Sorority rush instills brazen fashion rules

The Fashion Dungjen

Published: Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Updated: Tuesday, February 23, 2010

I never really gave much thought to joining a sorority.

I have one legitimate pain-in-my-ass sister. I didn’t need 50 illegitimate pain-in-my-ass sisters.

While I have friends who would preach the positive virtues of a sorority until they’re blue in the face — and would probably continue well beyond that — Greek Life never sounded like something I wanted to be a part of.

Admittedly, I have a very limited scope for what it means or what it takes to go Greek. My exposure is limited to the few friends I have within the sorority circle and what is presented on a local and national stage.

Last month, Fashionista.com posted a Web story about the dress code requirements of Cornell University’s Pi Beta Phi chapter. The site leaked a six-page document laying out the “dos” and “don’t even think about its” of wardrobe regulations for rush.

Among the guidelines:
- No open-toe shoes
- Manicures and pedicures, waxes, cuts and colors are a must
- No muffin tops
- No hooker heels/ “fuck-me pumps”
- No satin unless you weigh fewer than 130 pounds and are wearing three pair of Spanx

If you read through the entire six pages, you might notice a pattern or at least get a mental image of what these girls should look like. Think “Gossip Girl.”

The document also says there will be dress checks — if it doesn’t pass inspection, it’s back to the closet.

When I read the documents, I wasn’t sure what to make of them. I didn’t know if this was typical or if the highly regimented wardrobe guidelines were unusual. So, I turned to the few sorority members at the University of Cincinnati I’ve gotten to know in the past four years.

Most of the women I spoke with, although none had heard of the Pi Phi guidelines at Cornell, were not surprised.

Two years ago, during recruitment, Theta Phi Alpha members had to wear black bottoms, close-toe shoes and a white button-up blouse. Then rumors started circulating. Word on the street is a recruit was torn between Theta Phi and another sorority. While Theta Phi was wearing white shirts, another sorority was able to wear any color shirt they chose. The recruit felt her individuality would be stifled at Theta Phi and she chose the other sorority. Not wanting to lose more recruits, Theta Phi altered their wardrobe, said Bridget McDermott, a fourth-year English student and member of UC’s Theta Phi chapter.
Last year, during recruitment, Theta Phi women had to wear black bottoms, black close-toe shoes and a button-up shirt in the color of their choice.

“It’s like you’re going on a business interview,” McDermott said. “You would probably show it off to your friends to make sure you look nice. It’s the same for recruiting. When people come to our organization, we want to look nice.”

Wardrobe “try outs” and uniforms are not an uncommon practice. What might startle some, though, is the degree of the Pi Phi chapter’s requirements.

The extremely regimented and regulated uniforms do suggest a lack of individuality. Although there are some options in what can be worn, there is no doubt an air of entitlement. Within the document guidelines, several designers are mentioned as being “appropriate.”

Nice flats, like something from Tory Burch, are appropriate. Flats from Tory Burch are at least, if you’re lucky and shopping sales, approximately $100. Not exactly an economical purchase.

I totally understand the purpose of the guidelines: Everyone should look nice and present themselves as a unit. What I don’t understand is the sense of realism. I imagine walking into a house as a recruit would feel something like being a part of the “plastics” from “Mean Girls.” You know, no hoop earrings, jeans are only allowed on Friday, pink must be worn on Wednesday. You get my point.

The dress codes only lasts for the recruitment period and is only for recruitment events, but when do you finally get to meet the real personalities of the women whom you might hope to join? What if, at that point, after you profess your unyielding devotion to your new sisters, you find out that the group of girls isn’t what you expected?

As a first-year student, if I had wanted to be part of a sorority, I might have been dissuaded by the structured attire.

But what’s one recruit, anyway?

Does Greek Life fit your fashion? Tell Taylor at thefashiondungjen@gmail.com.

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a c

Tue Apr 20 2010 14:59

Taylor,

I'm sry you look to ugly and dress like a slob and thus can not become one of the girls that makes a difference on campus. stick to telling the rest of you friendless hippie sluts when to what to do when its their time of the month and they want to go swimming. if it wasn't for your crappy article you could die and no one would notice.

Thanks,
a well dressed frat guy

Amanda Worthington

Sun Feb 28 2010 01:24

I am an alumna of the University of Colorado Pi Beta Phi chapter. My mother, sister, cousins, aunts, and grandmothers are all members of different sororities. All had "dress codes" for the one week of "rush" or membership recruitment. As my grandmother said, “Always put you best foot forward because first impressions last”. Maybe it’s in a Tory Burch flat? At some schools, it is required by the Panhellenic Council that one day's attire include a t-shirt that says "Go Greek", which promotes and unifies the entire community. Another day had the potential new members, working alongside the chapter members, being of service, and supporting a philanthropy. When I graduated in the early 90s, we still had theme parties. It is refreshing to view some of the new ideas.
If the Cornell Pi Phi’s want a unified look for a week, fine! If you don't like it, believe me, they will know, and you won't be invited back.
Dress codes are standard for weddings, work interviews, sports, social occasions, and other events.
Maybe next week Michelle Obama will disregard her “appropriate dress code” at the next White House dinner,
and wear a tube-top and flip-flops!
At CU, some people were too lazy to think but just threw identities on groups, especially Greeks.
Pi Phi, with almost 140 members, was stereotyped as the "elite rich blonde" house, period. I doubt any of the “haters” had taken the time to meet all of our members and see that each woman is an individual, worthy of being more than an ignorant label.
It’s so much easier to criticize others than examine one's own self for areas needing improvement. Might I suggest that you care for your own house first before throwing rocks at others?

Anna Geimeier

Sat Feb 27 2010 13:14

Taylor,

Thanks for this article. Greek life control 90% of leadership roles on campus, though the majority of UC students are NOT a part of Greek life. What this means is that the majority of UC students are underrepresented. Sure, Greek life prepares scholars to be leaders, but there are plethora of other ways to develop leadership skills. Unfortunately, support of the Greek community gives Greek students a tremendous advantage in being elected to position such as student senate.

To me a leader is someone who does what they want and stands out as an individual, not part of a collective. A leader doesn't follow trends; a leader sets trends. A leader wears combat boots when everyone else is wearing flats.

I understand the benefits and privileges associated with "going Greek," but for me it is conformity I could never subject myself to.

Admittedly, this comment is off topic. I think the message of this article should be that the UC Greek community should make a conscious effort to not follow the suite of Cornell's embarrassing "fashion guide" and instead encourage individuality. (side note: I wonder if Cornell girls wear Uggs and VS Pink? Haha, a certain FASHION DON'T!)

Kaite Higgins

Fri Feb 26 2010 01:46

Will, a dress code is not a new concept. I would love for you to tell me you have never been a part of an activity that requires one. Also, What's dumb is talking about a WHOLE COMMUNITY that you have limited knowledge of.

Will Roper

Thu Feb 25 2010 07:30

Her ignorance is laughable? Thats a dumb thing to say. Taylor says she has a limited scope and she doesn't know a lot about greek life. therefore she is ignorant on the topic of Greek life. But ignorance is never laughable. This is her option and a lot of people feel the same way. I would never join a group where everybody has to dress the same during rush. That is weird and would not be something i wanted to join. I would never want to be apart of anything greek. It is not a doubt in my mind that many people in the Greek Community think they are better than non-greeks. If you do not believe go to Woody's one night and watch them as they look down at you. The Greek community and many people in it have big heads and are very vainglorious.

Clay Jamison

Wed Feb 24 2010 16:45

Can I have 4 beerz?

Emma Robinson

Wed Feb 24 2010 16:32

Hey Taylor,

Normally your sassy and fun fashion articles are the reason why I pick up a Wednesday News Record. However, I was sorely disappointed today. With all of the bad weather, and poor fashion choices in snow storms, and with Spring Quarter coming up I was sure you would have something funny and poignant to say. Unfortunately, this was not the case.

I too have a legitimate pain-in-the-ass sister. Coincidentally enough when she became extremely ill my sophomore year of college it was my 50 + "illegitimate pain-in-the-ass" sisters who supported me during a time when my biological sister was in the hospital. And it's weird because when they reached out to me, I did not require them to wear certain outfits, have their nails manicured or be 130 lbs.

Like I said Taylor, I have ALWAYS enjoyed your articles - you seem to be knowledgeable about fashion matters which is why I was surprised that you did not do more research prior to this article. I understand that this is an opinion piece, but honestly it is hard for me to respect your opinion when you have done such little research. Without any sort of "legitimate" basis and research on a topic you have little experience in, how can an opinion be formed? Do they not teach that in Journalism classes?

I am glad that you understand the need for a chapter to look like a unit. That being said, I find it sad that you would imagine walking into my chapter house being something out of the movie "Mean Girls." Apparently you have never been to my chapter house. On any given day when I walk into my chapter house the attire is usually sweat pants, jeans, t-shirts, nurse scrubs, sometimes a fabulous ensemble for a special day. However, at our Tuesday night meetings we wear business casual attire out of respect for our organization. We also do this during Formal Recruitment as it is something we, as a chapter, take seriously.
This year during Formal Recruitment, I wore a black skirt, a colored blouse, and black close-toed heels. In this outfit I had the pleasure of speaking with many women who were participating in the Formal Recruitment experience. I did not once tell them "You can only wear pink once a week!" or "You can only wear your hair in a pony-tail once a week-looks like you chose today." Instead, I found myself talking with them about what their dream job would be, what their favorite high school memory was, and you know what Taylor? I even admitted to one woman that I am obsessed with my cat. Look out Regina George, I am the new mean girl.

Taylor I want you to know that I will continue to read your article. As previously stated, I appreciate your knowledge about fashion. What I do not appreciate is when people relate my sorority, and my sisters to a movie which does not represent ANY of the morals, beliefs or ideals upheld in my chapter. I do not appreciate my chapter's name being degraded because of the confused ideals held by another chapter at a different University. Please visit the Greek Life website: www.uc.edu/greeklife. There are links to the sorority and fraternity web pages, please feel free to expand on your knowledge of the Greek system.

Respectfully Submitted,
Emma Robinson

Mjelisa Kong

Wed Feb 24 2010 15:14

It shows that you formed your opinion based on what one person experienced through recruitment. You lack the personal experience to justify your position on sorority recruitment. It's clear that your opinion is a rather uninformed and ignorant bias.

There is no hidden agenda to the way we dress for recruitment. It is encouraged because it shows professionalism and it's easier to present ourselves as a chapter. Simply put, it saves us the stress when we have several, more concerns like the logistics for the day. If we are misrepresenting ourselves simply because of our matching outfits then I suppose any sports team, or place of business requiring a uniform is also sending the "wrong" message.

Just so you know, Fall Recruitment is known as Formal Recruitment, which means all participating chapters under the National Panhellenic Council must follow rules including timing, presentation, and open ritual, not just dressing in the appropriate attire. We have Informal Recruitment in the Winter and Spring quarters, which does not require such strict guidelines as Formal Recruitment does. If our "uniforms" intimidate you in the Fall, you can always join us for Informal Recruitment, which does not have a required dress code...

Also, that comment regarding "Tory Burch shoes?" If any chapter required an actual brand as part of the day's outfits, that chapter would be fined since it is against National Panhellenic's Recruitment Policy for all chapter members to wear a specified brand. Here's a suggestion, do your research, at UC, not Cornell.

I'll leave you with one thought, which I know you will hear several more times in the next few weeks. We are Greeks, we represent 90% of all leadership roles on campus - men and women, we put just as much hard work into philanthropies and campus programming events as much as anyone with a full-time job would have while maintaining excellent grades, we support our "illegitimate brothers and sisters" to be the best they can as student leaders. We are your student government, we are your college ambassadors, we are your campus volunteers, and we are 110% proud to be Greek.

With that being said, on behalf of us Greeks, I send my sincerest apologies on behalf of the community if our professional dress code offends you.

Interested in Recruitment? Here's the link: wwww.uc.edu/greeklife.

Lauren Mangeno

Wed Feb 24 2010 13:31

Your ignorance is laughable. As I sit in class with five other Greeks, including Fraternity Men, we are astonished by your tunnel vision and incapability to recognize why we do the things we do. Recruitment is the most important aspect of Greek Life, and as a Senior member of Theta Phi Alpha, agree with what my sister, Bridget says. Maybe because you are blind or refuse to recognize that the recruitment process is much like an interview process, there is a method behind our "madness". We in no way, identify a brand or type of shoe that can be worn. We do not discriminate against anyones weight nor those not in the "upper class". There are no words in our recruitment rules that require a manicure or Spanx, so your humor is thus lacking. This is the second time in a year that the news record has negatively highlighted the Greek Community. I have an idea for your research efforts, however. Go through sorority recruitment: Learn about how we mold leaders, raise thousands of dollars and spend long hours contributing to various philanthropic effors, and experience our sisterhood for yourself. Last night, we had a renound speaker, Mari Ann Callais, come to speak to the community. She has given over 450 speaches on and after her program was astonished by the professionalism, spirit, and sense of togetherness that the Greek Community at UC has. I have to say that her credentials much further yours and I speak with my fellow brothers and sisters in saying, "PROUD TO BE GREEK."

Ryan Sullivan

Wed Feb 24 2010 13:21

If I had to add my two cents I would explicate that, as mentioned, recruitment is like an interview. Greek organizations operate as a business and are subsequently run like a business. Brotherhood/Sisterhood is one important aspects of the organization but is not the only virtue that we try and instill. When you address the lack of true personality of the member saying "What if, at that point, after you profess your unyielding devotion to your new sisters, you find out that the group of girls isn’t what you expected?" I would think that this is not an issue. For me the ones true personality is a little more than skin, or for that matter "clothes" deep. I can understand where a non-member is coming from but after all of my years and encounters with non-members views/disagreements I have come to the conclusion that there's just no way to explain it to you. Its something you have to experience. With that said I thank you for your article and interest in greek life.

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