What to Wear to SEC Sorority Recruitment
Tuesday, August 18, 2015So let's take this back a little and talk about the good ol' college days. I've received a ton of questions about sorority recruitment and what to wear so I thought I would write this post for you all!
I went to school in the SEC at the University of Kentucky and I was lucky enough to join a sorority during my time. It was a great choice to make and I do recommend it to anyone interested.
I wish I had something like this when I started rush because I really had no idea what I was getting into! In the collages below, I tried to mix low and high-priced things just so you can see that you can look great no matter your budget.
I know when I was on the other end of the recruitment process, it didn't matter where my things were from just as long as I looked great wearing them (hint: best thing you can wear is confidence and a smile).
Open House:
Stripe Shorts / Blue Tank / Jelly Sandals / Pink Clutch / Coral Earrings / Blue Watch / Marc Jacobs Bracelet
Open house is the first time you're meeting the sororities and they are meeting you. This is when you meet all of the houses and have the smallest amount of time with them so first impressions really count!
Imagine you're goin to a family lunch. You want to wear something casual, comfortable and cute.
In the South it can get really hot so you want to wear something that is breezy and comfortable to be in all day long. Especially take care of your feet! You will do a lot of walking so you want something extra comfortable.
At UK, they actually provided us shirts to wear on the first day but for the sake of this blog post, we're going to pretend like you get to wear your own items!
Shop the look here:
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Round Two:
Round Two:
Red Tie Tank / Quilted White Mini Skirt / White Sandals / Leopard Clutch / Watch / Kate Spade Earrings
Round two is usually the day that covers philanthropy initiatives. The conversations get deeper and the dress gets pumped up a little. You still want to keep it casual and not dressy.
Imagine you're going on a first date. You want to look a little nicer than usual, but a full out dress and heels are probably too much.
One of the key things I always kept in mind (when rushing and when I was on the other side) was to keep cool. There are a ton of girls in and out of the houses all day long in the middle of summer and the places get H-O-T. You always want to make sure you're wearing something that is breathable and (if you can help it) something that doesn't show sweat.
Shop the look here:
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Round Three:
Round Three:
Round three is the skit day (which were always my favorite) and where you really start to get a feel for each house. You learn what they're all about and you have more one-on-one conversations (usually with a few girls you've spoken to before).
Imagine you're meeting the parents. You want to wear a nice sundress that is casual and not too bold. Pair it with a cute pair of wedges and a pop of colored earrings and you're good to go.
The houses are (at max) cut to half and it's the final day to make a good connection before preference. This is a mutual process so make sure to pick a place where you really feel at home!
Shop the look here:
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Preference:
Preference is the last day before bid day. This is when houses are cut down to three and the times at the houses are much longer and more serious. You learn about the ideals and the characteristics of the girls in each house. This is when you really need to buckle down and think if it's a good fit for you and your four years in college.
Imagine you're going to a summer wedding. No white, no black, just colorful dresses and a cute heel. Nothing you'd wear to prom, but something more serious than a first date. You want to look elegant and presentable.
This is an emotional day for a lot of people for a variety of reasons but it's also the best part of the week. This is usually when you sit one-on-one with someone you made a connection with earlier in the week. It's the time when the houses are looking at you like a potential member and it will be the last conversation before bid day.
(Helpful hint: most sororities I know either wear all black, white or red on this day so make sure you pick a different option to stand out!)
Shop the look here:
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Overall Do's & Don'ts:
DO make your own judgments about houses and not ones you've overheard or read about online.
DO ask a lot of questions. This isn't a one-sided interview! Get to know them and if they're good for YOU.
DO drink a lot of water! It's a really long hot summer day and the last thing you need is dehydration.
DO trust the process. It's been working for many years!
DO read up on your school's process (it's different for each campus!)
DON'T chew gum! If you need to freshen your breath, bring some mints and eat them before each house.
DON'T try to over-impress. Be yourself (everyone else is taken).
DON'T limit yourself to one house and ignore the rest, you miss out on great houses this way.
DON'T accept a house you don't love just because you want to be in a sorority.
**This is a big one guys! The worst mistake you can make is accepting a bid to a house that you don't feel comfortable in. Don't go Greek just to go Greek! Go Greek because it's a community and a place you love and one you will grow in. There are a ton of other options past rush week that include continuous recruitment and recruitment next year.
Best advice (and one you'll hear a lot): Be true to yourself and relax. No matter what happens, this is not the end of your life. All will be okay and you'll look back and laugh at the fact that you were even worried.
If you have any more questions, let me know in the comments below or shoot me an email! I would love to help with anything you may need!
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