How to Dress For NAMUN
Dressing up well is an art in itself. And the easiest way to create your very own MUN masterpiece is by focussing on the three C's: Color, Comfort, and Conservative.
Color: The colors of your attire are crucial. It is suggested that they be neutral, such as navy or dark blues, black, tan or brown. Wearing bright colours is certainly eye-catching, however, if you want people to focus on what you say instead of what you wear, go for dark colors with minimal patterns. For those perky people who can't stand monochromatic outfits, wearing a pant or skirt suit and choosing a brighter top to go with your neutral suiting would work wonders. Ties can also be a fun way to add some color without distracting your audience. Some world leaders that consistently dress professionally without being boring are Chrystia Freeland, Justin Trudeau, Catherine McKenna, Emmanuel Macron, and Jacinda Ardern. You can always count on them for inspiration.
Comfort: Comfortable clothing should be a priority. You won't like it when you will have to change your shoes halfway through the day because they were itchy, too tight or too loose. Get gel inserts for high heels or shoes that pinch at the toe and add orthopaedic inserts to your dress shoes or ballet flats to maintain that spring in your step. Make sure your clothes are a proper fit because ill-fitting and uncomfortable attire will affect your concentration and the quality of your debate. We don’t want that, do we?
Conservative: A conservative attire simply means dressing like you would for a job interview: well fitted and ironed pants, skirts or shirts. Button-down shirts could be buttoned to the first or second button, depending on whether or not you wear a tie. If you choose to wear a blouse or turtleneck under a blazer or cardigan, make sure your layering pieces will not overheat you mid-speech. If you choose to wear a skirt, knee-length or longer is typically the most formal. Use a belt if your pants are too loose to avoid having to pull them up all day.
Canada in February is COLD! Make sure to pack long pants, sweaters, a hat that covers your ears, a scarf and mittens, and a coat that can get you through -20 temperatures. If you plan on walking around Toronto, make sure to pack winter boots. Even rain boots with thick socks can get you through if need be. Spray your leather or suede boots in advance - the slush and the salted sidewalks will ruin them otherwise.
There will be numerous social events for NAMUN members, and it is unlikely that you’ll want to wear business attire for those. Pack a few things that you would be comfortable wearing to such events. If your luggage space is limited and you don't have room for specific outfits, you can maximize your clothing choices by packing jeans, skirts, sweaters and shirts, and pairing them with your dress attire (e.g.- jeans and a button-down or blouse).
A bonus tip to help you get around Toronto: the subway can be warm and hot even when it’s freezing outside. Dressing in layers can be extremely helpful when you're exploring the city. Under your coat, always bundle up with a sweater and a shirt.
We hope these suggestions help you make your time in Toronto a little less cold and a lot more fun. We can’t wait to see your dapper outfits in February!