Rushing at a northern catholic university
 

Hey everyone! I'm a new poster, but I've been lurking for a few months now. I go to Duquesne University, which is a medium sized Catholic school in downtown Pittsburgh. We have deferred recruitment, and I've been preparing for it to the best of my ability since orientation. Recruitment starts in about 2 weeks. Since it's going to be extremely cold, I'm just kind of wondering what I should wear for rush? I don't think the sororities are SUPER competitive, but I want to make an impression. I'm not really a stereotypical sorority girl and I definately "march to the beat of my own drum" if you will. I want to stand out (in a positive way) against the sea of north faces and ugg boots. Any advice on how to appeal to the average "preppy" sorority sister (which is common at my school) while still maintaining my individuality?

Also, thank you so much EVERYONE for all of the advice!!! It's been extremely helpful!

No, of course not, that's not what I meant. I mean, it's going to be about 10 degrees outside, and my warm weather attire is pretty standard for the school. I want to find a way to not blend in with the crowd, while still looking nice and staying warm. I want to wear something that will fit with my personality, but I'm not sure how to do that while still looking put together. Does that make any more sense? I reread my original post and it doesn't say what I meant to at all. Haha, thanks again =]

i always went with wearing what you would normally wear for the weather (like a nice sweater pants and heels) but i would do something different for the accessories. I liked to wear an interesting necklace that people always commented about (i wore a peace sign necklace that literally every house said something about) so basically pick an accessory that you think is interesting/stands out from the crowd.

my cousin went to duquesne and was in a sorority so ill try to get a hold of her for more specific info on rushing.


Good Luck!

I second that. My school in Western Washington had deferred recruitment too. Whoever thought to have actives and PNMs standing outside in the middle of wind storm/rain season was seriously misguided! But I digress. Definitely wear clothing that you're comfy in. If it's anything like my school the houses will take your coat at the door, so you won't be wearing it throughout the party, and a signature accessory that represents you as a person or has special meaning to you is a great way to be remembered, and is a great conversation starter if an active asks about it. GOOD LUCK!!!

Thank you so so much! The accessory idea sounds perfect!


:eek: Thank you! Again! Ha, I feel like I'm saying that a lot.

During rush orientation, the Pi Chi's will put on a "fashion show" which will give you some ideas on what to wear to each of the parties. I second what was mentioned before -- don't alter your style just for recruitment! At Duquesne we have 7 very different sororities so there will be one for you, don't worry!

Also I agree with wearing an accessory or piece of clothing that makes it easy for you to stand out in our minds!

Congratulations on making the decision to rush. You won't regret it!!

Perfect, thanks!!

As long as your outfits are the appropriate level of dressiness for your school, warm enough, and not too tight/short/low cut/transparent, you can wear whatever you want.

I saw a PNM last spring during round 2 who was wearing a casual Urban Outfitters type dress with opaque tights, flats, and a necklace with a large pendant. Other PNMs will wear khakis with pastel striped oxfords. Both are appropriate.

Good luck and let us know how it turns out for you!

P.S. perfSKtion, come introduce yourself in the SK forum!

On behalf of all fashion forward Pittsburghers, I want to thank you for spurning Uggs. ha ha. Good luck during rush!

p.s. If you're not from Pgh and you haven't discovered them yet, there are some awesome vintage stores around here if that's how you roll. :)

The first school I rushed at had deferred recruitment and snow on the ground. I would recommend either really cute boots or bringing a change of shoes. Actually, go for the change of shoes, I did that this time around (when it was still fairly warm) and it saved me from what would have been nasty blisters.

Wear sensible shoes! Not necessarily flats, but if you choose heals wear the ones that are most comfortable and you can manage in the snow and on your hilly campus. Sliding down a hill on your bum or constantly wincing because your feet hurt won't make the best impression.

Other than that - good luck! I did my master's at Pitt but had a friend who went to Duquesne Law so I spent a lot of study time there!

haha I am definately guilty of owning uggs, but I don't want to wear them for rush. and yeah I'm from pittsburgh, but I have yet to find any vintage shops that are actually in my price range (think poor college kid). where are they? I'm a vintage fiend, seriously.

The one my friend goes to all the time is Yesterday's News - it's in the 1400 block of East Carson on the South Side. I think their prices are relatively cheap. It's mostly 70s - 80s stuff. Also the Goodwill down at the other end of Carson is huge and has tons of stuff.

I love Eons, but the prices are a bit much for some things and also people were so itty bitty back then I can't fit in 3/4 of the stuff they carry. Not that I am a hippo but I'm not that small either.

I've seen Yesterday's News, but I never actually got to go in. I have to make a trip down into the south side anyway, so maybe I'll stop. ha, we've gotten way way off topic. is there anything else I should know going into recruitment?