I did not go to an SEC/needs recs school, but I do like something like this for an *early* round (without the tights - they look stupid):
BUT only if you can pull it off. Normally, this look only works on TALL and/or THIN people (sorry, just being honest).
Either way, here's the way I see it: You're taking a risk of standing out. That COULD be good...in a sea of Lilly, it could make you memorable. BUT only if it's the GOOD kind of memorable. Also, regardless of what you pick (shorts, pants, dresses) try it all on for someone who will give you an HONEST opinion. Not your boyfriend that would tell you that you look beautiful in a potato sack. That person doesn't even have to be well-versed in rush (although that would be a bonus), as long as they have good conservative taste and will tell you if something looks bad on you.