From my own personal experience....
 

Also, while wearing what you are comfortable in is a good idea, <b>do</b> try andf find something that isn't exactly like the fashions that everyone else is wearing.

Standing out in the crowd, as long as you are not presenting yourself/dressing offensively, is usually a good thing when sisters have to see two hundred girls in a day, and you're only one of them.

I will tell you to NOT do what I did when I was a PNM going through Formal at my school:

I wore something that would intentionally get me axed from most of the sororities' lists, because I did not want to be chosen because of my clothing style. (Like it or not, it does sometimes happen) I typically dress in pretty wild fashions, so I simply did a toned-down version of my clothing, minus the skirt; I wore a mandarin top with black slacks and open-toes slides. I wore my hair down, and I didn't wear any makeup. My hair was also cherry-red at the time, so that probably didn't help either....

It takes a lot of guts to go against any fashion norms during recruitment, and while FR might not be the best time to show your deviant style 110%, if you do dress differently from the avaerage rushee, make sure that you're doing it in a respectful way. Let the Sisters get an idea of who you are, but also show them that while you ask them to respect your different style, you are also willing to show them respect by toning things down for Formal; you don't need white skin and blacked eyes for ANY sorority event, INCLUDING Formal!

Oh, while we're on the topic of hair dye, if you dye your hair ANY unnatural colors like blue or green, PLEASE make sure that your color is freshly done and that none of it is on your neck/scalp; I had dyed hair before formal and what I did was redye it a week before so that if I did get any dye stains on my skin, it would have faded before I was seen at Formal.

Whats the general opinion on flip-flops? I live in them but am afraid to wear them during rush since I don't want to appear too casual or disrespectful.

i think it depends on where you live. Here (in CA) I feel like you could possibly wear them on the first night since it is the most casual. However, if you're uncertain I wouldn't wear them. Lots of stores carry flip flops with little kitten heels that are just as comfortable but don't look like you're going to the beach.

As an alumna and advisor I would prefer not to see flip flops. Believe me, I have quite the collection and live in mine during the summer but I think they are too casual for most Recruitment parties. Wear some cute sandals instead, they can be dressed up or down more than flip flops. Whatever shoes you choose, just make sure you've broken them in first to avoid blisters.

Good luck!

For Philanthropy Day, since you're going to be doing crafts and stuff, what is advisable to wear? I mean, you don't want to get out there in a super nice outfit and get it ruined.

Another word about philanthropy day...

Don't worry about making your craft project. Seriously. You won't be cut for making an ugly flowerpot. In fact, don't worry about even finishing the craft at all-- go slow and take your time-- this is a way to really chat with your recruiter and take time to get to know her while doing something together.

Exception: if your Rush is on the west coast, in AZ or NV where it is still 90+ in Sept and everyone is still wearing summer clothes.

Maybe for the west coast but definitely not in the south--even if if it is 90+.

Well here in New Mexico that is not an exception. Just because it is 90+ doesn't mean that you can dress like you would for the summer.

um...
 

I personally do not think that it's unacceptable everywhere and it's just a matter or the taste of the individual.

So c'mon you guys, let's put the great white debate behind ourselves and get back to more critical issues! I honestly think (or most certainly would like to hope) that that will be the last thing on ANYBODY's mind while they are looking for good genuinely sweet and intelligent girls to join their sisterhood. Not what color they wore.

You are right. Outward appearances do not matter at all. We as a society have gone beyond caring about outward appearances and clothes. That is not what makes you who you are. Hell we could run around naked if we are all genuinely sweet and intelligent.

Re: um...
 

With ANY recruiting experience (be it rush or a job interview), dress/appearance is important. In a setting such as this, first impressions are key. I believe that appropriate attire is 50% of a good first impression. :)

Back to the original topic:

*Dirty hair. Gross.

*Work out gear.

*Your uniform from work.