[sigmagirl2000]

Ahh, based on the last few posts, I figured out the school (99% sure).

I find it really odd that this school would dictate what to wear, and even more odd that failing to do so would affect recruitment success. Based on the unique school scheduling, I would think that second and even third year students would be able to find success throughout the recruitment process. This school has had a boom in the greek system over the last several years and this is not the only recent colonization. I expect that they will expand again soon after this next colonization if numbers keep trending as they have.

I expect that some sororities will be COBing currently (unless they've already filled their spots, as recruitment ended about 2 weeks ago if I'm not mistaken). My guess is that the next colonization will occur in the spring, as this is how the last colonization worked. In this instance, I'd suggest checking out the COB options available this fall, and the colonization as well. Since the new chapter will be participating in recruitment in the fall, you can always go through recruitment again next year and see all sororities.
However, since you mentioned being uncomfortable dressing in this way, perhaps looking for COB opportunities would be a way to meet the groups minus the pastels. The group colonizing here will definitely want to go the route of pastels and pearls if that is what the current trend is on campus, and certainly will not be jumping in as a non-sorority sorority.

Good Luck!