What to Wear to Every Round of Sorority Recruitment

Updated 5/9/2026

Everyone wants to know what to wear to recruitment. Here's our round-by-round breakdown, plus advice that applies to every round: hair, makeup, nails, and your bag.

From our Sorority Recruitment Guide.

Outfits matter—but probably not as much as you think, and definitely not as much as your conversation skills. The goal is simple: look intentional, feel comfortable, and show up as yourself. Each round is dressier than the one before, and if you're not sure, overdressing is safer than underdressing—it's easier to downplay an outfit than it is to recover from looking like you're not taking recruitment seriously.

Also, not everyone wants to look like every other PNM on campus—we get it, and we'll get into it.

Know Your Campus

First things first: check your school's Panhellenic recruitment outfit guide or their socials for direction. You can also check last year's PNMs' socials for the actual outfits they wore. What's right at one school might be a huge mistake at another, so be careful looking at any broad advice on Pinterest and socials—even ours!

The bulk of content online is most relevant for SEC schools and others with more traditional Greek systems. You'll see a lot of pastel colors, sweet dresses, and florals. But some schools, like ASU, have an entirely different vibe—last year we saw PNM fit checks with low-rise denim micro-minis and belly chains, which we know would be hard to overcome at SMU, where a crop top might even be too racy. Some schools lean preppy or minimalist or expect you to be an individual (we see you, NYU!)—and the LoveShackFancy you see all over socials might actually be too much.

Be Yourself (Within Reason)

PNMs want recruiters to focus on the conversation, not their outfits, so you need to follow the outfit guides, right? Maybe. All of the guides from the chapters at your school will look pretty much the same—and what if that doesn't match your aesthetic?

If you conform to the standard and don't feel like yourself, it will be harder to be authentic and make connections. And even if it's easy for you to cosplay for recruitment week, what happens after bid day? You'll risk being in the wrong house or finding it tough to connect even after you're in.

Alternatively, if you go too far outside the lines, are you even going to make it to bid day? Some recruiters may appreciate your style and individuality, but there is a real risk that some recruiters won't be able to "see you in the house"—an overused expression that subtly suppresses diversity.

The answer is probably somewhere in the middle. No matter what any guides say, don't wear anything that feels inauthentic to you. Instead, think about how to adapt your style to the moment without looking like you're trying to prove something. For example, if your style is "thrifted," you're not going to wear an Amanda Uprichard romper to Philanthropy—but a slip skirt meets the dress code and won't become a topic later.

Fit in enough to connect. Stand out enough to shine.

Before You Get Dressed

These things don't change much round to round, so let's get them out of the way first.

Makeup

Aim for you on your best day—not flawless. If you don't usually wear makeup, don't start now. If you don't feel confident in your makeup skills, go to a makeup counter or Sephora before recruitment and ask for tips—not a makeover, just help doing your everyday look with a little more polish. If makeup is your thing, great, do your thing. Just remember that the parties are friendly daytime events (and it could be h.o.t.), so full glam is overkill. Setting spray and waterproof mascara are your friends.

Skip perfume. You don't want to wear a fragrance that turns anyone off (some people are very scent sensitive!), and in a room full of 100 people, competing scents can be awful. Please ignore the advice to bring perfume in your bag to freshen up—if you're hot, the scent intensifies, which can be overwhelming, and if you're worried about b.o., the perfume doesn't mask other odors, it just blends with them. You're much better off with some wipes—the peppermint ones especially.

Hair

The goal is to look put together—like you didn't roll out of bed five minutes ago. This isn't the time for a messy claw clip.

If you regularly get salon blowouts, find the best spot near your school and schedule in advance. If you don't usually get blowouts, it's worth trying one—they tend to hold a style longer than most of us can manage at home. (If you're a pro at this, ignore us!)

For Open House and Philanthropy, your hair should look done and intentional—pick a style that still looks good at your last party, not just your first. A neat ponytail, a braid, a defined wash-and-go—whatever your go-to is, just make sure it looks like you care.

At Sisterhood and Pref, your hair should match the tone of your outfit. Whatever your texture or style, think polished and finished—anything that looks like an afterthought will feel out of place when everyone else has stepped it up.

Don't try a new cut or color that week. If you want to change it up, do it a few weeks before recruitment so you have time to figure it out—or revert!

Self-Tanner

We know a lot of you use self-tanner year-round—and if you've been careful with SPF all summer and want a little color on your legs for recruitment, we get it. Just don't do it for the first time the night before Open House. Practice in summer. Apply it at least a day before recruitment starts so it doesn't rub off on your clothes. Yes, you'll probably have to reapply during the week—just be smart about the timing. An uneven application or a shade that doesn't match your face will be noticeable up close, and you'll be up close all week. If you're not confident in your own application, you can get a professional spray tan—there are plenty of spots in most college towns.

Nails

The only wrong answer is dirty or sloppy. Chipped polish, grown-out gel—no. Raggedy cuticles, jagged edges—no. Even if you bite your nails, you can still clean them up.

If you love elaborate 3-D nail art, go for it—a curated, interesting manicure reads as style, not OTT. Simple neutrals or solid colors always work. If you want to level up your usual mani, add chrome or a cat eye (or both!).

Jewelry

Keep it outfit-appropriate and don't overdo it. Piling on obviously expensive or branded pieces can read as try-hard. Earrings and necklaces land right at eye level during recruitment conversations (unless you're 5' or 6')—they can spark a connection or pull focus away from what you're saying. If you're worried about it, you can play it safe with the pieces we always see: Kendra Scott, E. Newton, and Amazon hoops, but we don't think you need new jewelry for recruitment. Save the shopping for after Bid Day—when you know your letters, we've got you. → Shop Sorority Jewelry

Your Bag

You can't bring your bag into the parties, so whatever you carry needs to be something you're comfortable leaving outside. You probably want a lightweight, roomy tote—the Goyard Saint Louis or MZ Wallace Metro styles are popular, but they don't need to be designer. There are always cute options at Target and on Amazon.

As for what's IN the bag, we think a lot of the recruitment bag lists are excessive. → Here's our straight take on what you actually need

Underneath It All

Make sure your underwear is working for you.

✅ DO: Run a trial with what you're wearing.

✅ DO: Consider boyshorts with short skirts.

❌ DON'T: Go into recruitment with quad-boob, spillage, or a bra that's not doing the job.

❌ DON'T: Let your bra straps show. Same for your undies—no straps or pantylines.

❌ DON'T: Go braless. It's too sexy for recruitment.

Open House or Values or Convocation Round

Some schools have a Convocation Round before Open House (Alabama, for example) and some schools don't hold these rounds at all. Often they're online or in a group setting without any recruiters present. If you're not meeting recruiters, your outfit isn't important.

If you're in person, a lot of Panhellenic councils distribute a t-shirt for all PNMs to wear on Open House day—which means you only need to focus on bottoms and accessories.

If not, think: the good version of what you'd wear to grab coffee. This round is casual, and comfortable shoes are your most important decision.

✅ DO: Dress comfortably. If you get a tee, a cute skirt or shorts work. (This year's pastel jeans could be perfect if it's not too hot!) If not, maybe a matched short set, an athleisure dress, or a halter or fitted tee with casual bottoms.

✅ DO: Add at least one accessory. A belt can make the outfit feel more intentional, and neckerchiefs are having a moment right now.

✅ DO: Choose sneakers. You will be walking a lot and likely standing for most of each round. Sharp sneakers are the right call.

❌ DON'T: Wear heels or strappy sandals. You'll regret it.

❌ DON'T: Overdo it on visible logos.

❌ DON'T: Wear a top you need to adjust or retuck.

❌ DON'T: Wear cutoffs—too casual.

A note on sneaker brands: In years past, we've seen a lot of Golden Goose during rush. Don't do it. They're old news and you'll look cooler in a fresh pair of Adidas Gazelles, AF1s, or New Balance 550s (for less than half the price!). We love a platform sneaker, too.

Extra Notes for Online Parties

When you're only visible from the chest up:

✅ DO: Test your setup and lighting in the outfit you're planning to wear.

✅ DO: Wear earrings or a necklace that show some personality (or play it safe—see above!).

✅ DO: Wear your hair and makeup as you would for in-person. Zoom isn't an excuse to get sloppy.

✅ DO: Clean your glasses!

❌ DON'T: Wear a strapless top—you'll look naked on camera.

❌ DON'T: Wear a hoodie—too casual.

❌ DON'T: Forget your mani. If you talk with your hands or tuck your hair back, recruiters will see your nails.

Philanthropy Round

If Philanthropy is your school's first round—go back to the Open House suggestions, and this might be where you get your recruitment tee.

If it's your second, your outfit should be a step up from Open House. Think: brunch with friends, or an outdoor party.

✅ DO: Skip athleisure. You'll see a lot of sundresses and shift dresses in pastel colors and floral patterns from brands like Hill House. A put-together top and skirt works, as does a dressier top-and-shorts situation.

✅ DO: Wear cool and breathable fabrics.

✅ DO: Stick with comfortable shoes. You're still on your feet for a lot of the day. You can wear sneakers again (it's ok to repeat!) or switch to cute flats or sandals. Just don't risk blisters—brutal by the end of the day. Flatforms and wedges are ok, but save the heels for later.

❌ DON'T: Go too short. Check the back view in a mirror.

❌ DON'T: Show your bra straps. Sundresses are unforgiving.

❌ DON'T: Wear linen or any other fabric that will look sad by the end of the day.

Sisterhood Round

Another step up—dressy daytime. You're likely down to 5–6 parties; you won't be in this look for nearly as long. Think: what you'd wear to graduation or a bridal shower.

✅ DO: Wear a dress.* We expect Altar'd State, Lulu's, and Bardot to be big again. Like Philanthropy Round, easy fabrics and not too short. A maxi dress can work, and 2-piece skirt/top sets will look good here, too.

✅ DO: *Be YOU. If you don't wear dresses, match the dressy vibe with a coordinated pants look. And if you can find a chic way to do it in shorts, we want to see it!

✅ DO: Think about more sophisticated shoes. It doesn't need to be heels—flats, a wedge, or kitten heels will match the room. Bring sneakers in your bag if you have long walks between parties.

❌ DON'T: Wear sneakers. You should level up.

❌ DON'T: Go overboard with makeup. Dressier clothes don't mean heavier makeup.

Preference Round

Pref is the most formal round—most schools say semi-formal, so think wedding guest but not black tie.

✅ DO: Check for length. Some schools do long dresses and some don't.

✅ DO: Wear whatever shoes make you happy. You'll be fine in heels—it's only two parties and not much standing.

❌ DON'T: Overglam—sequins, heavy beading, rhinestone jewelry. Pref is intimate and emotional—let your personality be the sparkle.

❌ DON'T: Wear black or white if you can help it. Lots of chapters have members wear black or white for Pref, and you don't want to get lost in the crowd!

❌ DON'T: Go for sexy. It's about sisterhood, not looking hot.

Bid Day

Energy-wise, Bid Day is basically back to Open House—casual and comfortable. But there's one thing you need to plan for: you are going to receive a chapter tee and you will be putting it on immediately.

✅ DO: Wear neutrals—you don't know what color tee you're getting!

✅ DO: Wear shorts or a skort—Bid Day is usually outside and hot, and there might be a ball pit!

✅ DO: Wear sneakers again—you might literally run home.

✅ DO: Wear a supportive bra—there will be running, hugging, and jumping.

✅ DO: Think about hair and makeup that can stand up to the heat and hugs. There will be LOTS of photos.

You Don't Need to Buy a New Wardrobe

We just gave you a lot of ideas and brands, but you do not need to go shopping. You probably already have most of what you need. Don't feel pressure to buy designer or build five new outfits from scratch. Last year's GRWM videos from your school are full of cute looks put together from Amazon, Aritzia, and things people already owned. Recruiters are not checking your tags. They're looking at whether you seem comfortable, genuine, and engaged.

FAQ

Can I wear black for recruitment?

You can, but it's a little off for the daytime party tone. If that's all you've got or what makes you feel most comfortable, go ahead. But don't wear black to Pref Round—members will often all be in black.

Can I repeat an outfit?

Absolutely, assuming it's just as fresh the second day. You'll only see each chapter once in each round, even if it's spread out over two days. And unless it's a distinctive design, no one will notice if you wear the same skirt to both Open House and Sisterhood.

How about alt looks?

"Alt" can mean a lot of things, so a broad suggestion would be to tone it down a little to keep the focus on conversation. Blue hair and major ink can work. Some chapters and recruiters are more uptight than others—how they respond to your look tells you something about the house.

Should I wear my nose ring?

You can. You might consider leaving it out for the first round while you get a read of the chapters—but if they can't handle your nose ring, it's probably not the house for you.

Do I have to wear a dress to Pref?

Nope. The dress code is semi-formal and you can pull that off with a dressy jumpsuit or tuxedo pants.

Should I wear my favorite sorority's colors?

Absolutely not. You don't want to telegraph your intentions, and that chapter might find it presumptuous or too try-hard.

What if I can't afford to buy a whole new wardrobe for recruitment?

Don't. Shop your closet first and see what you can come up with. If you're missing some pieces—like a cocktail dress for Pref—ask friends and family if you can borrow. And if you must shop, try secondhand to keep the costs down.

Now that you know what to wear for every round, focus on what you're going to say!

→ Ready to keep going? Head back to the Sorority Recruitment Guide for everything else you need before recruitment starts.

More sorority advice:
→ How to have better recruitment conversations
→ How rec letters actually work
→ How to apply for sorority recruitment