HOCO Hype: The Ultimate Homecoming Experience Get Ready for the Most Glamorous Night of Your Life, TikTok Style
1. Intro to Homecoming (HOCO) Hype Homecoming, or as it’s trending now on TikTok under HashtagHOCO, has long been a cherished tradition in high schools across the country. What was once a simple dance, pep rally, and football game has evolved into one of the most anticipated events of the school year. In the age of social media, Homecoming is not just about dancing in a gymnasium—it's about making memories, curating the perfect look, and capturing every moment in photos and videos to share online. On TikTok, Instagram, and other platforms, HashtagHOCO has exploded with excitement. What used to be a low-key night has now become a major event where every detail is Instagram-worthy. The hashtags, trends, and videos showcase everything from elaborate HOCO proposals to behind-the-scenes beauty routines. This podcast, “HOCO Hype,” is here to give you the ultimate guide to preparing for and slaying your Homecoming experience this year. Whether you’re a first-timer or a HOCO veteran, we’ve got you covered. We’ll cover everything you need to know—from the latest dress trends to the best TikTok dance moves to bust out on the big night. So, grab your squad and let’s get hyped for HOCO! 2. Homecoming Traditions Before we dive into the 2024 trends, let’s take a step back and appreciate where Homecoming all started. First celebrated in the early 1900s, Homecoming was originally created by colleges and universities as a way to welcome back alumni. Over time, the tradition trickled down to high schools, evolving into a celebration of school spirit and community pride. Today, Homecoming has become a staple of high school culture, marking the return of alumni, a big football game, and a dance that students eagerly prepare for weeks—if not months—in advance. And let’s be real: while the football game is great, the main event is the Homecoming Dance, where students dress up, take tons of photos, and dance the night away. Girls, especially, have turned the preparation into a ritual. Picking out the perfect dress, planning hairstyles and makeup looks, and getting that Instagram-worthy photoshoot are all part of the fun. And don’t forget the Homecoming Court—an age-old tradition where a king and queen are crowned, adding an extra layer of competition and excitement to the night. Now, in the age of TikTok, these traditions haven’t just survived—they’ve thrived, thanks to the endless possibilities of social media. TikTok is the perfect platform to showcase everything from HOCO proposals to the final glam reveal.
3. HOCO Dress Trends Let’s be real: when it comes to Homecoming, the dress is the star of the show. Finding the right dress can feel like a Cinderella moment, and thanks to the power of TikTok and Instagram, the hunt for the perfect dress has gone from stressful to inspirational. You can scroll through the HashtagHOCO tag for hours, finding inspiration from influencers and everyday girls rocking their best looks. What are the dress trends for HOCO 2024? Here are the hottest looks taking over TikTok this year: Sleek Satin Dresses: Satin is having a major moment, and it’s not hard to see why. Sleek and slinky satin dresses in jewel tones like emerald, ruby, and sapphire are turning heads. Pair this look with some strappy heels and statement earrings, and you’re set! Sparkles and Sequins: It’s not HOCO without a little bling, right? This year, girls are going all out with sequins and sparkly embellishments. Whether you choose a full sequin gown or just a touch of glitter, the goal is to shine. Bold Colors: Pastel pinks and soft hues are taking a backseat in 2024. Instead, it’s all about bold, neon colors like electric blue, hot pink, and even lime green. These colors pop in TikTok videos, especially when paired with a sleek makeup look. Vintage-Inspired Glam: For those going for a more classic vibe, vintage glam is making a comeback. Think Audrey Hepburn-inspired dresses with a modern twist—elegant, timeless, and perfect for a polished look. Budget-Friendly Tips: Not everyone can drop hundreds on a Homecoming dress, and that’s totally okay. There are so many ways to look amazing without breaking the bank. Second-hand stores, online dress rentals, and sales on sites like ASOS or Lulus are perfect for finding affordable (but gorgeous!) dresses.
4. TikTok's Influence on HOCO It’s no secret that TikTok is reshaping how teens experience Homecoming. The app isn’t just for viral dances anymore—it’s also where HashtagHOCO-goers find fashion inspiration, creative proposal ideas, and even tutorials for dance moves. In fact, TikTok challenges have become a major part of the Homecoming experience, with friends filming their best dance moves before the big event. So, what’s hot on TikTok for HOCO this year? HashtagHOCOProposal: This is where the creativity really shines. From heartfelt signs to flash mobs, TikTok is the place to get inspired for the perfect HOCO proposal. Popular ideas include asking with cute puns, using homemade signs, or even enlisting friends and classmates for a choreographed proposal. HOCO Glam Tutorials: From glowing skin to flawless curls, TikTok has no shortage of tutorials to help you get ready. Beauty influencers are giving step-by-step guides for everything from the perfect winged eyeliner to long-lasting lip color. And let’s not forget nails—HashtagHOCO nails are a whole trend in themselves, with influencers showcasing everything from glittery manicures to fun, themed designs. Viral Dances on the Dance Floor: TikTok’s influence on the HOCO dance floor is undeniable. Viral dance moves like the “Renegade,” “Savage Love,” and “Get Up” challenges have become essential at any school dance. Friends will even plan group routines ahead of time to perform for everyone during the dance.
5. HOCO Proposals: How to Go Big Speaking of proposals, the HOCO Proposal has become just as iconic as the event itself. Once a simple “Hey, wanna go to Homecoming with me?” question, asking someone to HOCO has transformed into a grand gesture. Thanks to TikTok, it’s not uncommon to see flash mobs, decorated cars, and even public proposals at school pep rallies. Some creative HOCO proposal ideas that are trending this year: Punny Signs: Who doesn’t love a good pun? “Will you be the “cheese” to my “mac” and go to HOCO with me?” (paired with a cute box of mac ‘n’ cheese, of course) is both fun and sweet. Flash Mob: Organize a group of friends to perform a TikTok dance or choreograph something new, surprising your date in front of everyone. Sports-Themed Proposals: Have a crush on the star of the football team? Use their jersey number or sport in a creative sign or poster. No matter the style of your proposal, just make sure to make it memorable, and don’t forget to capture it for TikTok!
6. Getting Ready for the Big Night Once you’ve secured your dress, date, and proposal, it’s time to get into glam mode. The prep leading up to HOCO is half the fun, and whether you're getting ready solo or with your besties, there’s a full day’s worth of beauty routines to conquer. Skin Prep: To get that glowing complexion in time for the big night, start your skincare routine at least a week in advance. Hydrating face masks, gentle exfoliation, and moisturizers will make sure your skin looks flawless under the dance floor lights. Hair Goals: Whether you’re aiming for soft waves, a sleek ponytail, or something intricate, there are endless tutorials available online. Pro tip: do a trial run a few days before the big event to make sure your chosen style is foolproof. Makeup Trends: This year, it’s all about bold eyes and glossy lips. Dramatic winged eyeliner with glitter shadow is a TikTok fave, while a high-shine lip gloss brings it all together. And don’t forget to pack your essentials in your clutch: lipstick, blotting paper, and a tiny perfume bottle for freshening up.
7. Squad Goals: Prepping with Your Friends Getting ready for HOCO is better with your squad. Coordinate a full pre-dance party with your closest friends—complete with snacks, music, and maybe even a mocktail bar to set the vibe. Not only does getting ready together make the experience more fun, but you can help each other perfect your hair and makeup. Plan a pre-dance photoshoot at someone’s house or in a park for a set of group pictures that capture the moment. TikTok is full of ideas for the perfect pose or photo setup, so spend some time getting those shots just right.
8. HOCO Dance Floor Moves Once you hit the dance floor, the real fun begins! TikTok viral dances like the "Get Up" challenge and “Savage Love” are perfect for showing off with your squad. Prepare a few ahead of time and practice with your friends so that when the DJ drops the track, you’re ready to go.
9. Memorable HOCO Photoshoots What’s HOCO without an epic photoshoot? With TikTok and Instagram running the show, students are going the extra mile to create memorable, visually stunning photos. Plan a pre-dance photoshoot either at your house, a scenic outdoor location, or the dance venue itself. Some TikTokers even bring ring lights and portable backdrops for that extra professional touch. Popular themes for HOCO 2024 photoshoots include: Glitter and Lights: Incorporate fairy lights, sparklers, or glow sticks to make the setting more magical. Vintage Glam: Channel an old Hollywood vibe with dramatic poses and black-and-white filters. Squad Shots: Group shots are a must! Arrange your friends in a fun formation—maybe mid-dance or laughter—for a lively, authentic photo.
10. Post-HOCO Wrap-Up After the dance winds down, there’s no need to head home just yet! Afterparties or group hangouts are a staple of the HOCO tradition, with friends gathering to relive the night. Share TikToks, look through photos, and keep the fun going.
11. HOCO Memories to Last a Life