Dressing up shorts?
 

Hi! So I'll be participating in formal recruitment this fall at FSU. However, for "icewaters" or the first round, we're going to be given a recruitment shirt to wear with our choice of shorts/skirt. I guess this is the first year FSU has given us a shirt to wear on the first two days, so I'm looking for ideas on how to do this? The rest of the days I'm prepared for, but I'm not super sure what to do with shorts and a recruitment t-shirt. I don't want to come off as boring or bland, but I don't want to go overboard either! Any ideas of bottoms/outfits/etc would be great! :)

Go for interesting accessories, particularly conversation pieces with a cool story behind them. For example, if you have a fun boutique in your hometown, buy a bracelet there that, if asked, you can explain where you got it and talk about your hometown a bit.

Cute (but comfortable! lots of standing/walking) sandals also are a good idea.

I've noticed that during recruitment, I'm more likely to notice the bright/interesting accessories if they're near the PNM's face. I would say that interesting earrings or a (tasteful-no giant bows or feathers) headband could be a good way to dress up the generic recruitment t-shirt.

are dangly earrings okay if they're not like, HUGE? i feel like they could brighten up an outfit, but on the other hand, i have NO idea what color the shirt is going to be...makes planning a little difficult

I'm going to go on record here, and this may be unpopular, but I'm not a huge fan of the whole "wearing the shirt what Dairy Queen give me" trend during rush because it leaves the PNMs like unconquered14 scrambling.

Then again, I cringe every time my company gives me a logoed polo shirt to wear to an event because I think they're kind of sloppy, so it may be my issue with being forced to conform.

That said, I would hope that they're going to give you shirts in an easy color - something that looks good on most people and isn't hard to match with most shorts/skirts.

Dangly earrings, provided they're neither too over the top nor too formal might be your best bet.

The fact is, since everyone has to wear the same thing that day, your clothes aren't going to be what makes you or breaks you. Strive for neat and presentable, and let your personality be your selling point.

Seriously, I'm all for Panhellenic love and unity, but the t-shirt thing? Meh.

I guess in the past as long as it was "casual" you could wear it. This year they decided to add the t-shirts. I'm just overwhelmed, lol. Dressier is easy, dressed-up-casual-with-an-unknown-shirt? Not so easy, lol. :)

I personally would have no problem with dangly earrings (I like them a lot actually) so long as they are aren't over the top (no peacock feathers falling from your ears) and they're not exceptionally large hoops, because big hoops look tacky on everyone.

we are two peas in a pod with this one ;)

i was thinking of wearing anything other than denim shorts - like white or khaki shorts, since they will look a little nicer than denim. but i was stuck on shoes, do you know what you'll be wearing? i was planning on shopping around for some cute strappy sandals, but i'm not sure if that will be underdressed compared to everyone else..

Hi! Sorry! I keep meaning to message you back but I'm forgetful lately, lol! And that's along the lines of what I was thinking, too. :/ I was thinking a great colored sandal for a pop of color, but not knowing the shirt color doesnt help :( I might even wear low wedges, not too sure yet.

(If this shows up ginormous, forgive me!!)

Have options that you can wear whether the shirt is big on you (you might not have much of a choice in sizes) or if it's more fitted on you. Think neutral colors - beige/khaki, denim, white, even brown.

Some ideas of dressing them up:

• If the t-shirt is longer on you, put a neutral belt over the shirt. You can wear it at your natural waist or your hips, depending on what looks best on you.
• If it's able to be tucked in, wear a silver or gold-toned belt and shoes with similar tones, or tie a cute ribbon/bow or scarf in your belt loops.
• Make sure that skirts aren't so short that if you bend over, you can see your cheeks. You may catch a breeze, so keep an eye on flouncy skirts.
• Make sure that shorts aren't super tight (no camel toe).
• Make sure that items made with lighter fabrics and colors are lined.
• Wear nude-colored underwear.
• Watch for VPL (visible panty lines).

Some bottoms to consider:

--------------
A pencil-type denim skirt (can be dressed up or down, definitely a wardrobe staple!)

http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/produc...scid=810129012
http://www3.assets-gap.com/Asset_Arc...9-01p01v01.jpg
http://oldnavy.gap.com/assets/common/clear.gif

--------------
A flouncy white skirt (not too short!) - here's one from Banana Republic but they have them everywhere. MAKE SURE it's not see-through (this one is lined)!

http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse...scid=833899012

http://www2.assets-gap.com/Asset_Arc...9-01p01v01.jpg
http://bananarepublic.gap.com/assets/common/clear.gif

--------------
Khaki Skirt - simple, clean lines.

http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/produc...scid=814826012


http://www3.assets-gap.com/Asset_Arc...6-01p01v01.jpg
http://oldnavy.gap.com/assets/common/clear.gifhttp://oldnavy.gap.com/assets/common/clear.gif
--------------

Bermuda Shorts

http://www.thelimited.com/detail/dre...-short/6622240

--------------

Cuffed Denim Shorts (not too short, try a 7-inch inseam)

http://www.kohls.com/kohlsStore/landingpages/lclaurenconrad/bottoms/PRD~813881/LC+Lauren+Conrad+Cuffed+Denim+Shorts.jsp
http://media.kohls.com.edgesuite.net...0&op_sharpen=1


http://oldnavy.gap.com/assets/common/clear.gif

I like the idea of it, but not the reality. And I agree completely about polo shirts, particularly when companies don't even bother to get people gender specific cuts.

I don't mind the idea of uniforms, so it's not the conformity that bothers me; it's that with t-shirts or polo shirts, it's not even something that you can particularly tailor to look good.

I also can't imagine at large recruitments having one less thing that you could use to help people recall having met a particular PNM because they were all dressed alike.

OP: can you think of what you would have worn the last time you had to wear a t-shirt and still wanted to look cute? (Like if your high school does senior t-shirt day near graduation.)

Khaki or white shorts would be perfect. Or even seersucker!!! I love seersucker for the summer, it is a little dressier but SO SO SO cool and comfortable. A really cute sash belt such as:
http://www.vineyardvines.com/product...___14686_13051
would be a really cute way to accessorize and dress things up a bit. You could do a solid color one that matches your shorts to avoid clashing if you don't know the color of the shirt yet and won't find it out for a while.

A headband is also a great idea, as well as fun (but classic) bracelets and jewelry.

This is super helpful! The college that I am going to also gives out a plain jane formal recruitment shirt that everyone wears the first day. I was a little unsure of what to do, I still want my personal style to shine through but not too much! Thanks for the advice! I think that I am going to go with some denim shorts, a cute pair of sandals, and a flower in my hair. :)

I think the best thing you can do is put special attention to how YOU look, your hair, makeup, etc. But don't over do! Your most beautiful NATURAL self will win the day. I've seen some recruitment clothes suggestions from school website where I thought the shorts were all too casual, too short and too tight! Whatever you're going to wear, try standing up from the floor in them. Do you have to tug them out of your crack? (sorry.... no better way!) They're too tight.
Oh, and IMO, lipstick always makes you look more polished, regardless of what you're wearing. If you don't wear it now, you might head to Mac or wherever and get a make over and see if you can find a color and lipliner you're comfortable with. Again, we're not looking for spackled on here, just nicely enhanced and polished looking to make up for same-sameness with all the other girls. Good luck!

Thanks everyone! You've all been super helpful! Keep the suggestions coming :)