Jennifer Chan
Staff Writer
It’s Convocation time and a sea of girls sporting identical navy blue and white baseball tees fills Firestone Fieldhouse as this month kicks off formal Recruitment for all seven sororities on campus. These sporty yet eye-catching shirts promote the Greek system and are distributed to all sorority members by the Panhellenic Council. The message to newcomers, transfer students and anyone else: “Go Greek!”
By participating in Greek life at Pepperdine, you will find yourself enthralled by an exciting abundance of new activities and new people. But before you get there, you must navigate through seven days of ‘get-to-know-you’ type parties during recruitment week.
Sure, it’s easy to identify current sorority members by their lettered sweatshirts or matching T-shirts, but it may be slightly more daunting on the other side as you approach sororities who are excited to meet you as a potential new member.
With Recruitment just around the corner, many of you are probably considering what sorority life at Pepperdine is like, what new adventures await you in the Greek system, and more urgently, what to wear as you meet and greet hundreds of new people.
Panhellenic advises potential new members to dress “snappy casual” for each night of recruitment – as though you were going out on a date or out on the town with friends. This is great guideline to follow, although some may be pondering what exactly “snappy casual” entails.
Try wearing sleek dress pants or trousers, a cute skirt or sassy cropped pants for variety and then mix things up with any style of top you feel comfortable and confident in. It may be advisable to wear colors that particularly flatter your complexion or enhance certain features, so that you stand out and are confident on the recruitment floor.
Personally, I predict that a return to elegance will triumph this season as feminine textiles such as chiffon, satin and lace will be dominant details on the coveted hot items of choice. Test-drive these feminine styles with your favorite tried and true denim jeans.
Have fun with accessories – as they are the simplest way to dress up any outfit to stand out in a crowd. Look for sparkling earrings, funky necklaces, glamorous brooches, or demure tie belts in a variety of styles and colors.
You will find yourself standing for a majority of the time, so make sure your shoes (kitten heels, stilettos, pointy-toed mules, wedges, flip flops, Ugg boots, etc.) – stylish as they may be – are also comfortable and easy to wear.
For preference night, glam it up in the ever-so-classic Ôlittle black dress’ or shake things up in a chic cocktail dress of your choice.
This is the most special and formal night of the week, so opt for an ensemble in which you feel amazing and beautiful.
Finally, dress comfortably and casually on Bid Night (jeans and a simple top) because it will most likely entail a fun celebration, and an activity of some sort with your new sorority.
Still not sure about what to wear to open house night? Stressed out over new styles and not sure what trends will flop or fly this season? My rule of thumb is to stick with what makes you feel your best.
Despite the entourage of new trends each season and the overwhelming desire to keep up with everyone else, realize that the bottom line is to get out there, meet new people and be yourself.
So while preparation for Recruitment takes precedence to so many right now, try not to overanalyze your outfits or hairstyle too much. Have fun, turn on the charm and enjoy yourself. Remember: fashion is fun and shoes are essential, but what really turns heads on the recruitment floor is YOU!
09-15-2004
