create individual scrapbooks so you can relive the magic all over again. 

Tag us in your cutest homecoming looks on Instagram @girlslifemag!

Check out these posts for more hoco inspo:
❤️ 7 online dress boutiques for homecoming season
❤️ Why your bestie is the *best* homecoming date
❤️ What's your homecoming style vibe?

Top image: @chloeanarose
Slider image: @centralgj_warriorfootball
All GIFs via Giphy

by Naomi Thomas | 10/14/2024