Welcome back to Auburn!
As the summer season ends and the influx of students returns, Auburn becomes, once again, the loveliest, and busiest, village on the plains. School is right around the corner, but what must come first? Sorority Recruitment.
Girls are stocking their tote bags, prepping their fans, and ultimately, shopping for clothes, readying for recruitment. We encourage you to take advantage of the boutiques in your lovely village, and here are some recommendations for what can be worn during those crazy two weeks.
August 6: Ice Water Teas
In Ice Water Teas, you will meet with your Pi Chi group to watch introductory videos of all 18 sororities on Auburn’s campus, and in return, they will be watching the videos each of you submitted. This will allow you to develop a sense of what you like and what you don’t, giving a good base to begin with! For the videos you submit, we suggest a cute dress or top, like a dress from Behind The Glass or a top from Ellie. The focus of your attire during the virtual watch party, however, is purely comfort. Try some workout shorts from The Pants Store or a classic, Auburn t-shirt from J & M. A cute tennis skirt and baseball hat from The Pants Store would also be a perfect outfit! Looking for shoes? Find the perfect pair of tennis shoes to complete your fit at High Country Outfitters, with Hokas, On Clouds, and Nikes galore.
August 7-9: Philanthropy Round
This is the first opportunity for potential new members to visit each sorority, meet the sisters, and gain an initial feel for the 18 sororities on campus. In such a hectic yet thrilling time, you’ll want to make sure you feel comfortable in your choice of attire. The Philanthropy Round of Recruitment is the most casual of all the rounds, as you will be wearing your Panhellenic Recruitment t-shirt provided for you. We recommend comfortable bottoms and shoes that showcase your personal style! Charming Oaks and Elisabet Boutique have got your back, with plenty of options for denim, tailored, or relaxed shorts. Want to dress it up? Reach for a midi skirt or flowy shorts instead! There are a multitude of choices for you in Downtown Auburn. Go for your comfortable but well-kept shoes, but if you are thinking of new ones, there are plenty of options at Charming Oaks such as Steve Madden boots, cute sandals, and adorable fashion sneakers. Regardless of your choices, remember to wear what you are most confident and comfortable in, as well as focus on connection and familiarity this first in-person round!
August 10-12: Sisterhood Round
During Sisterhood Round, women tend to get more dressed up. A dress suitable for church or a nice dinner is recommended. These options can be found in any sort of style at Fab’rik, with their wide variety of dresses suitable for any personality. If you want to spice it up with some beautiful jewelry, Therapy Boutique will be your best friend! This round, the shoes most common will be comfortable heels or adorable sandals, ensuring your comfort while showcasing your style! We recommend bringing comfortable shoes to wear between parties.
August 13: Preference Round
This is the day! The last round of recruitment, and you will have made it through. This is the dressiest round of all. A dress you would wear to a formal church or wedding reception will be perfect! Dresses can be found at Elisabet, Ellie, or even Behind the Glass - the options are limitless! You will spend the majority of the time sitting so you could wear heels if you wanted. Black dresses are NOT required for Preference, so make sure to have some fun with colors and patterns. Accessories are a great way to enhance your style, and using pieces from Downtown Auburn boutiques would be a convenient talking point. ;) Wrapsody has some beautiful pieces waiting to be your arm candy. Be confident in who you are and, don’t worry, we know you’ll look fantastic.
August 14: Bid Day
Excitement is through the roof! Recruitment is over, and you are about to run home to your sisters. It’ll be hot, in August in Jordan-Hare, so dress practically. A cute tennis skirt and an athletic top would do the trick, available at The Pants Store. An Auburn t-shirt would also be a classic choice, from either Stamp or J&M Bookstore. Once you “run home” to your girls, you will receive a sorority jersey with your letters on it - your first piece of Panhellenic memorabilia! Each and every girl is different, but finding the girls who make your Auburn experience all the more amazing is what recruitment is for. We are so excited for you today.
Some things to remember:
Here are just a couple of warnings before you head into recruitment. Remember that the goal is to showcase your personality! Lean away from tight dresses, short skirts, or low cut tops, instead going for something flattering and chic. This will also help you to be more focused on the parties and not have to readjust your outfit every minute. Be aware of the hot temperatures and plan accordingly, so sweatpants or leggings might not be your best bet. Shoes are crucial to having a comfortable experience, as high heels or unsupportive sandals may hurt more than help you. We don’t want blisters all week! You are going to have the best time settling into the Auburn community, and we just want to make that transition as easy as possible. If you got here and are worried about not being fully prepared, come try some options at any of our fabulous boutiques. We are sure you will find something amazing and just right for you!
Written for Downtown Auburn by Grace Steele