Hey beauties!

Rush Week is just around the corner, and you all know what that means: it’s time to bring your absolute A-game! As someone who knows both the Greek life scene and the world of social media, I know exactly how crucial it is to plan the right outfits. Today, I’m sharing my best tips on how to create looks that not only look stunning in person, but also look absolutely perfect on Instagram, TikTok, and in all the official rush photos.

The basic rule: authenticity meets camera awareness

Before we get to the specific tips, let’s talk about the most important thing: your outfits need to represent YOU. Rush Week is not the time to play a completely different person. The sisters will notice that right away, and you want to join a sorority that fits you, right?

At the same time, we live in an age where every moment is documented. Your rush outfits will end up on social media, be used in sorority brochures, and still be seen in your memories years later. That’s why they need to be camera-ready.

Day 1: First impressions – clean & classic

For the first day of rush, go for timeless elegance. Think of looks that will still look good in ten years:

• The color rule: Pastel shades and neutral colors photograph best. Pink, mint, lavender, or classic navy always work. Avoid bright neon colors – they can look strange in photos.
• The fit: A well-fitting dress or a chic blouse with high-quality pants. Nothing too tight (often looks cheap in photos) and nothing too loose (swallows your silhouette).
• Accessories: One statement piece of jewelry is enough. Too much bling reflects the flash and can be distracting.

Day 2 & 3: Personality Showcase

Now you can be a little bolder and show off your personality:

• Prints are allowed: florals, polka dots, or subtle stripes. But be careful: patterns that are too small can “flicker” in photos and be distracting.
• Color blocking: One solid color per outfit piece works better photographically than complex patterns.
• Texture mix: Different fabrics such as silk, cotton, or light knitwear add depth to your looks – even in photos.

The photography hacks every sorority candidate should know:

1. Emphasize your waist: Even if you don’t have pronounced curves, a belt or a fitted cut will create a beautiful silhouette in photos.
2. Layering: A blazer over a top or a delicate cardigan gives you options for different looks throughout the day.
3. Shoes matter: Yes, even if you can’t see them most of the time – the right shoes change your entire posture and therefore how you come across in photos.

What to avoid:

• All black: It may look chic, but you’ll get lost in group photos.
• Too many trends at once: You want to look timeless, not like a Pinterest board exploded.
• Uncomfortable outfits: If you feel uncomfortable, it will show in every photo.

My insider tip: The Polaroid test

Before rush week, take photos of your planned outfits with different light sources—outside, inside, with flash. This way, you can see in advance what works and what doesn’t.

Staying authentic is key

Amidst all the photographic considerations, never forget: the right sorority will love you for who you are. Your outfits should show the best version of yourself, not a complete transformation.

The dress code reality

Most sororities have very specific dress codes, and these are NOT optional. Each rush day usually has clear guidelines:

• Day 1: Often “business casual” or “sundress appropriate”
• Day 2: “Cocktail attire” or “semi-formal”
• Pref Night: Usually “cocktail dress” or even “formal”

These codes are usually listed on your university’s Panhellenic website or announced during rush registration. Ignore them at your own risk—you don’t want to be the one who shows up in the wrong outfit!

The unspoken truth about sorority reputations

And yes, every sorority has its “brand”—even if we don’t say it out loud:

The “top tier” houses often expect a polished, expensive look. Brands matter here, and your handbag will definitely be judged. Designer dupes are okay, but everything must look high-quality.

The “party sororities” — yes, they exist — often look more at your willingness to party than your outfit. But be careful: “party-ready” does not mean “cheap-looking.”

The “academic” or “service-oriented” houses value modesty. Being too flashy can backfire here.

My honest advice: research is everything.

Check out the sororities’ Instagram accounts! Scroll through their rush photos from last year. How are the current sisters dressed? That’s your mood board.

• Are they all wearing Vineyard Vines and Lilly Pulitzer? That tells you something about the expected aesthetic.
• Do you see a lot of Revolve and Princess Polly? Different house, different vibe.
• A lot of Target and Forever 21? Maybe less focused on brands.

The uncomfortable truth

Some houses will actually judge you based on your look. Is that fair? No. Is it reality? Unfortunately, yes. You can hate the system (I sometimes do), but during rush week, you have to work with it.

But don’t forget:

If a sorority doesn’t want you just because of your clothes or your looks, then it’s not the right house for you anyway. You’ll have the best sorority experience where you’re appreciated for your personality — even if the first impression is often visual, unfortunately.

Practical tips:

1. Ask older sisters from different houses about their rush experiences.
2. Check out Greekrank (even though it can be toxic, it shows the campus hierarchies).
3. Set a realistic budget — don’t go into debt for rush outfits.
4. Have backup plans for different sorority “types.”

Rush week is a game, and like any game, you have to know the rules to win.

What are your experiences with sorority reputations on your campus? Let me know!

XOXO,

Sandra