Recruitment Rundown: Advice from the Vignettes Girls

It's about that time of year again! In just a few weeks, girls across the country will be gearing up to go Greek. From perfect outfits to 30-second conversations to bid day excitement, sorority recruitment can be a time of mixed emotions and ceaseless stress- but it doesn't have to be! That's why the Vignettes girls have put together this Recruitment Rundown for, as you will soon be dubbed, the Potential New Member.

Here you will find all of the little necessities to make your recruitment experience the best it can be. We have paired the perfect pieces for every "round" style, so that you'll never have to doubt your outfit. From comfy and casual to sophisticated and semi-formal, we're giving you Vignettes-approved examples of your best bets for Philanthropy to Preference, and everything in between. 

However, recruitment isn't just about the clothes you wear, but the personality that shines through. We've asked all of our Vignettes girls for their best recruitment advice, proven to get you through the thick and thin of every round. With experience on both sides of the recruitment process, we know exactly what you're going through, and exactly what you need to know to survive the week! 

The Look: A Polished Pair of Shorts 
     Struggling to define the word "casual" on your recruitment schedule? We suggest ditching your denim and choosing something simultaneously put-together and effortless. Reach for bright, patterned shorts (not too tight or too short, of course) and a basic yet polished top. This is also the perfect look to pair with your recruitment t-shirt, need be. Add bright earrings and bracelets to give the outfit a fun and personal feel-these sorority sisters want to see the real YOU! 

Selden Hunnicutt, Delta Delta Delta, Vanderbilt University: "This may sound a bit crazy, but sorority recruitment can actually be... fun. While lining up outside of a house, you will always have some serious butterflies, but the minute that line starts moving, forget about them! The girls inside really want to get to know you and to see how you would fit in their chapter. Enjoy your conversations, chit chat, and SMILE! Let them remember you because you were warm and friendly, not because you were standoffish or nervous. When you let yourself relax a little, you'll find yourself walking out of the house a few minutes later thinking 'hey, that was easy!"

The Look: The Super-Cute Shift
     Probably the most common recruitment look, a sundress is your tried-and-true staple. Choose something cute but comfortable; you don't want to be tugging on straps all day! That's why we suggest an adorable shift with sleeves, like this one from Everly. It's colorful and cute, but it won't give you grief as you walk from house to house. Add a punchy necklace and a stack of bracelets for even extra pop!

Mattie Hyder, Alpha Delta Pi, Presbyterian College: "BE YOURSELF. I know it may seem obvious, but in my opinion, it is definitely one of the most important rules of rush! Many girls will try to rush the sorority their friends do and not the one that is their best fit. It is very important to find the sorority that fits you best because that sorority will be your new "family" at school. (They are your "sisters" after all). Don't be afraid to join a different sorority than your friends! Don't worry, they will still be your friends! Plus, you will be happier with a sorority that has more in common with you! Have fun, make new friends and be yourself!! Your new family awaits you! "

The Look: A Sunday Sundress
     Plenty of Panhellenic recruitment guides suggest a sundress that is "wedding or church appropriate" (read: an appropriately dressy DAYtime look). That's why we're loving this Jack by BB Dakota sundress-with a classic shape and unique print, it's a proper piece that will still pique everyone's interest. Throw on your bangles to really bring out the colors in your dress and, when in doubt, to use as a conversation starter!

Jaclyn Fraizer, Alpha Delta Pi, Georgia Regents University: "Recruitment is a lot like speed dating. You will walk into each recruitment party and talk to so many different girls in such a short period of time. Do not be afraid to talk about yourself and be confident. Use any down time you may have to bond with the other girls going through with you and in your Pi Chi group. I met one of my best friends at our recruitment open house. When I sat next to her that night, I had no idea that I would end up pledging the same sorority as her, and sitting next to her every Sunday at chapter for the following three years. I am a legacy and I joined the sorority I was a legacy for. I love the fact that my sister and I are now "double sisters." But each chapter is different at each school, do not join a sorority if that specific chapter doesn't feel right for you and if it doesn't feel like your own. Superficial piece of advice, get a fresh mani-pedi before recruitment because if you're anything like me, you will be talking a lot with your hands. Don't let your chipped manicure overshadow your sparkling personality."

The Look: Sophisticated Semi-Formal

     If your school's recruitment calls for a cocktail or semi-formal look, resist the temptation to go for the glitz and glam of high school prom. Instead, opt for a dress that is sparkly yet simple, like this powder blue dress with a beaded belt and open sleeves. You'll look glamorous and on-trend without going overboard- especially if you keep the jewelry simple. Even better, you'll feel classy and confident walking into your last round!

Aubrey Burnside, Chi Omega, University of Georgia: "To say that watching 2,000 girls, hobbling in wedges up and down Milledge Avenue, was “intimidating,” would be an understatement. Recruitment is without a doubt one of the most exciting and important times of your life. Not only do you learn a lot about yourself, but you make a decision that chooses the peers that become your lifelong friends. A few things to think about during rush are: use your own judgement, be outgoing, and most importantly enjoy yourself! Sometimes you might only spend 10 minutes with a girl and you want to make sure she remembers you for the bubbly, energetic girl you are. If you are having a fun time, she will be too! Make sure to not only connect with the older girls who are rushing you, but get to know the girls that keep coming back to your same houses because they could potentially be in your pledge class. The days are long and hot, so drink a lot of water and gear up for a crazy few days with a reward that is well worth it. Go Greek!"

The Look: A Not-So-Basic Black

     Wanting to stand out in the sorority-hopeful sea of black? Look for dresses with special detailing to leave a lasting impression during Preference Round. We're obsessed with this number thanks to its elegant sheer skirt of black stripes, which really pop against the nude lining. Classic pearl earrings and neutral bangles add a bit of sparkle without detracting from the glamour of this get-up.

 Sadie Rhodes, Kappa Kappa Gamma, University of Mississippi: "As cliche as it might sound, my advice for girls going through recruitment is to be yourself. The recruitment process is pretty much about finding your home away from home. Whether your school is an hour from home or 16 hours from home, you want to choose a house that you can go to and feel welcomed, comfortable and included. In order to find a good match, you have to be yourself. The house of girls you pick will become your family and lifelong friends, so choose wisely. Also, make sure you get a good 8 hours of sleep the night before and eat a good breakfast and lunch. Recruitment takes a lot of energy and takes up most of your day! You want to make sure you have plenty of stamina to get through every house smiling and showing interest and then already be excited to meet the girls at the next house. Good Luck!"

The Look: Bid Day Beautiful
     You made it! On Bid Day, celebrate your new sisterhood in a fantastic white frock. Be it lace, peplum, A-line, or ruffled, choose a style that suits you; after all, you'll probably be taking tons of pictures! Give the dress that extra something with a bright necklace or big stack of bracelets and you'll be the focus of every photo. Even if your schedule doesn't call for a white dress, it isn't a bad investment; many sororities require white for future rituals (shhh!).

Need a refresher course on your school's recruitment style suggestions? Check out this list we compiled for reference! 

Best of luck to all girls going through recruitment this fall! 

à bientôt... See you soon!