Recruitment registration has just opened, and we are so excited to get back to campus and meet all the PNMs this year. While recruitment is fun, we know it can take some preparation. We wanted to provide PNMs with some tips for recruitment attire to help alleviate some stress!
First, do not be afraid to shop your closet! All of the chapters and actives are looking forward to getting to know your personality, and your style can be a great medium to express what makes you, you. Secondly, know that it will be hot. I’m sure most of us are familiar with August’s Texas heat. PNMs will spend a lot of time outside walking to houses. Make sure to keep everything lightweight, and maybe even bring a fan. Lastly, make sure you are comfortable! This means wearing what makes you feel good physically and mentally. Recruitment is not a fashion show. Do not be too worried about what you are wearing, and especially do not let it affect your experience. Wear whatever you feel helps you put your best foot forward. We are all so excited to meet our new member classes and want everyone to have a positive experience.
If you follow these rules, you’re golden. However, I know I would have needed a little more direction as an incoming freshman, so I wanted to help you with some nitty-gritty details of each day. When I was going through recruitment, I thought there was some “right answer” for everything I wore, but let me assure you, it is not that deep. We’re all here to have fun and make friends. That being said, this is just some inspiration.
Just as a note, the photos included are from my personal Pinterest which means: 1. Be kind; a girls’ Pinterest is a vulnerable space 2. These photos are examples of what I would wear; my personal style is by no means a hard and fast rule, and adjust as you see fit.
You may wear whatever you want to the opening convocation/open house. This will be a meeting with all of the other girls going through recruitment and the rho gammas. The dress code is summer attire however you define that: shorts and a tee, a workout set, a dress, sweats… the options are endless; just be comfortable. This will be fun, informative, and a great space to meet new people.
Philanthropy is where it gets exciting! PNMs will have up to ten houses over two days. The loop between the ten west-campus houses (this excludes Kappa and Alpha Phi, which PNMs will be bussed to) is over a mile and a half, so you have to remember to bring comfortable walking shoes. Attire for the philanthropy parties will consist of your white tee, provided by Panhellenic, and whatever shorts, skirt, or pants you feel best in. Most people will probably wear sandals or cute sneakers. The matching tee can seem limiting, but it’s easy to make your outfit your own with whatever bottoms, shoes, and accessories you choose.
A lot of people say Sisterhood is brunch attire, but what does that mean? To me. it’s a dress that you could run across campus in, but attend your brother’s middle school graduation afterward. Does that make sense? We’re talking functional, but cute. Casual, but makes you feel dressed up and ready to face the day. Think linens, cottons, and florals if that’s your style. If dresses aren’t your thing, wear a nice, summery pair of pants and a blouse. You will see a lot of sandals and wedges. Do whatever you want with your hair and makeup, but remember to wear sunscreen!
Preference attire can seem like a beast, but I think it’s the easiest one. A pref dress would have the vibe of a homecoming dress, but be appropriate to wear in front of Grandma. It should be nicer than your sisterhood dress, and still let your personal style shine through. Since you will only have two houses, you won’t be running in between houses. The threat of sweating off your makeup will have lessened dramatically. I would wear heels or nicer sandals. Use this as an opportunity to feel a little fancy!
I hoped these suggestions helped clarify what you will be seeing during these rounds. Be sure to express yourself, but never stress. Every single person is participating in recruitment to meet new friends, so remember to stay calm and be present.
AOT,
Camille Hudson
PC’21, TXKD
TEXAS KAPPA DELTA 