Recruitment stresses out even the most prepared Potential New Members. Girls attend meeting after meeting, fill out paper work and pay the fee for recruitment, but surprisingly, one of the most challenging parts lies with the fashion. Looking cute every day and matching outfits for certain occasions proves quite a challenge. You’ll probably have to buy new clothes and no one wants to drop hundreds of dollars on an entirely new wardrobe.
But no worries, keep reading to discover 10 affordable sorority recruitment outfits that will impress any house.
1. Flowy Shorts
Most schools give out free t-shirts for the first day of recruitment, as if you don’t get enough of them during college. While you can add this t-shirt to your closet, it can make it difficult to show off your personal style during the event. “I suggest you wear things that are different than typical outfits. When people wear cute flowy shorts instead of jean shorts, or like a jumpsuit instead of a dress,” sad University of Cincinnati Chi Omega junior Sydney Lang. These comfortable shorts make a simple t-shirt look put together and they match almost anything, so they can be worn even after recruitment is over.
2. Classic Jeans
Let’s be real, no one likes to spend money. Keep it simple and grab any pair of jeans out of your closet to go with your “Meet the Chapters” shirt. Keep your ripped “going out” jeans in the closet and opt for a classic or trendy pair. Wearing revealing clothing works on the weekend, but recruitment should have a different vibe. If you feel like you could wear your outfit to lunch with your grandma, then you can probably wear it to recruitment. Leave that crop top and lacy bra at home and stick with classic jeans. This will surely keep your outfit looking fashionable and make a good impression on every house.
3. Comfortable Skirt
As an Ohio State student, a skirt was not remotely possible to wear for recruitment that takes place during the winter. But for those of you who recruit in warmer weather, a skirt is a must-have for the first day. A colored-suede skirt will show off the tan you worked on all summer and ease you into a conversation with a recruiter about your amazing beach vacation. A simple jean skirt will spice up your t-shirt and, let’s be honest, you probably already own one (if not many). Whether jean or suede, a skirt will dress up your t shirt and help you stand out.
4. High-Waisted Pants
Most universities have philanthropy round the second day. This is the time for every house to talk about the charity they benefit philanthropically and finally the day where you get free range on your outfit choice. Start to think about ways where you can show off your personal style. I describe this day as ‘snappy casual.’ “I think it’s important to stick to your own style and let that show but refrain from being over the top. It’s important to stand out in certain aspects but going overboard with an outfit could cause unnecessary distractions,” said former recruitment chair for Kappa Alpha Theta at Centre College Kristin Yates. High-waisted pants like these serve as the perfect way to show every house your style while still staying low-key and chic.
5. Casual Dress
Let’s say you like dresses and skirts over pants. I feel you. Totally fine. Go with a light dress for day two. I know my closet has way too many casual dresses just sitting around, waiting to be worn to a family party or birthday dinner. Wearing a skater-style, floral dress works perfectly, because the same piece can be worn later to a date party. You can match a comfortable t-shirt dress with some charming gold jewelry. Or decide to rock a sweet dress with a messy pony tail and give some Gigi Hadid vibes, showing off your natural beauty and glamour. Outfits like these show your warm personality and get recruiters to remember you.
6. Classy Skirt
Sad to say, but now comes the time where you may need to shop. It has come down to the final day of recruitment, Preference Round, where recruiters try to impress you. Unfortunately, you still need to find a formal outfit to wow them. Get ready to put on your best Blaire Waldorf impression with this charming, tasseled pencil skirt. “Wearing something you are confident in, something that isn’t going to hinder you at all or make you uncomfortable is key,” said President of Chi Omega at Ohio State University Ashlee Chadwick. A colored blouse or cami matched with a skirt allows you to be comfortable and fashionable at the same time.
7. Joggers
Don’t be that girl who shows up in a full business suit while everyone else wears heels and a dress. You haven’t made it to the working world yet. But if you personally enjoy “business professional” as part of your style, try toning it down with jogger style dress pants instead of business slacks. It can truly be a challenge to make joggers look stylish and sophisticated, but with the right shirt and confidence, you’ll slay recruitment.
8. Formal Romper
A strong romper game equals a strong recruitment game. In this classy lace romper, you’ll give off beachy, bohemian vibes with ease. I’m about to order one for myself. Base your romper choice on whether or not you could wear it to a wedding or graduation. Stay away from low-cut or super short legged rompers. Styles like these could give off the wrong impression to recruiters. After all, it is the most formal round, so stay decently modest. Stick with this fit and flare style that’s sure to get you remembered by your final three houses.
9. Jumpsuit
The final day of recruitment rolls around and you want to impress your favorite house. Take a stylish leap of faith and don a jumpsuit. I always remember people who dare to rock a one piece outfit. This jumpsuit gives off a more wintery feel with its dark tones and thick material, so wear this for recruitment during cold weather. Throw on a necklace, some heels, and boom. You’ll light up any room.
10. Comfortable Shoes
If you remember anything from this list, then please, take this one to heart. Shoe choice plays a big role in recruitment. You want something stylish but also comfortable, so your feet don’t cripple with pain by the time you get to the second house. For ‘meet the chapters,’ sneakers such as vans should work. You can dress your outfit up more with booties or riding boots. For the other days where girls wear heels, things get a little more painful and complicated. “I personally love OTB wedges because they give your look a little oomph but are very comfortable to wear all day,” Yates said. I’ve seen bloody feet and blisters so, seriously, wear comfortable shoes.
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