Issue date: 2/1/08 Section: Features

There are only two rounds of recruitment left before many of you will make one of the most momentous decisions of your life. Just kidding. But these two rounds can be stressful events for some when faced with the decision of what to wear. While sororities and fraternities do not judge potential new members based on what they wear during recruitment, what you wear is crucial to sharing a piece of who you are, and can enhance the impression that you make.
While it is important to look your best during recruitment, it is even more important to be comfortable in what you wear. Being comfortable will allow you to feel good about yourself and more confident when meeting new people. That comfort should also extend to your feet, as you will likely be doing a lot of walking. Now is not the time to bust out a new pair of heels or dress shoes.
Also, remember to dress for the weather. Nothing is worse than standing outside shivering during the 15 minutes between rounds. If you wear a skirt or dress, bring along sweatpants or Ugg boots to wear when traveling from house to house. Rain and snow are also in the forecast for Friday, so be sure to bring along an umbrella or rain boots.
Sorority recruitment
Second round is the most exciting round to get ready for because it is your first chance to choose what you want to wear, instead of just accessorizing a generic T shirt. You can really make yourself stand out and make a statement about who you are. If you have a spunky personality, play with different patterns and colors. If you prefer the more classic look, keep to simple, clean lines.
Second round is a little more formal than first round. I recommend wearing black pants, a cute dress, or a tea-length skirt with comfortable heels or boots. Second round is house tour round: don't wear uncomfortable heels, as you will be doing more walking than usual. Make sure you do not dress too casually - in jeans - or too formally - in a fancy dress. Also have fun with your accessories: jewelry, headbands, or shoes can really add to an outfit.
Preference round is the most formal round of recruitment. Dress as you would to go to a wedding reception or semi-formal event. Cocktail dresses are most commonly worn, but be sure that your dress is not overly formal or too revealing. No one wants to be distracted by too much cleavage when trying to have an intimate conversation. I also recommend wearing a significant piece of jewelry that has some sort of meaning to you, since this is such a special day. Just remember two things: be comfortable, and have fun with what you wear.
Fraternity recruitment:
Fraternity recruitment is not as formal as sorority recruitment. There are fewer parameters on what you should wear. Second round is still very casual, so I recommend wearing a polo shirt with jeans or khakis. Preference round is more formal, so wear a dress shirt with khaki pants and dress shoes - preferably no hats. Boys, there isn't much pressure when it comes to attire-none of the upperclassmen I spoke to had any insight as to what potential new members should wear to the different rounds. I guess they don't think about those details. Your best bet is just to wear something that reflects your personality so that the fraternity men see you as you really are.
To everyone, good luck with the rest of recruitment!

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