Rush Lookbook
When August is approaching, it always reminds me of how my whole social media career started: posting my sorority rush experience at The University of Alabama in 2019! One of my favorite parts about college was my rush experience and shopping for all my outfits for rush week. While I am now graduated and no longer involved in rush week, I wanted to create a lookbook with my top picks for all my girlies rushing!
Remember, it's not about what you wear, but who you are on the inside. A majority of my rush outfits were bought from Ross, TJMaxx, and Target, or were second-hand!
Rush Bags
During recruitment, you need a "rush bag." There are so many essentials of a rush bag, including anything you may think you need during the week to make the process easier. My rush bag had makeup puffs, a handheld fan, snacks, water, hand sanitizer, towels, mini perfume, oil blotting sheets, and so much more. I recommend going to your local Target or TJMaxx to find a cheaper tote bag option so you can treat yourself to a more luxurious outfit. Your tote bag will be sitting outside of the houses while you are rushing, so I liked using a reusable waterproof tote bag (just in case the grass was dewy or it rained the night before). Here are some of the top selections I found for bags this year!
Ribbon Bow Bag
I love everything about this bow bag, and the monogram is just the cherry on top. The size of this bag is perfect for all of your rushing essentials, and it's customizable, so you can make it your own!
Lilly Pulitzer Market Shopper Bag
When I was in college, Lilly Pulitzer bags were some of my favorite things to use! The designs of the bag are so unique that it will be easy to spot in the sea of bags in front of the houses.
Two-Tone Canvas Tote Bag
One of the best features of this LuluLemon bag is the interior pockets that help keep you organized throughout your busy day! Plus, it has such a neutral look that it will easily match whatever outfits you wear.
Iridescent Tote Bag
This bag is bold, bright, and perfect for holding whatever you need! It also comes with two extra packets so you can organize your goods and easily access them between houses.
Le Pliage Nylon Shoulder Tote
If you're looking for a more neutral tote bag, this one is perfect! I love the cream color of the bag paired with the brown leather trim. I can only imagine how many essentials would fit in this bag!
The Work Tote
What I love about this croc tote bag is that it resembles a purse! If you're a girlie looking for a more fashionable option to match your outfits, this bag is for you!
Ripstop Tote
If there is one thing I am obsessed with, it is a monogram bag! These bags are so bright and beautiful, and they're waterproof to protect all your essentials inside!
Jet Set Tote Bag
Now, if you're looking for a smaller option to hold a couple of things, this bag is for you! I can see myself using this to hold my makeup essentials in case I need a touch-up throughout the day.
Convocation
When it comes to outfits, I'm basing all the looks on what I experienced at Alabama. During my convocation, it was very relaxed, and I wore a simple activewear outfit. During this phase, you're meeting your Rho Chi (title varies depending on your school) and other girls rushing, and you might be listening to speeches.
Pretty in Pink
I am truly obsessed with the vibrant color of this dress and the amazing criss-cross detailing in the back. Paired with these white and pink sneakers and a fanny pack, you're ready to start your rush process!
Something Blue
There is something so fun and lively about this dress, and I love the idea of wearing matching sneakers! During this phase, all you need is a small crossbody belt bag to hold some of your essentials.
Lovely in Lavender
Rushing is all about being yourself, so showcase your personality by wearing your favorite color. I LOVE this purple romper, and I would pair it with tennis sneakers, a belt bag, and confidence to take on rush week!
Pops of Blue
When it comes to the beginning of rush week, you want to be comfortable so you can feel good mentally! Wearing a white athletic dress with sneakers and a fanny pack is the perfect fit for starting your week feeling good both inside and out!
Pink and Proud
Don't be afraid to be bold during rush week, and wearing a bright pink dress like this one is perfect to achieve that! With a matching pink bag and a pink Nike check on your sneakers, you will start the week off right.
Flawlessly Floral
If you're looking for a more feminine and girly look, this floral dress is perfect! Paired with simple white sneakers and a light pink fanny pack, you will be ready to take on whatever rush week brings you.
Little Miss Sunshine
If I saw a girl wearing this dress, I'd want to be her best friend! The color yellow brings such a warm vibe, so I love the idea of bringing the color out even more with a matching fanny pack and a hint of yellow on the sneakers.
Pink Blossom
If I were to rush again, I could see myself wearing this pink athletic dress. To keep the look simple, I would wear a plain black belt bag and black sneakers with a little added pop of pink!
Open House
Depending on your college, open house will be done virtually or in person. If you're attending virtually and watching videos from the sororities and not actually going to the houses, you can wear something similar to convocation as they'll only see the top of your body. If you are actually going into the sorority houses, you are officially starting the rush process. During this part of the week, you are going to have the shortest conversations, but it's the first impression the houses will get of you! Here are some of my favorite looks!
Golden Hour Glow
Once again, I am obsessed with wearing the color yellow, and this dress is no exception! With a simple wedge and a flower necklace, you will be the bright light of every house you visit!
Pink Pizazz
I've never met a pink dress I didn't like, and I am in LOVE with this one! For a more trendy look, I would wear the dress with these gold earrings and white sandals.
Pink Paradise
When a girl walks in wearing such a bright and gorgeous dress, dress you can't miss her. With a matching pink sandal and a gold necklace, you are ready to start impressing the houses!
Pink Classic
This dress is one of the most classic and elegant dresses for open house. I can totally see someone rocking this dress while wearing gold twisted hoops and a small white wedge.
Garden Goddess
There is nothing better than a dress covered with pink flowers! I would pair the look with some bright blush and a white sandal to make you look effortlessly perfect!
Lovely in Lavender
This purple dress with the butterfly earrings is totally giving Speak Now by Taylor Swift, and I love it! With a matching purple sandal, you are more than ready to be fearless like Taylor and take on open house.
Rosy Dream
Open house is all about first impressions, and this pink dress and adorable wedges tell everyone you are ready to be a sister! To add a little glam to the look, put on these gold bracelets and sparkling lip gloss.
Pink Passion
From the ruffle sleeves to the bow on the back, this dress is perfect for my girly girls. Paired with a white platform sandal and this matching pink bracelet, you will be a fashionable favorite!
Philanthropy
One of my favorite parts about my sorority was our charity work, and the philanthropy round is where you learn about the philanthropy each sorority focuses on. Most SEC sororities treat this part of the week as a casual tee round, which means you will most likely get a sponsored t-shirt by Panhellenic. So, all you need for this round is to buy cute bottoms you want to pair the shirt with! Make sure to stay away from anything too short, too casual, and any jean material. If your school doesn't provide shirts, you can wear anything from the open house round above!
A Girly Dream
Y'all know I am obsessed with a frilly pink skirt, especially when I get to pair it with a pink bow! A simple white sandal will complete this look, and you will be ready for one of the best parts of rush week.
Pastel Garden
These floral shorts are to die for, and the multiple colors are perfect for matching a variety of shirts! I would finish the look with these amazing pink sandals and a stunning Kendra Scott necklace.
Ready in Ruffles
Everything about these floral shorts is amazing, and I am in LOVE with the ruffle look! I can see myself wearing a gold initial necklace and platform sandals to complete the look and take on the day.
Short n’ Sweet
As someone who loves the color pink, these pink shorts and matching pink headband are perfect for what I would wear to philanthropy. Paired with these platform heels that have a pop of pink on the ankle strap, this look is perfectly pink!
Flower Power
I am all about a pop of color, and this green floral skirt is perfect to stand out! To complete the look, I would wear these simple white sandals and a gorgeous gold bracelet.
All About the Bow
Do you know what's better than one bow? Two bows on the front of a pink skirt! I am obsessed with this skirt, especially when it's paired with a bow necklace and light pink sandals.
Blue Bliss
When I saw the color of this blue skirt, I knew it had to make it onto this list! Paired with a white platform sandal and seashell necklace, it is giving all the coastal preppy vibes.
Pink Lady
I am all about an elegant short, and these pink shorts are AMAZING. I can see myself wearing them with a white strappy sandal and a gold heart necklace that reminds me of the one from Barbie.
Sisterhood
As rush week continues on, the dressier the outfits get. Sisterhood is all about learning about a sorority's heart, friendships, and what makes them special. This is typically the largest cut of the week, so prepare yourself to make some big decisions.
Classic Beauty
What is more glamorous than a gorgeous pink dress with a scarf running down the back?! I am obsessed with this look, especially when it's paired with pink bow heels and pearl earrings!
Bold in Blue
This blue dress is giving all the Cinderella vibes! I LOVE the white heels and gold hoop earrings to keep the look simple but beautiful.
Gorgeous and Girly
If I were to rush again, I could see myself wearing this fabulous pink dress. I am obsessed with the floral detailing in the shoes that matches the dress, and the heart earrings are the cherry on top!
Simply Stunning
This pink dress is so classy, especially when worn with these pearl stud earrings. I would choose to wear these nude heels to keep the look simple but elegant!
Blue Beauty
When I saw this blue dress, it literally stopped me in my tracks! Everything about the dress is gorgeous, and I LOVE bringing out the blue even more with the necklace but keeping the shoe a simple white.
Perfectly Pink
We all love a Barbie moment, and this dress is giving ALL of the Barbie vibes! To keep with the feminine look, wear these adorable bow earrings and black bow heels.
Blooming in Blue
There is something so elegant about a blue and floral dress, and I love keeping it classy with a pearl bracelet! Paired with these white heels, you will be strutting around feeling fabulous.
Glamorous in Green
I feel like green is such a neglected color, but as seen on this dress, it is GORG! Green pairs perfectly with gold, so I would wear these gold earrings and heels.
Pref
Pref is the longest round of the week, and it is the chance for you to find out where your home away from home is! Preference round is the most dressy out of all the rounds, and you are typically only visiting 2 to 3 houses. The dress code during this part of rush week is similar to what you wear as a wedding guest, and many girls decide to wear white but it is not required!
Purely Stunning
This white dress is SO unique, and it makes it stand out amongst the crowd! Complete the look with these black heels and a gold bracelet for a sophisticated vibe.
Powerfully Pink
I am in LOVE with the color and cut of this pink dress! I feel so powerful when I wear pink, especially when I've got on matching heels and blush.
Golden Glamour
Show everybody that you're a golden girl with this gorgeous dress! If I were to wear this look, I would wear matching gold heels and this sparkly necklace!
Green and Gorgeous
I have one thing to say about this green dress: OBSESSED! This look feels so high chic, and I love it when paired with matching green heels and a headband.
Purely Perfect
If you want that simple chic look, this white dress and bow heels are perfect for you! Make sure to add some shine to your look with one of my favorite highlighters. bow heels
Pearl Perfection
Nothing is more classic than pearls, which makes this dress timeless! To match the pearl outlining, I would wear a pair of pearl earrings and these stunning pearl heels.
Blushing Beauty
Of course, I must finish the lookbook with a girly pink dress! Everything about this look is so feminine, including the gorgeous flower earrings and perfect pink heels.
Making this blog brought back such AMAZING memories. If you're preparing for your rush process, check out some of my vlogs for my best tips and tricks! Now go out there, look fabulous, and find your new home!
