Initiation Dress Ideas

[AOII Angel]

Originally Posted by victoriana

I'm going to respectfully disagree with your recommendation of the LL Bean dress. It's pretty much shapeless, which reminds me of pajamas or a pillowcase. It needs some sort of a ribbon or belt around the waist to be figure flattering. While linen is a very comfortable and breathable fabric, it tends to look overly casual unless it's patterned just the right way. Unfortunately, I don't think this is quite dressy enough. Wearing something like that for ritual, in my chapter, would be unacceptable. I guess it's a matter of what your individual chapter does, but that's just my two cents.

That dress would be totally fine in AOII. Our goal is to be in white and not flashy. That covers what it should and is not distracting. Ritual is not about being cute. If that is all you can find that fits right, the LL Bean dress is perfectly fine.

[victoriana]

Originally Posted by AOII Angel

If that is all you can find that fits right, the LL Bean dress is perfectly fine.

I suppose if that was the case, it would be alright, as long as you looked polished and wore the right undergarments.

[IrishLake]

Originally Posted by victoriana

I suppose if that was the case, it would be alright, as long as you looked polished and wore the right undergarments.

Which brings us to........ WEAR FLESH TONED UNDERGARMENTS! NOT WHITE!

[VandalSquirrel]

Originally Posted by victoriana

I'm going to respectfully disagree with your recommendation of the LL Bean dress. It's pretty much shapeless, which reminds me of pajamas or a pillowcase. It needs some sort of a ribbon or belt around the waist to be figure flattering. While linen is a very comfortable and breathable fabric, it tends to look overly casual unless it's patterned just the right way. Unfortunately, I don't think this is quite dressy enough. Wearing something like that for ritual, in my chapter, would be unacceptable. I guess it's a matter of what your individual chapter does, but that's just my two cents.

Here are a couple more links to some white dresses I liked:
http://www1.macys.com/catalog/produc...xx.esn_results
http://www1.macys.com/catalog/produc...xx.esn_results
http://www.lillypulitzer.com/view-al...ttlewhitedress
http://www.jcpenney.com/jcp/X6.aspx?...=searchresults
http://www.jcpenney.com/jcp/X6.aspx?...=searchresults
http://www.jcpenney.com/jcp/X6.aspx?...=searchresults

I realize some of these dresses might show a little too much shoulder, but it's not hard to find a cute little white shrug or cardi to go over the top.

I frankly have no idea of the standards of other groups, my point was to suggest something affordable, easy care, and no issues with having to find a second piece like a white cardigan or having cleavage issues. I'd rather see every woman in a simple linen shift than crazy ass lace and satin wedding dresses or trying to cover up with shawls and inappropriate cardigans.

If a sister came to me with any of your suggestions we'd have sleeve issues and on some women, cleavage and length issues. As we both said it can be remedied but sometimes it is just easier to have a dress that is completely good to go and not have to keep track of the other pieces. Also, dry cleaning is a pain and an extra cost as well as requiring some planning that busy collegians (and alumnae) may choose to avoid.

Originally Posted by AOII Angel

That dress would be totally fine in AOII. Our goal is to be in white and not flashy. That covers what it should and is not distracting. Ritual is not about being cute. If that is all you can find that fits right, the LL Bean dress is perfectly fine.

Being "cute" during initiation or ritual never crossed my mind. One because I am always cute no matter what I wear, and second this is a private time with my sisters. At schools where there is a tradition of presentations or being in public in white, maybe that would be an issue, but finding an affordable white dress is hard and my suggestion covers women who may have a hard time due to size or height.

I am considering buying one because my sister's ivory lace and chiffon wedding dress I currently wear has beading that is slowly coming off and is so heavy and long I have to wear heels and I get hot and tired. It also doesn't have any depth on the neckline so my no torso having self wouldn't have to get it taken up to keep my bodacious tatas appropriate.

Someone should just start a company that specializes in white (or other approved colors) dresses where people pick what they need and women get them made with approved standards by their I/HQ. Send in your measurements, identify your organization, get a dress and not have to worry. Imagine the discounts if whole pledge classes and campuses are purchasing. They could be sufficiently lined and made with fabric that isn't inappropriate (sequins and stretch velvet, can't make that up!), and there could still be allowance for individual variation with necklines, sleeves, waist, and so on.

[katydidKD]

Originally Posted by VandalSquirrel

Someone should just start a company that specializes in white (or other approved colors) dresses where people pick what they need and women get them made with approved standards by their I/HQ. Send in your measurements, identify your organization, get a dress and not have to worry. Imagine the discounts if whole pledge classes and campuses are purchasing. They could be sufficiently lined and made with fabric that isn't inappropriate (sequins and stretch velvet, can't make that up!), and there could still be allowance for individual variation with necklines, sleeves, waist, and so on.

thats a really good idea. im surprised those companies that make dresses etc. for recruitment haven't done this.

[victoriana]

Originally Posted by VandalSquirrel

Someone should just start a company that specializes in white (or other approved colors) dresses where people pick what they need and women get them made with approved standards by their I/HQ. Send in your measurements, identify your organization, get a dress and not have to worry. Imagine the discounts if whole pledge classes and campuses are purchasing. They could be sufficiently lined and made with fabric that isn't inappropriate (sequins and stretch velvet, can't make that up!), and there could still be allowance for individual variation with necklines, sleeves, waist, and so on.

I 100% agree! Now I'm coming up with ideas for this in my head. I don't know why anyone hasn't come up with this before, considering the amount of companies there are out there specializing in Greek gifts and apparel.

[agzg]

Originally Posted by VandalSquirrel

Being "cute" during initiation or ritual never crossed my mind. One because I am always cute no matter what I wear, and second this is a private time with my sisters.

Tee hee.

[VandalSquirrel]

Originally Posted by agzg

Tee hee.

With a bit of thought obviously I'm cute, nothing short of adorable, but what I think it really is best described as, is charm and confidence. Looking cute, feeling cute.

I make rubber boots, jeans rolled up to the knee, a well loved Idaho t-shirt, hair that has been washed in the river, and my aviators look like I'm doing runway in my field clothes. There's a reason why I was often chosen as the negotiator and errand runner; I'm capable of getting things done, but I'm comfortable and at ease when I haven't used indoor plumbing or had a real shower/bath for weeks*. Some people would be mortified or unable to cope with having to talk to strangers, let alone while not maintaining normal clothing and bathing practices, and it just doesn't bother me as long as I am appropriate for the situation. That extends to initiation dresses, am I appropriately dressed for the occasion? Check. Awesome, now it is time to be squirrely with a chosen few!

* I have soap and water and I clean myself and my clothes, sometimes we go to town and use showers and the laundromat, so it isn't like I'm some dirty hippie covering it up with patchouli, ohhkuhhhhrrrrrrrrr!

[VandalSquirrel]

Originally Posted by IrishLake

Which brings us to........ WEAR FLESH TONED UNDERGARMENTS! NOT WHITE!

True, but white undergarments are better than printed, colored, or none at all.

I also need to say that silver, glitter, and Lucite or other plastic/see through shoes may not be the best or even an allowed choice of footwear with initiation dresses. Platform and stilletos can make a girl in a long gown a juggernaut of death on a staircase. I say these things because I've seen them and light up plastic platform with a gold heel have a time and a place and initiation/ritual isn't one of them.

I haven't been in a Payless shoe store in years but according to some "show girls" I know they get dyeable shoes to match their gowns over the internet or in person from Payless and those shoes are already white so it saves time and they come up to a 12 and the shipping is free. It used to be dyeables but now they call them "unforgettable moments" and their website is www.unforgettablemoments.com if you happen to be a "show girl" or just a regular lady needing white shoes after labor day.

[VandalSquirrel]

Originally Posted by katydidKD

thats a really good idea. im surprised those companies that make dresses etc. for recruitment haven't done this.

Originally Posted by victoriana

I 100% agree! Now I'm coming up with ideas for this in my head. I don't know why anyone hasn't come up with this before, considering the amount of companies there are out there specializing in Greek gifts and apparel.

It is vitally important to have that azure blue cat suits are actually azure and not navy or cobalt. If I were a TriDelta I'd definitely want a wetsuit with neoprene that keeps me insulated while I'm in the tank with the dolphins.

[victoriana]

Originally Posted by VandalSquirrel

Platform and stilletos can make a girl in a long gown a juggernaut of death on a staircase.

I laughed out loud at this. Partly because of the mental image, and partly because it's so true.