Weird question
 

Soo I'm thinking of joining a sorority, but I'm very new to it all. A friend of mine sparked the idea to me about a week ago, and it seems I can't get it off my mind. I think it would be a fun, learning and growing experience for me.

Buuuut when I think of sororities I think of sassy girls getting all dolled up, which has never been my cup of tea. I'm very laid back, but dedicated to my studies, and I am jeans and t-shirt kind of girl. I wear hardly any make up--if not any at all... and I haven't worn heels since my grandparents anniversary, which was at least 5-6 years ago.

I don't mean to come off sounding closed minded, because I'm not. And I know there is much more to sororities than this, which is why I'm interested in them... however I feel like the fact that I hardly catch myself in a sun dress or what most people would consider "cute" clothes, is going to run me into a few problems. I hear rushing sororities can be harsh to your self-esteem, so I just want to know what I'll be getting myself into haha

Why don't you take the time to actually learn about sororities instead of relying on stereotypes? Read around this site, hang out with them. Expecting people to spoonfeed you the information that you want and convince you to do it isn't the best approach. Get your hands dirty and educate yourself! There's plenty here and elsewhere to do so. The search function is your friend, so is just simple browsing around.

I agree with this however joining a sorority (or any organization) also means following the protocol of the organization. There will be times that call for certain attire (including formal) so if you are one that is just not willing to put on a dress for example at any time, then sorority membership is not for you. I absolutely can't stand when someone joins an organization and then complains repeatedly about following protocol and adhering to rules. Some try to say that it limits their freedom....yadda, yadda, yadda. But it shouldn't be too much to follow protocol and rules when representing your organization. Some people try to act like they are being asked to do this 24/7 and that is simply not true. On your own time, do whatever you wish but when representing the organization, you will have to be in compliance even if you don't want to. I personally don't think this is unreasonable but just think about it. No one likes complainers.

Rhoyltempest, I totally agree re: following protocol of an organization. Especially in college - you're preparing for the real world and if you can't dress appropriately, you're going to be in for a big shock once you graduate and get a job. We had a sister who was constantly a problem with dressing- she always claimed she wanted to be an "individual" and not "conform." Funny how when her parents came for Parents' Weekend she was wearing a pink cashmere sweater...

But the poster didn't exactly sound too serious about sorority membership, so I wasn't going to go into too much with her.

I think every org has members like this. I understand individuality and the need to express it since I am as individual and independent as they come (never even saw myself in a sorority before joining); however I chose to be in a sorority and to have unity with my sisters. Also, protocol has to be followed in many areas of life: work, church, teams, etc. People that have the attitude that they will not conform when it comes to anything, will likely have a harder time going through life and they definately don't belong in a fraternal organization.

Step away from the Bettie Page fan magazines like whoa. Does any 18-19 year old seriously talk like this??

Jeez, I didn't know talking a certain way was so important, haha kidding... anyway, like I said I didn't mean to come off sounding closed-minded I felt like it was a pretty simple/general question and I just signed up soo I wasn't aware of a search function nor would I even begin to be able pick out certain keywords on this topic that finds exactly what I was looking for. Figured asking was my best option and wouldn't be a big deal.

I mentioned I understand sororities are about much more, which is why I'm considering them in the first place, if I thought I wouldn't be able to comply with their standards/expectations and put on a dress when needed, I probably would just blow it off. I was just wondering how OFTEN formal events/activities come up in sororities, like on average, and if any of you maybe had sisters who are like me and prefer t-shirts/jeans on most occasions but don't mind following protocols when needed.

Thanks for the info anyway..

Every chapter is different, but there are definitely occasions at which formal or business dress is required.

Every other chapter meeting was a badgewear meeting which meant no jeans. Dress pants, skirts, appropropriate dress tops or dresses were required.

We were also asked to wear badge attire for special events on campus, Founders Day brunches, etc.

Then there were formal and semi-formal, which of course requires a pretty dress.

Think of it this way, once you have a professional job, you likely are going to have to dress a certain way for work (at some point).

Sure, you may prefer to wear tees and jeans all the time, but you wear what's asked because you want to look put together and appropriate.

Same with being in a sorority.

Don't pay too much attention to T.V. and hearsay. There are all types of women in sororities...not just the prissy and pretty in pink, although you might feel that one fits you more than another. Of course, there are women who prefer t-shirts/jeans but who don't have a problem following their organization's rules and protocol even if it calls for a dress or suit on occasion. As for how often formal attire is required, that depends on the sorority.

Thank you. Of course I don't mind doing it if it is asked!

I just hope a sorority is for me, and was hoping maybe someone else on here has been in my position before and overcame it!

I've done my research and so far I think my top ideal sororities here at UNT are Chi Omega... Delta Gamma, Kappa Kappa Gamma or Pi Beta Phi... is it best to rush all sororities or just the ones I can see myself in?

Haha yeah, T.V. and movies kind of give sororities bad reps, but no I'm not 100% dependent towards those sources. Most of my girly-girl friends are in sororities. What I'm interested in is the sisterhood, networking, and friendships/bonds to be made, and I like being surrounded by people who take their studies very importantly!

Thanks, you're very helpful! I appreciate it!

Your best bet is to look at the women in these chapters. Do they dress up a lot. Do they dress up when they go to class? Do you see a lot of their members walking around in jeans, t-shirts and flip flops? Every chapter is very different. My chapter was full of women who were very casual. I only got dressed up when I absolutely had to. There are chapters out there that will critique the shoes you wear as you walk out the door. Figure out what type of chapter you're dealing with before sign on the dotted line. Like rhoyal tempest said, "No one likes a complainer." If a chapter is made up of women who want to be associated to other women who care about their appearances EVERYWHERE they go...don't join them unless you want to do the same. You'll make yourself miserable. Be observant before you go through recruitment. Meet some of the sorority members and find out these answers. Women on message boards from different chapters, many of whom graduated many years ago, can't tell you what the chapters at UNT are like.

My chapter is very laid back. I'm surprised that some of our girls even own dresses. I'm a strong believer in sorority membership really prepares you for the real world and regardless of your job, their will be times when you have to dress up. It's doesn't mean changing who you are, just polishing up a bit. It definitely helps you know what type of clothes are right for your body type and most importantly when is the acceptable time for certain attire. You can be laid back and well put together at the same time.

When and if you go through recruitment, the focus should be on the personality and conversations as opposed to the outfits. That's the best way to find your right fit.

RUSH

You need to learn more about the Greek environment at your campus. You may fit right in somewhere. You may meet some great new friends that are different from you, but many groups value variety and individuality. You might find that greek life at your campus is not for you, but at least you'll know.

I understand, I'm probably a bit more "girly" than you sound, but I was dragged kicking and screaming by a friend to what is now my sorority. If you find your place, it is very worth the risk and effort :) Good luck!!

I would say just rush, that in itself is a very fun experince, and sure you have to dress up a little bit for that, but it shouldn't be a big deal since your trying to make an impression on these girls, and in my chapter we have to dress up for every chapter meeting, but it's just business casual, good luck with everything and hope it works out, let us know.

I think you should go for it :) There are many different types of girls and personalities and every chapter is different. This site actually really helped me keep an open mind and just see who I fit with. I am a big jeans/t-shirt girl. I don't really wear dresses, don't like heels, don't wear make up. When I got in, there was a bunch of stuff I had to buy for formal attire because I didn't have it. I actually have found that I'm starting to like dressing up, at least once in a while when it is required. It has taught me what types of clothes go with what, which will probably be helpful for job interviews and such. I never really thought about that until I read this thread, but I guess everything I do in my sorority prepares me for something :) good luck

Chapters at UNT may be different, but an idea of how often you'll be required to dress up based on MY experiences:

-business casual aka "pin/badge attire" (dress pants/skirt with nice top and shoes--could be flats) for weekly/biweekly chapter meetings, Panhellenic programs, Founders' Day, Parent events, some alumni events, etc...like 1 or 2 times per week

-Letter Days: Many chapters have designated days to wear letters, and usually this just entails looking nice in your letters. Nice jeans were acceptable at my campus.

-Social events/general going out: this will greatly depend on the culture of your school and the nature of the event. This could mean anything from cocktail dresses, skirt and top, dressy jeans outfits, casual t-shirt and jeans, or themed outfits.

-Gameday: Greeks at some Southern schools dress up for football games. I don't know if this is the case at UNT.

-Recruitment: when you go through, you'll get a general idea of what members are expected to wear. Keep in mind this is one week for formal recruitment, and probably during COB if applicable.

-Formal: depends on UNT's culture. Could be cocktail to formal. Once a semester in most cases.

Ok, where should I start.......First its a great idea that becoming apart of a sisterhood is something your interested in. I say go for it, BUT please do your research about different sororities before you just join one. Being apart of a sorority comes with special responsibilities. You quoted your a "jeans and T-shirt" type of girl. Thats good and fine, ecspecially when you doing community service projects or just hanging out in school. But when your attending professional events such as banquets, meetings, award ceremonies, inductions, etc. You need to be dressed appropiately. You should be honored to dress up and look your best because, your not only representing yourself your also representing your sorority. I say practice walking in hills, and some days dress up to get yourself comfortable in wearing dresses and skirts. I think it will pay off later for you!! Keep us posted!!

Yes, definitely go up in the hills and practice walking both UP the hills and DOWN the hills...very important for developing different leg muscle groups...
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