The trends followed by many UF sorority girls.
The Panhellenic Council at the University of Florida (UF) is composed of many diverse, intelligent and involved women. The community is strong and popular, with around 4,000 total members, according to UF Panhellenic. One major thing I have noticed while being in a UF sorority is that most sorority members are on top of the latest trends. Stylish outfits, trendy accessories and personalized gear are a few of the many items that make up the ideal UF sorority girl starter pack:
1. Raincoat/Anorak
If you are in a sorority at UF and don’t own an oversized navy raincoat, what are you doing? These cozy jackets with fleece lining can be seen all around campus when the sky looks even slightly questionable. With one’s sorority logo on one side and maybe their name on the other, each jacket can be unique to the person. These anoraks are not only completely necessary in the unpredictable weather of the Swamp, but also allow one to show their pride for their organization in a fashionable way.
2. Embroidered Backpack
Most sororities gift new members a backpack with the sorority’s name embroidered in a fun color on bid day. These backpacks are practically glued to the backs of sorority girls. Each member class gets a different style, color or embroidered design on their backpacks. My personal favorites are black with pink embroidery. These high-quality, very durable backpacks are a practical and valuable gift.
3. Pins
All UF sorority girls have countless Gator game day pins. These small pins are added to one’s game day fit to show off her sorority. These pins come in adorable blue, orange and white backgrounds with various embroidered designs. My personal favorite at the moment is a blue gingham pin with an emerald green gator wearing an orange and blue bow. I also love the pins with sparkly fabrics. These pins are customizable as some are unique to each sorority. They add the perfect extra touch to game day gear.
4. Matching Work Out Sets/Athleisure
I can guarantee that if you take a walk on sorority row, you will see most girls wearing matching sets or athleisure. Athleisure is a must in Gainesville because of the high humidity and sweltering temperatures. Walking all around campus in almost anything else can be unbearable. Matching sets from Lululemon, Aerie, Beyond Yoga, Alo Yoga and Free People Movement are all so cute. Tennis dresses are extremely popular because they make one look put together without much effort. Monochromatic and cheerful colors are also very on-trend.
5. Big Water Bottles
So many sorority girls at UF have “emotional support” water bottles. Whether it’s an enormous Stanley Cup, Owala, Yeti or a Hydro Flask, these bottles can always be spotted in hand. Bright, neon-colored bottles cover dining room tables at every meal. Having a lot of water at all times is super helpful to stay hydrated and happy during these warm months.
6. Highly Planned Game Day Outfits
Personally, planning game day outfits is my Super Bowl. I spend months trying to find the cutest orange and blue pieces to wear during football season, and then, I carefully craft a detailed PowerPoint consisting of the outfit, jewelry, shoes, purse and pin, of course. When one goes on Instagram the Sunday morning after a Gator game, you are sure to see incredible outfits from girls in all sororities. I love getting inspiration from all the posts. Currently, it’s popular to just wear orange, blue or a neutral color rather than wearing actual UF gear. One exception to UF gear would be jerseys, such as hockey, baseball, basketball and football jerseys. Monochromatic matching sets, flowy dresses, all things denim (mini skirts, vests, rompers and tiny tops) and tube tops are common choices. Cowboy boots are still very much in style, and ribbon is added to clothing, boots and hair. I’m obsessed with the current game-day fashion trends because they are all super cute and doable.
7. Loyal Greek Divine Customer
If you are in need of anything Greek, Greek Divine is the place to go in Gainesville. The store carries just about everything and anything you can imagine for each sorority. There are hats, pins, blankets, clothes, jewelry, stickers, cups, pillows, makeup bags, bag accessories, UF-inspired items and more. This store is a sorority gift wonderland. Their speedy embroidery makes the store even better. I would think someone was lying if they told me they were in a UF sorority and never took a trip to Greek Divine.
UF sorority girls never cease to amaze me with their speed to hop onto adorable trends. The anorak, backpacks, pins, athleisure, big water bottles, very particular game-day outfits and Greek Divine trips are just a few things prevalent among UF’s Panhellenic community. These trends are not exclusive, but rather just what I have noticed during my time here at UF. I can’t wait to learn the next trend!