Help me find a new wardrobe!
 

Hi everyone!

Bid day was just yesterday, but I already see that I am in need of a major wardrobe upgrade. Everything I have is either casual and fitting for class/work, or club attire!

What are some wardrobe staples that I should be shopping for? I've got a few dresses that I haven't worn yet, so I can wait a bit before buying new ones.

Also, what does one wear to a sorority meeting? I think I heard one girl saying something about no spaghetti straps/shoulders showing, but with all the cute casual dresses and dressy tops out there, that may prove to be kind of hard.

Advice, tips, anything would be appreciated! Thanks girls!

Does your chapter assign a temporary big sister? If so, I'd take her on a shopping trip with you. She'll know what you need for meetings, etc.!

Agreed with the above poster. If you need that much help, get someone you know in person to help you.

We have no idea what your body type is or what your personal style is like. Fashion and clothing is a very individual thing.

Cardigans. Polo shirts. Short sleeved sweaters.

Definitely talk to your NM coordinator or whoever you've been assigned in the way of a sponsor - they will tell you how you need to dress for meetings.

Wardrobe staples:

- A little black dress. You can dress it up or down however you like.
- Black, navy, or brown slacks and/or skirt.
- A white blouse.
- A suit, for job interviews or other occasions requiring professional attire.
- Comfy jeans and t-shirts.
- A formal dress. (Needed for formals and weddings.)

Your sisters will clue you in as to what's appropriate for chapter meetings and initiation, and what's appropriate to wear with your NM pin - and later, your badge.

Even if there are cute casual dresses and cute tops that are spaghetti-strapped, if your sisters say you can't wear that for meetings, then listen.

Usually though (well in my chapter) you can wear spaghetti-straps if you wear a sweater to keep your shoulders covered.

That's the way it is for my chapter. We can wear modest strapless dresses (no cleavage), but we have to wear a cardigan sweater with spaghetti strap and halter dresses.

I think that a couple of good sundresses would be perfect. I was just initiated 2 weeks ago, and I can't tell you how many different occasions I've needed sundresses for. It may vary from chapter to chapter, but I think a sundress is something that everyone should have.

Again, congrats!!!

Sundance,

Congratulations on your bid to Gamma Phi Beta! As the others mentioned, you'll want to check with the sisters in your chapter to make sure you are appropriately dressed. For what it's worth, the members at San Diego State University wear thin strapped or strappless dresses but wear a sweater or shrug over it.

.....Kelly :)

I echo the congrats!

If you have someone in the chapter you trust (a big, NM educator, just an older sister) take her with you shopping like some of the above posters said. Keep in mind though that going through your closet first might help. Don't buy a whole new wardrobe without seeing if you have any pieces that can be used already. Also check with roomates about borrowing somethings at first if money is an issue.

aephi alum is right about the staples in general, but your campus may be different. Depends on the culture of your campus, for example on my campus striped pullover windbreakers were a staple that almost every greek had because we had really bad thunderstorms. I know we only dressed up for chapter meetings every other week. On the off weeks attire for us was something with letters (tshirt, hoodie, event t) and jeans. I think it all goes back to check what the sisters in your chapter expect then ask for help finding it. Plus a shopping trip is a great way to bond!

Thanks for all of the advice! I'm always buying casual and laid back clothes for class and the beach, or really dressy clothes for clubbing. I've got to learn to buy stuff in the middle of the two extremes!

We're allowed to wear spaghetti straps only if they're part of a dress, so I'm going to go for casual dresses and dressy, shoulder-covering tops. I love those jersey dresses with sleeves and a wide-banded empire waist (so comfy yet cute!), so I added a few to my ever-growing collection. I'm still on the lookout for cute sundresses--I know they're out there, but it seems like everytime I want something, I can't find the exact style I'm looking for! (Of course, when I don't need something, it's everywhere ;))

And SHOES! That can be saved for another weekend! :)

I would buy a couple pairs of nicer pants in neutral colors, those always came in handy for meetings. Also I always found it useful to own a nice black skirt.