With over 1,000 potential new members preparing for LSU Panhellenic recruitment this fall, there are many tips and tricks available to ease nerves. But one of the main questions asked is simple: What should one wear for each round?
With four full days of meeting new people and battling the Louisiana heat, smart style choices can make a big difference in a PNM’s recruitment experience. Baton Rouge boutiques and online vendors are stocked with perfect options for all style trends and formality levels.
The recruitment experience is kicked off with the Ice Water round, taking place in the Union Theater on Aug. 17. PNMs will watch each chapter’s Ice Water video and prioritize which chapters they would like to meet the most.
Since PNMs will not be meeting active sorority members or entering houses during this time, the attire is less formal than other rounds. An athletic dress or skirt with a casual top is the perfect way to feel cute and comfortable during this event.
Philanthropy round, on Aug. 19 and 20, is the first time PNMs will enter the sorority houses and meet active members. The round lasts two days, and PNMs should have two outfits prepared.
LSU Panhellenic provides PNMs with a T-shirt worn on both days, paired with bottoms of their choice. Local boutiques, like Baton Rouge’s Lucy Rose, are stocked with skirts and shorts that show off a PNM’s personality and make them stand out. A flowy, floral maxi skirt or brightly colored shorts are the perfect conversation starter during this round.
After the Philanthropy rounds, PNMs have another day down Sorority Row to go back into houses and get to know each chapter’s sisterhood. Andrea Hemlet, employee at August Boutique, suggested brunch or Sunday best attire for the Sisterhood round.
“I would keep it classic but add a pop of color by wearing a dress in a bold color,” Hemlet said. “You can also have fun with accessories by doing a stack on the wrist or a turquoise necklace.”
She also advised that PNMs should stray away from dresses that are too short, tight or low cut to make sure they are as comfortable as possible while walking to and from the houses.
On the final day of recruitment before Bid Day, PNMs should prepare to wear the nicest outfit of the week for Preference round on Aug. 22. Cocktail attire is suggested, with many former PNMs wearing elegant mini to midi dresses with chunky heels.
Swap Boutique employee Lillie Monceaux agreed, saying, “Preference is a formal day, so a cocktail paired with beautiful shoes is perfect. This is an emotional round, so being comfortable [in] what you are wearing is key.”
For the more formal rounds, Monceaux suggested comfortable shoes due to close timing in between house visits and a long day down the row.
If online shopping sounds more appealing when picking out recruitment outfits, Mint Julep Boutique has options to match each round’s style. From chic skirts to preppy dresses, this online boutique can help any PNM find a great outfit right from their home.
No matter where outfits are sourced, PNMs are encouraged to show off their personality every day when visiting houses. Grace Oustalet, vice president of rush and marketing at LSU’s Kappa Delta chapter, explained that feeling like yourself during recruitment is a huge confidence boost.
“Chunky jewelry, fun shoes and cute hairstyles all give you a chance to express yourself and be different,” Oustalet said. “It is important to be yourself through your outfits because you only get to talk to a certain amount of girls during rush, and this gives you a chance to show who you are from the moment you walk through the door.”
