Recruitment Week Outfit Tips + Tricks
It’s hard for me to believe that three years ago, I was shopping for the perfect outfits to wear for each day of recruitment. If I could go back and tell myself that it didn’t matter what skirt I paired with the Go Greek day tee or what color dress I wore on Pref - I would in a heartbeat. But since I can’t go back and tell 18-year-old Sara that, I want to impart some wisdom to the girls that will be across the row in Pledge Class 22 - You do not have to be anything but you.
I know the pre-Recruitment shopping is fun. Trust me!!! Shopping is my favorite thing to do. But don’t go buy that skirt just because all your friends are. Don’t go drop a paycheck from your summer job on a brand new dress. I’ve rounded up a few tips to make your recruitment wardrobe the most fashionable, memorable, and comfortable as possible.
TIP #1: ALWAYS bring walking shoes!!
Walk to the Junction in your walking shoes, and don’t even think about putting on those cute sandals, wedges, or heels until you get to sorority row! When I went through Recruitment, my Birkenstocks and Chacos were my best friends. I even saw girls change from tennis shoes into heels- do what you’re comfortable with!
TIP #2: Don’t worry about a purse!
Chances are, Gamma Chis are going to ask you to put just a few essentials in a zip lock, and they’ll take care of it while you’re in the houses. All you really need is your phone, a lipstick, and maybe perfume, face powder, and gum if you’re anything like me! I also kept a little hairbrush in my baggie, which was a lifesaver!
TIP #3: Make sure your clothes showcase YOU!
I love to say that YOU should wear the clothes, the clothes shouldn’t be wearing you! Make sure you pick clothing and accessories that highlight you! Chapters don’t care about flashy brand names or a heavy pair of earrings - they want to get to know you! Make sure your outfits make you feel COMFORTABLE and CONFIDENT!
TIP #4: If you’re really itching to buy something new…
Check out those end of summer sales! This Mississippi heat is not to be played with! Early August is scorching! If you’re looking for a new fun pair of shorts or a sassy skort- check the sales out! They will be perfect for the heat, and a good sale is always a girl’s best friend.
TIP #5: Leave an Impression
Wear something that makes the girls you talk to remember you! During my recruitment, I would wear a scarf tied in my hair or a fun bracelet. It was always a conversation starter and even after I joined Chi Omega, older girls would comment on how they remembered what I wore! You don’t have to be flashy or uncomfortable to be remembered.
Now let’s break it down day-by-day!
GO GREEK DAY- Panhellenic will give you a t-shirt this day! Yay! This day will be over ZOOM, so pajama pants and slippers are my personal recommendation! But if you want to go a little more traditional, a cute pair of denim shorts or a fun colored jean skirt and sandals are always a good look. On this day, houses really just want you to get to know them!
PHILANTHROPY DAY- This is the first day that you will be in the houses with chapters! Exciting!! Today, Panhellenic also provides a super cute shirt. On this day, I would pair the given shirt with something a little more elevated than denim shorts. Cute skorts and skirts or patterned shorts would be a fun option! Make sure to make it YOU! A statement pair of shorts or a memorable pair of earrings will make you stick out to chapters.
SISTERHOOD DAY- This is my FAVORITE day of recruitment! This is the day you get to learn about the relationships that are built in the chapters that you get to visit. Most chapters wear dresses this day, so make sure your outfit will feel on the same level as that. Panhellenic still provides you a shirt, but I would pair it with a skirt or skort and wedges! Fun jewelry and a hair scarf would be a great addition as well. This is the day that the chapters are really wanting to get to know YOU, so make sure your outfit shows your personality!
PREFERENCE- This is the only day that you get to wear an outfit that is 100% you!! Make sure the houses you’re getting to go to get to see the real you! There are lots of myths about what color dress you should wear on preference, but the only advice I have is to wear something that makes you feel confident! It’s the dress that you’re making one of the biggest decisions of your college career in! Pair your favorite dress with a pair of heels and some fun, but appropriate, jewelry and you’re all ready!! But- make sure to pack those walking shoes! Walking from sorority row back to the dorm already isn’t fun- but I can’t imagine doing it in heels or barefoot on that HOT Mississippi pavement!
BID DAY!!!!- This is the easiest day to get dressed for! Throw on a pair of your favorite athletic shorts and a tank top, your favorite sneakers, and grab a ponytail holder! This day is one of the longest days you’ll be outside, and the heat is no joke. After you run home, you’ll get a new jersey with your brand new letters on it and then your outfit will be complete!
It matters not what clothes you wear or the color of your nail polish; more than anything, Chi Omega just wants to know your heart.
We can’t wait to meet you in just a few weeks!
