How to dress like a sorority sister

Sorority-sister style is hitting the UK with a vengeance. If you have always been a follower of the fashion but struggle to uphold the image, then look no further.

Over the last few months we have been gossiping about what really makes a sorority top, and the pearls and cardigans go without saying. Many of us would usually associate these fashion items with the Women’s Institute, but this classic combination seems to be making a winning come-back and has a cute, stylish (rather than grumpy-granny) feel to it. Thankfully ASOS are ahead of the game with a fabulous range of clothing suited to sorority fashion; my favourite has to be darlings, a cardigan with pearl embellishment, stylish natural wool and in a fabulous nude shade.

If cardigans are not your thing, but you still want to dress with sorority style, do not worry, check out Karen Millen’s yummy collection. For a girly sweater or boyfriend blazer choose yours from Debenhams’s great selection. We have covered the yes, yippee and oh-so-good-to-wear tops, so now we must consider the ‘must not haves’: low cut tops, tank tops and anything that is so bright, you need sunglasses.

We are not suggesting you change your entire wardrobe; instead we are recommending statement pieces that will create a sorority sister look. A nice pair of jeans is a solid investment, and you can create an impact with medium to dark jeans. Personally I have several pairs of jeans that are older than the hills and are still brilliant; so invest. My favourites are bold curve skinny ones, which enhance your figure. From inside sources the ‘must not haves’ this season are cropped trousers and leggings.

We have covered tops and bottoms, so let’s get to the feet, my favourite part. For shoes a three-section approach is needed; pumps, riding boots and anything that makes you think Mary Jane. I adore Office’s collection of Mary Jane shoes; they look dependable and walk able but also cute and girly. For pumps, no one who does it better than Topshop with such a colour selection, you will be hard pushed to beat them. Personally I am loving the salmon pumps: they are a summer investment for sure! As always ‘must not haves’ are: white, strappy, hooker heels or cheap-looking shoes.

To make a perfect outfit we need to add the finishing touches since, like in a masterpiece, the finishing touches can make or break the outfit: so, jewellery needs to be subtle but highly fashionable. We have all seen the gorgeous pearls laced around the neck of certain sorority sisters and the only other piece you really need is a solid pair of Tiffany earrings. I have a couple of perfect pieces that I adore although this time it was a very hard decision, but the twist-hoop earrings won because they are silver, tiny and detailed.

My final word on true sorority style: no fake tan, not too much make-up and try to go understated rather than an outfit that would make Liberace say, “Whoa! Step back!”

Paula de Burgh