2014 White Dress Sightings

[pnmmom]

I'm confused by the white dress. Several people at my daughters school said she won't need one, she just needs a white "slip". Is this just certain sororities? Would it be best to be prepared and have a simple white dress? Also I noticed the shoe comment a few posts back - does she need closed toe white shoes?

[HQWest]

Originally Posted by pnmmom

I'm confused by the white dress. Several people at my daughters school said she won't need one, she just needs a white "slip". Is this just certain sororities? Would it be best to be prepared and have a simple white dress? Also I noticed the shoe comment a few posts back - does she need closed toe white shoes?

Well, it is going to vary by school - but at several of the southern schools or at schools with really big chapter totals - girls will need a white dress at some point either for rituals or for recruitment. They are a lot easier to find in summer than in October or November when initiations usually occur, so a lot of people like to take one just in case. Might as well find one you like. Most of the recommendations I have seen also include no strapless dresses or wear a white shrug or a sweater if you choose a dress with no sleeves.

Some more conservative groups also prefer the close toed shoes - or again in winter, you wouldn't want to be wearing black shoes and a white dress nor would you want to be wearing sandals.

[GammaGirl1908]

Originally Posted by pnmmom

I'm confused by the white dress. Several people at my daughters school said she won't need one, she just needs a white "slip". Is this just certain sororities? Would it be best to be prepared and have a simple white dress? Also I noticed the shoe comment a few posts back - does she need closed toe white shoes?

Not only does the requirement to wear white vary by organization, but note that the conservatism of the white varies as well. In some groups, a strapless white minidress with a gold zipper up the back might be fine. But in other groups -- including my own -- the requirement is for a conservative uninterrupted white (no colored buttons or zippers or trims or belts) skirted ensemble with sleeves. I can wear a white sweater and skirt, but not a spaghetti-strap dress (and a cap sleeve is pushing it). Another group might not be okay with a sweater and skirt and might require a dress.

But everyone is likely to be fine with a conservative all-white dress.

It would be wise to err on the side of finding something that is likely to work with a more conservative standard, since you don't know where your daughter will end up.

[33girl]

Originally Posted by GammaGirl1908

Not only does the requirement to wear white vary by organization, but note that the conservatism of the white varies as well. In some groups, a strapless white minidress with a gold zipper up the back might be fine. But in other groups -- including my own -- the requirement is for a conservative uninterrupted white (no colored buttons or zippers or trims or belts) skirted ensemble with sleeves. I can wear a white sweater and skirt, but not a spaghetti-strap dress (and a cap sleeve is pushing it). Another group might not be okay with a sweater and skirt and might require a dress.

But everyone is likely to be fine with a conservative all-white dress.

It would be wise to err on the side of finding something that is likely to work with a more conservative standard, since you don't know where your daughter will end up.

When I was in school, our president sank beaucoup $$ into a white suit. At the time I thought she was crackers. Now I see how smart she was. You enjoy ritual more if you're dressed in something that is becoming (strapless white minidresses are not becoming ever) and of good quality.

Even if you go through rush and end up not pledging a sorority at all, a simple white sheath or a-line dress is something you can always use, as are closed-toe white shoes.