It's time to get back to school—and back to sweet and sophisticated fashion! Sorority Season is in full swing, and we've got the fall semester sorority must-haves for every event on your recruitment schedule. From cute rush outfits to game day tailgate styles, our back-to-school sorority guide has everything you need to take you from Rush Week to Formal Night.
Rush Vocabulary Cheat Sheet
Need a quick review of common sorority terms before we dig into style tips? We’ve got you. Review this Rush vocabulary list before you get started with your interviews or mingling events.
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Alumna: a female graduate
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Alumnae: more than female graduates
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Big sister: a mentor member of a sorority
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Chapter: your local group of a sorority
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COB: Continuous Open Bidding (open sorority recruitment period)
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Little sister: a new member of a sorority assigned to a mentor big sister
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Panhellenic: "all Greek" in Greek; a sorority that's part of the College Panhellenic Association
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Pledge: a prospective sorority member
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PNM: Potential New Member
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Rho Chi: active sorority members who temporarily dissociate from the chapters they belong to become impartial guides during recruitment week
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Rush: a period of time in which you can become a member of a sorority
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Sitting sister: a sorority member whose sibling is a PNM
Sorority 101: Tips for the Uninitiated
If you're new to the sorority scene, we've got your back. Follow our sorority initiation tips to get through Sorority Season with flying colors (and a few new sorority outfits!).
Balance Formality and Comfort
While some recruitment events are formal and others are more casual, comfort and style are key no matter what round you're in. Choose a cute rush outfit that feels just as good as it looks, and pair it with comfortable shoes that last all day (or night!) on Sorority Row.
Stay Healthy and Rested
Rush includes a lot of meet-and-greets, long days, and potentially late nights. Keep yourself healthy with lots of nutritious foods, stay hydrated by drinking water throughout the recruitment process, and make sure you get enough sleep so you're ready for even more events to come.
Keep an Open Mind
Some prospective new members of sororities get their hearts set on one chapter or group of girls to join. Avoid the single preference vote (also known as the Suicide Bid), where the PNM only puts down one sorority after the preference round. If you don’t get accepted to that house, you won’t get into any.
Stay Memorable (and Fashionable)
Your prospective sorority sisters are going to meet a lot of girls during Rush Week and Recruitment Events. Stand out by being friendly, asking a lot of questions, staying positive, and making a style statement everywhere you go.
Be Yourself and Have Fun!
Rush Week might be an involved process, but it's a lot of fun when you're really engaged and being yourself. Dress in a way that feels true to who you are, and remember to have fun along the way!
Cute Rush Outfits
Getting accepted to the sorority of your dreams is all about being comfortable, confident, and true to your style. Whether you're looking for cute shoes for sorority Rush Week or formal options for sorority initiation events, your rush OOTD says a lot about you. Check out our ideas on how to plan the perfect outfits for Rush Week events.
Open House
Open House is the first round of Greek Life recruitment events. During Open House, you can visit prospective sorority houses, meet the sisters who live there, and find out more about the chapter.
This casual round is a great chance to make a memorable impression. Wear an outfit that makes you feel confident and pretty, like a cute sundress with simple jewelry, light makeup, and strappy sandals. You can also opt for a dressier top with a denim or maxi skirt, and sandals that showcase a brand-new pedicure.
Philanthropy Round
In the Philanthropy Round, you pick the sororities you want to go back to, and the members vote on who they want to invite back. Then you get your invitation schedule, meet with them again, and then go on to the next round.
Sorority rush outfits for this phase of recruitment are slightly dressier than those for Open House. Pair flowy midi dresses with cute slingbacks, or choose your favorite jumpsuit and heel combination to show off a modern fashion sense.
Sisterhood Round
You've made it to the Sisterhood Round, and now it's time for things to get a little more personal. The third round of recruitment is a chance for PNMs to connect with current sisters, learn more about the chapter, and decide which sorority would be a good fit for them (and for sorority members to decide which PNMs would fit best with their current group).
Dress in an elevated style that gives the Sisterhood Round the respect it deserves. Consider cocktail dress vibes but daytime appropriate, paired with statement earrings, a cute handbag, or dainty layers. Choose shoes from our Platinum Collection to give your look extra shine worthy of a special occasion.
Preference Round
Also known as "Pref Day," the Preference Round is the fourth (and usually final) round of Sorority Rush. This is the most serious day in the recruitment process. You visit two sororities for a set amount of time, and you're on the bid list for consideration to join.
Pref Day might be a long day if you need to stay on Sorority Row for an extended period of time, talking to the girls you've gotten to know. Dress formally in an elegant dress with subtle sparkle and sophisticated heels from the Jack Rogers Bow Collection. Just make sure you're comfortable in them for an all-day affair!
Sorority Formal
It's time to celebrate your first days in your new sorority! Enjoy your very first formal in an eye-catching, glamorous dress, adorned with any material from satin to sequins. Pair your formal look with comfortable heels for sorority recruitment, including kitten heels and wedges that help you stay on the dance floor into the evening.
Fall Semester Must-Haves for Greek Life
The fun's only getting started once Rush Week is over. You'll need back-to-school sorority outfits and shoes for any number of chapter events, from game day to community projects (and of course, the parties!). From bid day to graduation, these shoes have you covered for an unforgettable sorority experience.
Ballet Flats
A stylish collection of flats can carry you through any sorority outfit need. Wear classic ballet flats to less formal events, such as sisterhood retreats or Parents' Weekend. Pair them with your favorite patterned skirt or tailored slacks that coordinate with a bright sweater or cardigan.
Riding Boots
Add classic boots to your fall semester sorority must-haves! Both tall riding boots and shorter booties dress up an autumn outfit, whether your style is a skirt and tights or denim jeans in a darker wash. Don't forget a gorgeous multicolored scarf to complete that cozy seasonal look.
Comfort Jacks & Jacks EVA
Perfect for casual sorority get-togethers during the fall semester and throughout the year, Comfort Jacks and Jacks EVA sandals bring comfy beach style to any climate. Toss them in your bag to change out of high heels after a formal event, or slip them on for your next Big/Little event or study session. No matter where you wear these classic sandals crafted with modern fashion in mind, you'll find yourself setting style standards with every step.
Get Back to School Inspo with Your Favorite Sorority Sisters
Back-to-school sorority season is one of the most exciting times in your college life. You'll make amazing new friends and gain important new skills—and that's all just during Rush Week! For more tips and guides to setting the stage for sorority success, follow Jack Rogers on Instagram and keep checking for new styles on the shelf, and don’t forget to share your Rush Week outfits with us! Tag @jackrogersua using #StepIntoSisterhood #JackIsBack and #JackRogersUSA for a chance to be featured on our page.
