A fashion guide to Maryland’s sorority rush week

Now that the spring semester has started, sorority recruitment is right around the corner.

I’m rushing, and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous. You’re meeting and trying to get to know a million new people in such a short period of time, all while deciding which sorority is right for you. Sounds pretty intimidating — especially when you’re shy, completely new to the process and unsure how to stand out during recruitment (like me).

And then comes the dreaded question: “What do I wear?”

Outfit choice is an important part of recruitment. Planning multiple ensembles for so many rush events seems like a daunting task, especially when you need to be fashionable yet functional. But standing out is important, too. A lot of you have probably Googled or asked around about the typical dress code, I know I have, but the simple “jeans and a shirt” type of answer doesn’t lend itself to much variety among the masses. Here’s a guide to dressing for rush that will get you noticed for all of the right reasons.

First Round: House Tours/Values

This round, which includes meeting each sorority, lasts two days and is the least formal round of recruitment. Potential new members are given a standard T-shirt to wear. Most recruitment fashion guides advertise wearing skinny jeans with flats or riding boots.

Alternative: Skinny jeans are comfortable and easy to wear, but in order to stand out, try wearing a unique rinse or style. Think skinny jean vs. boot leg vs. high-waisted, or go for a colored pant (nothing too bright, though).

You can also ditch pants completely and wear a high-waisted skirt and tights. Pair that with accenting flats or boots, along with some statement jewelry, like a collar necklace or cuff bracelet.

 

Second Round: Philanthropy

PNMs learn more about each sorority’s organizations and community service projects, and the standard outfit is the same as the first round.

Alternative: Avoid taking out those medium-rinse skinny jeans! If you wore jeans in the first round, wear a tuxedo pant or pants made from an alternative fabric with a flowy top, and wear a different pair of boots or flats. Accessorize with a pair of nice earrings and a necklace or bracelet.

 

Third round: Skits

Recruitment dress code becomes more formal in this round, as PNMs visit up to six sororities and watch each one perform skits. Many schools or sorority fashion websites encourage nice pants, a skirt or a dress paired with heels.

Alternative: Differentiate by playing with silhouette and colors or prints with this look. Because the activity calls for semiformal wear but not all-out fancy, there’s plenty of flexibility to play with fun patterns or fabrics. Instead of wearing a simple neutral dress, a circle skirt and bodysuit or fitted top or even a printed jumpsuit makes you stand out from the crowd.

Dress up the ensemble with some stockings and heeled boots or wedges and some jewelry.

 

Fourth round: Preference

The last round of recruitment is the most formal, where PNMs visit a maximum of three sororities and experience chapter ceremonies. It is recommended to wear a nice skirt or dress and heels. Most websites recommend shorter dresses and neutral pumps, along with post earrings and a silver or gold bracelet in their examples. Think bar mitzvah or formal gathering.

Alternative: Whatever you do, resist the temptation to take out your staple LBD. Black dresses are plentiful in my closet and are almost always the perfect go-to. However, keep in mind this is true for most girls who are thinking the same thing. Additionally, many chapters wear black, and it’s important to be unique in this last round! If you really want to wear black, make sure your dress has a special print or feature that is guaranteed to stand out.

Otherwise, opt for a colorful sleeved bodycon or fit-and-flare party dress. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, don’t be afraid to rock a colored maxi dress with a cute pair of heels (also try to stay away from the notorious black or nude pumps). I tend to stick with wedges because they’re much more comfortable and easy to walk in. But most importantly, keep it classy and make sure dresses aren’t too short or too tight. Simple dangle earrings and a matching necklace make any formal outfit instantly more polished and sophisticated without being too over-the-top.

Recruitment can be a stressful time, but don’t be afraid to have fun with your wardrobe! Joining the right sorority happens when you’re your true self, and what you wear should reflect that.