How to Accessorize for Homecoming

Show your school spirit at Homecoming by dressing and accessorizing in school colors.

At many high schools and colleges, Homecoming is one of the highlights of the year. It is a time for alumni to "come home" and revisit the place they received their education. It also can be a time for current and former students to show their school spirit. With events such as reunions intended to create lifelong memories, many attendees want to show their school spirit when they dress and accessorize.

School Spirit

One way to accessorize for Homecoming is by wearing clothing and accessories that bear the school's insignia or colors. (REF 1, NOTE THE PART ABOUT ANCHORS) You don't have to wear a sweatshirt emblazoned with your college's name or your fraternity's Greek letters; a more subtle touch might be jewelry with a stone in a school color. For instance, if you attended a college with blue and gray as primary colors, you might wear a necklace or bracelet that prominently features a sapphire. Likewise, you might be able to purchase a piece of jewelry with a letter charm that represents the school, such as a "W" for "Western University."

Class Rings

A simple but effective way to show your devotion to your alma mater through your accessories is to wear your class ring to Homecoming. Typical class rings feature the school's name, your year of graduation and a even activities or sports teams you were involved with. (REF 3) If your ring no longer fits, put the ring on a chain around your neck. Women could use this technique to display a husband's ring, as well, if it is too big for their fingers. Class rings aren't limited to Homecoming; some people wear them year-round.

Specialized Accessories

Some schools or organizations may give out specialized accessories that could be worn as part of a Homecoming outfit, particularly to a formal event. If you are the member of a special school society, or a Greek organization -- fraternity or sorority -- you may have received a decorative lapel pin you could wear on a dress jacket or a lavalier pendant you could wear on a necklace. (REF 2, NOTE THE EXCELLENTIA PINS) Many honor societies also give out lapel pins with their logo or Greek letters. Some schools may also sell pins featuring the athletic mascot or a miniature varsity letter for the general alumni base.

Casual Accessories

Since many Homecoming weekends feature football games against arch-rivals, you may want to wear such athletic-themed accessories as a baseball cap featuring the school's logo. (REF 1, THEY SAY JERSEYS BUT THOSE DON'T SEEM LIKE ACCESSORIES) Since Homecoming is often a fall event, weather may dictate a knit cap or gloves. These and gloves also may be available in school colors or with a school logo. Some schools -- particularly colleges -- may sell a variety of novelty accessories aimed at alumni, parents or current students, including rubber bracelets with the school name or a special school cause; funny hats like "jester caps"; or even belt buckles or sunglasses with a school logo.

References

• William & Mary: Homecoming & Alumni
• Cabarrus College: Alumni
• Balfour: Class Rings