We also have deferred rush, and the actives bring ALL our white clothes to school with us so we have them after Christmas because EVERY YEAR we wind up loaning them to New Members for initiation and pledging (I have enough to outfit multiple people in white - but we allow say nice white pants or skirt and a white top in addition to a dress, and I'm obsessed with white clothes) Otherwise the pledges would never have anything to wear - white in Illinois in January is like impossible!

In terms of what PNMs should wear, I agree with whoever said a really unique piece of jewlery with a simple yet classy outfit. I would absolutely remember you. If you have anything really unique - an awesome pair of shoes, a pair of pants that look amazing on you, etc - wear it (provided its not too "clubby" of course). My freshman year I had these amazing camel and black pants that I wore during set 2, and I got soooo many compliments on them. They were kind of tight, but i wore a very conservative sweater with them - and 3 years later I still think they would have been appropriate.

I also agree with the no belly buttons, no cleavage rule.

I know this thread was directed toward a specific PNM -- but I wanted to offer some more general advice to everyone going through recruitment.

I graduated a few years ago, and I would say that incoming freshmen definitely dress a little differently than I did when I graduated. HOWEVER, some things never go out of style. I will offer my basic two cents on recruitment attire to every PNM -- some may disagree. I was a Rho Chi, and there were three things that stuck out in my mind, and they are:

1) WHITE PANTS , especially linen, are not OK after Labor Day (this is even more true for those going through rush below the Mason-Dixon line). White pants, skirts, shorts etc... ARE NOT PRACTICAL! They get dirty easily and you will spill on them because you are nervous! Besides, recruitment can be a very stressful time, and stress can make your period come early..... need I say more?

2) Wear a bra that fits. Make sure your bra isn't giving you back-fat because its too tight. An ill fitting bra will make you uncomfortable and fidgety, which can be distracting to the person who is rushing you.

3) Don't wear cheap shoes . A beautiful outfit can be spoiled if a person is wearing vinyl shoes that make noise when walking.


If I had to do recruitment all over again and didn't have a budget, I would recommend the following designers:

Lilly Pulitzer (call stores up North for good sales)
Shoshanna (good for the C-cup and above crowd)
Lacoste
BCBG
Laundry
Diane Von Furstenberg (her silk wrap dresses flatter every body type)
Nanette Lepore
Anthropologie
Betsey Johnson
ABS

No matter how fancy your outfit is, if you have a blah conversation and no sense of humor, a chapter won't remember you. Because, as the song from Annie said: "It's what you wear from ear to ear, and not from head to toe, that matters."

Anthropologie is an amazing and gorgeous store. I made a killing there this past weekend. They have great clothing choices.

I can't wear white pants?!!!

I was banking on a beautiful pair I own, they're lovely!

If your rush finishes BEFORE September 6, white pants are OK. That is, if you're the kind of person who never spills anything and you know you won't be getting your period.

Can we stay away from recommending designers? I think it may intimidate people to see a list of high-priced designers and feel you must purchase from them. I know just looking at that list I'm thankful I didn't have to deal with formal recruitment.

PNMs: Wear what looks nice, is appropriate, and is comfortable. You'll be able to find such things in any price-range.

i do agree. that list is daunting. sisters will not be checking tags at the door.:) if you look nice and presentable and comfortable in your own skin, then that is the most important thing. do not think that you have to spend a lot to be accepted

During my college days, I can remember my Pledge Educator (yes, we were pledges--not new members then) telling us that she didn't go through rush because she didn't have the wardrobe. It still worked out for her and for us that enough girls knew her and COB'd her right after recruitment. I know that this is a lot less likely to happen at some of the larger SEC schools, but in smaller schools it happens!

Oh, okay, I'll just use the $600 mom and dad gave me for books to buy 2-3 dresses for rush. :rolleyes: I have seen plenty of cute sweet and nice girls go through rush at all sorts of schools in clothing from the GAP or the Limited that were ABSOLUTELY FINE.

PNMs, you do not need to buy a designer name. These are good general looks to follow but you can get something just as cute somewhere else in the mall or even at Target sometimes.

But if they were "cute," "sweet," or "nice," they probably didn't fare very well, did they? We all know what those words really mean. :pWhat she said.

Did everyone miss this in reading the designer's names? Jhawk alum said "if I didn't have a budget, I would recommend the designers..." and then then added "No matter how fancy your outfit is, if you have a blah conversation and no sense of humor, a chapter won't remember you."

I think she made it perfectly clear you don't have to spend a fortune, but she was throwing some names out if you do have the money.

And how many PNMs on here are intimidated by that list of names now, and are worried that their cute J.Crew sundress won't be okay.

greencat, are you in a GLO?

I am in a GLO and a huge J Crew fan. :)

My point of posting was to show that Jhawkalum was offering her fantasy of a budget-free shopping spree. She pointed out that you don't have to spend a fortune. I feel that this was overlooked; that's all.

By the way, Old Navy has some very cute solid color cardigans on sale. They have a fabric flower in the same sold pinned to them. Very cute for a little cover-up, if anyone is out shopping.

I don't even know what Lannette Napore looks like. :p

PNMS, please PAY NO ATTENTION TO ANY DESIGNER NAMES THROWN ABOUT ON GC...it honestly doesn't matter unless the only reason the sorority wants you is because they think you have the $$$ to buy all those things. In which case it would be really funny to totally play them on that.

And... as I always like to say, GC is not gospel. IF YOU HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT SORORITY LIFE OR RECRUITMENT AT YOUR UNIVERSITY, YOU NEED TO PICK UP A PHONE AND CALL THE OFFICE OF GREEK LIFE. Any opinions offered on GC are just opinions, the same as if you walked up to a random stranger at the mall. Your school's Greek Life office knows best.