GreekChat.com Forums - View Single Post - Advice for PNMs

mkaytay · #1 07-31-2018, 01:12 PM

I wrote this in the Mom Thread, but thought I’d make a separate “fashion” post for Mom and PNM discussion (thanks @NYCMS for your tips too!). I’m a young(ish) alum, and hopefully this will help!

These are some general tips I pass to my rec gals, remember you're not hunting a boyfriend at recruitment, you're aiming for comfort and showing that you can be appropriately put together for the occasion:

Clothes

It’s fine to err on the formal/conservative side. I've told rec girls that most actives meet so many PNMs every day that they only remember what you're wearing if it stands out in a bad way. There may be one or two PNMs with amazing style, but it's perfectly fine to be dressed perfectly fine.
You don’t necessarily have to go out and purchase a whole new wardrobe! You probably have a bunch of graduation and church dresses that are perfectly fine!
What should I wear to each party?
1. Shorts/Skirts – Do a sit test to make sure your tush isn’t sticking out and they don’t get tucked up in a way that you’ll have to fish fabric out before you leave the party, and generally plan on tucking your t-shirt into them.
2. Sundress- what you might wear to graduation (wedges are a good shoe choice here).
3. Pref- what you might wear to a wedding or a night at the theater (this is the day to break out the heels).
Things to avoid:
1. Distressed denim – on some campuses (SEC, ACC) denim is a no go in general (a chambray dress may be a different beast), but make sure your shorts and skirts are not distressed denim where skin in showing through.
2. Low cut or backless – this goes with the err conservative thing, and can greatly depend on your bust.
3. Strapless dresses – this is because most of us will futz with them when nervous and it’s annoying/distracting.
4. Rompers - I know they are cute and stylish, but not every chapter will think it's appropriate, so err on the side of safety and save them for football games.
5. Cutouts – Decorative/minimal can be okay (two of the dresses I link to below have them that would be fine), but as with Rompers the more sizable ones that are in right now may turn some chapters off.
6. Bandage style/skintight dresses – it’s both a sitting/standing a lot and appropriate venue thing.
Halters can be okay, just make sure they aren't too low in front or back.
If your dress has sheer panels, make sure they are not too “nude illusion” or just covering cutouts that would otherwise be too much skin.
Avoid any fabrics that can 'catch' on anything, like a knit that could catch on your jewelry, etc.
Black and White at Pref – most chapters wear either color at pref so generally avoid doing the same, but if you do wear a black dress it’s not the end of the world (I did), just something to keep in mind.

Undergarments

Wear full coverage underwear, an active may be sitting on the floor in front of you. Also, run the sit test before committing to a dress to make sure it's not too short.
Have a different bra for every day. They will be sweaty and washing them in the sink at night is no fun after a long, tiring day.
If in doubt, go with nude colored bra so that if it shows, it matches your skin. Make sure the straps don’t constantly 'inch out' and show because you’ll end up futzing with them (see strapless dresses above).
If you wear a halter top/dress or a dress with semi-halter style, make sure you can wear a solid, really supportive strapless bra. I've seen girls who were just too well endowed to pull this off. Plenty of other great looks out there if you're not able to wear this style with ease.

Shoes

BREAK IN YOUR SHOES, and bring flip flops for walking between houses.
Tennis Shoes – every campus is different on whether tennis shoes are okay for early rounds/philanthropy rounds. If you are worried, opting for a cute flat or sandal is always a safe bet.
Make sure your shoes are in good shape- it's like they say in the work world that when you interview, people immediately notice a scuffed up pair of shoes even if the outfit is sharp!

Jewelry

An interesting piece of jewelry can be a good conversation starter, but avoid jewelry (usually earrings) that are so large that they "swing" back and forth to the point of being a distraction. A noisy bracelet is also a no-no in my book.
This is not the time to wear every single cartier/tory burch/hermes/other expensive trendy designer bracelet you own. Tasteful selection is key guys.

Hair and Makeup

Rush is not the time to try out a new hairstyle or makeup look- go with what's already working. Do not try false lashes or contouring for the first time at recruitment. **On that note, make sure at the first round your hair and makeup look close to the photo you submitted with your recruitment information, as that is what actives are looking for to identify you. You can change it up a bit more as the week goes along.
You do not have to go full glam makeup for recruitment if that is not your normal look! Some mascara, brow pencil, eyeliner and lipgloss is fine if that is more your speed. If you do want to go full glam, then go for it!
Give your makeup a test run out in the humidity. Also, a primer and makeup setting spray will be your best friend if you want to do foundation and concealer.
Some of the ladies of GC (myself included) swear by keratin treatments to protect hair from the humidity. Just note that it reduces the curliness of your hair and could significantly change how it looks vs. your picture. Mine is wavy if I air dry naturally but is straight with a little end curl after keratin.

What to bring with you on the day
**most campuses will not let you take your bag into the party with you, so a tote of some sort is a good one to bring, and it's going to sit outside on the ground so leave your designer stuff in the dorm**

Carry a travel size deodorant with you - and don't wear the kind that leave a white 'film.'
Blotting sheets (coffee filters work too)
Tide pen
Battery controlled fan
Powder
Lipstick/gloss/chapstick
Other makeup you might want to touch up – PLEASE NOTE you will not have time for a full face redo so don’t bring your full kit, but a couple of items like eyeliner/brow pencil or concealer to touch up are fine
Bring a claw clip to gently pin your hair up between houses and a brush to comb it back out, that way it doesn't get too sweaty
Something to sit on in your bag so you don't stain your clothes sitting outside houses
Notebook and pen for notes between parties (some schools give you something at convocation)
Flip flops
Tampons/pads if there is any possibility of needing one
A bandana or something to wipe sweat