Planning your rush week outfits doesn't have to be overwhelming. Whether you're prepping for sorority recruitment at an SEC school or a smaller campus, having the perfect sorority rush outfits for each round is a must. This complete rush week style guide breaks down exactly what to wear for open house, philanthropy, sisterhood, and preference night, plus iconic bid day celebration looks.
We know rush week is a big deal and there’s probably a million things on your to-do list. Luckily for you, we’re here to cross off one major thing for you — your outfits! As you probably already know, each day of rush week has a particular theme and your outfits need to match. If this is the first time you’re hearing this, don’t stress! Everything you need to know about rush week outfits can be found in this blog. On top of giving you the rundown on all-things rush week, we’ve also put together a few looks for each day so you don’t have to (thank us later).
From your staple rush dresses, to Bid Day basics, these sorority rush week styles will have everybody asking, “where did you get your outfit from?!” Let’s get ready!
Day 1: Open House
Time for the meet and greets. Open House Day will involve lots of talking, walking and first impressions. Consider this the ‘casual round’ where your sorority rush outfits can be comfortable, cute and practical. The go-to look for today is either a skirt paired with a timeless top or a versatile summer dress. Don’t overthink this round - just wear something you feel confident in!
But, we recommended avoiding activewear and sweats. While this is a more casual round, you still want to wear something a little more elevated than your at home cozy OOTD. Also, potential new members might be given a designated tee to wear. If this is you, don’t freak out! Just pair your tee with some versatile denim jeans or shorts, and sneakers for a cute, casual look.
Also known as Service Day, you’ll be spending most of your time learning about sorority initiatives and charities.
Sorority rush outfits for this day should be casual and cute (but make sure to wear comfortable shoes, you’ll be on your feet a lot). Easily nail this day by wearing your designated tee (given to you by the leader during the week) with shorts, a skirt and some comfortable shoes.
We’ve made sure that every look in this blog can easily fit into your forever wardrobe after rush week is over, so no more once-off wears! Add these to your everyday college wardrobe and get ready to look cute on campus.
It’s finally time for a tour! On Sisterhood Day, you’ll be getting a sneak peek of sorority life. This super exciting day calls for a ‘fit that’s elevated, but not too formal. Reach for sisterhood round dresses that are fun and flowy — don’t be scared to be a little more bold today and show off your personality! A mini dress, a matching set or a mini skirt and cute top combo will all fit the vibe perfectly.
In love with these outfits so far and want to rep more Princess Polly looks this school year? We’re always on the hunt for fashion-obsessed students who love to tell their classmates (and sorority sisters) where they got their cute ‘fits from. Learn how to become a Princess Polly College Ambassador. Major perks included!
Time to impress! This is your chance to sweet talk your sorority sisters and express your interest in joining.
Compared to the other days of rush week, Preference Night is a little more serious. A simple, statement dress should be at the top of your list. We recommend bringing out a cute pair of heels for this night too, lean more towards being too formal than too casual. Imagine you’ve been invited to a wedding and then choose your outfit with that in mind!
A few statement accessories and a timeless dress and you’re ready for the night.
Bid Day is one of the most exciting moments of rush week; it's the day you find out which sorority has extended an offer, or ‘bid’ to you to become a new member. For your OOTD, it’s back to basics! Your bid day essentials should include sneakers, loafers, shirts, and skirts. Why? Because you’ll be too excited to worry about your outfit after you’ve been accepted into your dream sorority!
We LOVE pairing skorts and cute mini skirts with oversized graphic tees this summer. Hot styling tip: opt for a skort for ultimate practicality and comfort. Skorts give you the cute look of a skirt but with the added comfort and ease of shorts, so you can celebrate without any wardrobe worries. Throw on your fave shoes, go-to earrings, and run out the door to join your sorority fam.
Here are a few rush week tips from our Princess Polly College Ambassadors!
Mia:
My advice would be to trust the process, pay attention to the little moments because it goes by fast, and let your true self shine!
Paulina:
Wear something you’re comfortable and confident in
Make sure to be on time or early to each round!
Take care of yourself, stay hydrated, get your meals in.
Know that the stress will pass and it’ll all be worth it.
Give yourself grace and have trust in the process!
Emma:
First impressions matter, but don’t overthink it! Wear something that feels effortlessly you. A cute set, or a chic dress pulls the whole look together when you wear it with confidence.
Pref Round Style Tip: This is your moment to show your personality. A bold color or fun pattern goes a long way!
Don’t Sleep on Accessories: A pair of statement shoes with a pop of color, chunky earrings, or a dainty hair accessory can totally elevate a simple look, and it draws attention to detail to help you stand out.
Rush Week FAQs
What should I wear to sorority rush week?
Rush week is all about showing off your personality, so wear something that feels you. Think cute mini dresses, matching sets, or a flattering top and skirt combo. You want a look that’s elevated and effortless. Bright colors, feminine prints, and staple neutrals are always a yes. Add accessories, comfy (but cute) shoes, and you're good to go!
How formal should preference night outfits be?
Preference night is definitely your most elevated moment of the week, so lean into those dressier vibes. Think cocktail dresses, midi styles, and formal silhouettes. You still want to feel comfortable, but this is your chance to dress to impress. Picture something you'd wear to a dinner date or a cocktail dress-code wedding.
Can I wear the same dress twice during rush week?
You totally can, but we recommend styling it differently! Add a blazer, change your accessories, or swap out your shoes to create a different look. Rush week is a great excuse to play dress-up and show different sides of your style. Plus, you’ll be taking a lot of pics, so you might want some variety!
What colors should I avoid during rush week?
There are no hard rules, but it’s a good idea to skip super dark shades like all-black unless it’s for preference night. Avoid anything overly flashy that might distract from you (save that sequin mini dress for the weekend). Stick to colors that make you feel confident and fresh: pastels, whites, soft brights, and classic neutrals are always a yes.
What Does PNM Mean?
You might hear the term PNM thrown around a lot, which stands for Potential New Member. That's you! It just means you're someone who's interested in joining a sorority. During rush week, you'll get to meet current sorority members, check out different houses, and participate in fun events. It's a chance for you to see which sorority feels like the best fit for you, and for the sororities to get to know you better too. By the end of the week, you'll hopefully find the perfect match where you feel right at home.
What is a preference ceremony for a sorority?
At the Preference Ceremony, you'll have the chance to have deeper, one-on-one conversations with existing members. This is an important time where you can ask more personal questions and get a feel for the sorority's values and sisterhood. It’s all about making sure you find the right fit, and the sororities are doing the same. It's a key part of the process, helping you make that final decision on where you see yourself thriving. Enjoy it and trust your instincts!
What does soror mean?
The term ‘soror’ simply means sister. It's a cute, shortened version of "sorority sister" that members use to refer to each other.
