Continuous Open Bidding "Informal" Rush Outfits/Advice?

[purdue2017]

Hey everyone!

I'm a freshman at Purdue University and I was unable to complete fall formal such this year due to a personal emergency. I am very excited to be attempting spring continuous open bidding in just a couple weeks! Since I'm unfamiliar with the whole 'informal' rush, since all I have experience in is formal, I just had a couple quick questions to ask:

1-I know it's supposed to be very casual, such as 'movie nights,' 'mocktails,' etc at the chapter's house, but what can be expected at these events? I know it varies from school to school and chapter to chapter, but are the topics of discussion similar to formal rush? What type of questions can I expect to be asked? What type of questions should I be asking current sisters?
2-What type of outfits should I plan on wearing? Purdue is in Indiana, so definitely not the warmest place on Earth, especially in mid-January. If it's something like a movie night or craft night, etc, would jeans and a nice shirt work? Or would something like a dress be better? Same goes for 'mocktails'-would I be expected to wear a nice dress to an event like that? Heels too?
3-Do any of you guys have any advice on how to set myself apart from the other PNMs? I know there's not many spots that the others and I will be competing for, so I would really like to be able to make myself memorable to the sisters (in a good way! lol).
4-I know it's different for every house, but let's say chapter XYZ posts 4 different informal rush event dates. If you're interested in the chapter, you go to the first event..and do you have to go to every event after that? Will the sisters let you know if they would like you to come back for the other events or not?

I know I'm asking a million questions, but ever since I was unable to incomplete fall rush all I've been waiting for was spring rush! I really, really hope to join a house and be a sister!

Thank you all SO much for your advice and time, it honestly means so much!

[33girl]

"Mocktails" just refers to the drinks that will be served (fake Cosmos, virgin marys etc). It doesn't intimate an actual cocktail party. Nice jeans (dark, not distressed or torn, the kind you could get away with at a nice restaurant) and a flattering shirt or sweater should be fine.

Are these cob parties invite only? If so, it'll be a much more relaxed atmosphere than formal rush.

[AGDee]

Yeah, given how much snow we're all getting right now, stick with nice jeans, flattering shirt or sweater and boots!

[DubaiSis]

Go to the parties casual but pretty. Have a crush on a guy in class that makes you put a little extra time into your appearance? Dress like that. Jeans, sweater, practical but stylish shoes, accessories, makeup and hair. Not cocktaily (unless you get invited to a preference type party and in that case they will tell you how to dress), but classic and put together should work for you.

As far as the structure of the parties, it really will vary a lot. If a chapter advertises 4 different parties, probably all are open to the public. But don't be afraid to ask questions. If nothing else it will demonstrate your interest and be a subject of conversation to get you started.

Also, remember that not every chapter holds events and some chapters that you really liked during formal rush may not be participating. However, some houses that you kind of saw as duds during formal rush might really surprise you in this more casual environment. While you are not expected to "keep your options open" during informal rush, I would still visit as many as you can before narrowing down your choices. And remember, informal rush doesn't have any requirements for number of parties you need to attend or that they will be hosting. Don't miss your opportunity because you think there will be more parties next week.

And one more thing, definitely tell your sorority friends that you are interested in informal rush. Some chapters will only have space for a few girls (like 1 or 2) and won't have parties per se. Don't stalk your friends, but letting them know you are interested in any opportunities is a good thing. The last thing you want to have happen is to not have rush go well and then have a friend say "oh, I wish I'd known you were interested!" Besides, sorority women know each other. You might tell Sally the ABC that you are planning to informal rush. ABC is at capacity so they aren't rushing, but Sally might tell Amy, the DEF that she knows a really cool chick...

Best of luck, and let us know how it goes!

[Titchou]

I tried to check the school's PH page but the web site is not functioning properly. Be sure to check with the Greek Life office about signing up, etc. They will have the best information on all things.