Dressing for a job, an interview, an internship, a networking event, or especially a conference is a source of anxiety for everyone at some point in their lives. For many people, it will come to the point when you get frustrated thinking about what to wear and how not to feel like an ultra-conservative superintendent. Don’t be, for this guide will give you advice on why you should look as professional as you can–while still feeling comfortable.

The dress code of most Model United Nations (MUN) conferences is Western business attire, which means that all student delegates are required to dress professionally during committee sessions (see below for suggestions).

Basically, “it is something you would wear to an interview,“ says Shana Kagan ’12, co-president of Blake’s MUN delegation to the University of Chicago. Kagan traveled with the group to Chicago early this month.

At events like this, looking nice is not only for the sake of outer appearance, but it also “allows for a professional environment to exist,” said Kenny Stesin ’13, a veteran MUN-er.

“It is an essential part of the conference. A delegate speaking about nuclear disarmament is, in my mind, much more distinguished in professional attire than in shorts and a baseball hat.

“The conference is designed to mirror the work of diplomats on the global stage.”

Indeed, with more and more students getting involved in politics, it is fundamental that you can walk the walk, talk the talk and, above all, look the look. This way, you can prove that your ideas and opinions are worth listening to and taken more seriously than just kids’ talk.

In addition, MUN attire is a reflection of how committed you are to the work at hand, at least from others’ perspectives.

“When I go to conferences, I can’t take people seriously if they dress ridiculously, admitted Erin Morris ’12, co-president of Blake’s MUNUC group and leader of Blake’s Georgetown trip, which also took place in February. “It is harder to work with someone if you don’t respect them.”

Kagan noted that the dress code “is a standard of how we are supposed to act at the conference. When you put on the business attire and have the binder with you, it is a whole other level.”

Fretting much? Well, don’t, because this guide is here to help you look business-like and fashionable. With these choices, you will not only bring that “I am a pro” vibe to the your community but also score a ten out of ten on your style-o-meter. Have fun dressing!

GIRLS: You have so many options–try a shirt with dress pants or a skirt, or a dress. Add a super trendy blazer or cardigan and your cutest heels or flats to complete the look!

GUYS: Pick a nice shirt with a tie and top off with a sweater or a vest (optional) and a suit jacket. Pair with nice dress pants and some polished shoes, and you’re good to go!

REMINDER: NO jeans, sweats, or baseball hats! You want to look sleek, not slack. And don’t be afraid to play with different colors and patterns; in fact, I encourage, no, challenge you to add colors and patterns to your outfit. Just make sure that you don’t look like a chameleon and more importantly, that it looks right to YOU. (And not so much to a chameleon. Just saying.)