The standards of dressing that are to be obeyed during the official plenary sessions as well as during the opening and closing ceremonies at SOFIMUN.
Through tradition and usage, diplomats have come to wear certain kinds of clothes for certain occasions. Your “uniform” will depend on the function, be it casual or formal. This section gives a description of each kind of dress and the occasions for which they are appropriate. Keep in mind that local customs impose many modifications, so be sure to check at post. Sometimes, wearing the country’s ethnic or national dress in lieu of traditional dress is appropriate.
In various parts of the world, a specific nomenclature for dress has arisen. Contrary to the common meaning within US culture, in the diplomatic community, “informal dress” equates to business dress (see below). In some parts of the world, other terms for informal dress for men include “lounge suit”, “national dress”, “tenue de ville”, “planters”, “shirt and tie”, “island casual”, and “bush shirt”.
“Planters” refers to a long sleeved white shirt with a tie and dark trousers.
“Bush shirt” is a long or short sleeved shirt with a finished bottom edge worn outside rather than tucked into the slacks, or a long or short sleeved embroidered man’s shirt.
“Island casual” means a Hawaiian shirt and casual (usually khaki) slacks.
Similarly, various terms apply to formal dress for men.
“Tuxedo” and “smoking jacket” mean black tie, whereas a “Red Sea Rig” or “Gulf Rig” means a tuxedo minus the jacket.
“Dinner jacket” may refer to either a dark-colored or white jacket. If you are unsure of the terminology used, it is always appropriate to clarify before the event.
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For many posts, the overwhelming choice for day-to-day business is a suit and tie for men and a business suit or conservative dress for women. Men and women of all ranks of staff and spouses are expected to bring this type of clothing. Although suitable dress clothing for men can often be purchased at post, it is often limited and expensive. The selection for women may be larger, but the clothing is often limited and expensive as well. Business attire for women is usually appropriate for official evening functions.
Occasionally, business attire will not be appropriate. Below are some dressing guidelines to help clarify the lines between formal and casual wear, day and evening wear. As always, exceptions to the rule exist, so be observant and inquire at post.
Formal “Black Tie” or “White Tie”
Formal wear may be worn at evening performances of the opera, the theater, balls and for the most formal of dinners and evening affairs. Black tie is generally not worn in the daytime. White tie requires the additional formality of a cutaway (“tails”) and white tie for men and a floor-length ball gown for women. Above all, let the information on the invitation be your guide. If the invitation is unclear, ask when you respond to the invitation.
Male Attire
Black, hip-length coat without tails and with silk or satin lapels (a white dinner coat may be worn in hot weather and the tropics)
Low-cut black waistcoat or cummerbund may be worn with a single-breasted coat
Black trousers
White starched or pleated shirt or a soft evening shirt with studs instead of buttons
Wing, turn-down, or attached collar and black bow tie
Black shoes and socks
Hats and gloves are optional but not worn or carried indoors
Female Attire
Knee-length cocktail dress
Floor-length ball gown
Long skirt with top
High-heeled shoes or dressy flats
Above-elbow gloves are optional with a sleeveless evening gown, and short gloves may be worn with a long-sleeved gown. If worn, gloves need not be removed for a receiving line or dancing, but are removed prior to eating or drinking.
Semi-Formal/Informal
Semi-formal/Informal wear may be worn for cocktail parties, dinners, some dances, the theater, the opera and evening receptions.
Male Attire
Dark suit
Tie or bow tie
Dark shoes and socks
Female Attire
Short cocktail dress
Gloves may be worn if the event is outside
High-heeled shoes or dressy flats
Casual
Most countries do not define casual as jeans and sneakers or sportswear. Shorts and jeans, for men and women, are considered inappropriate attire for social functions in many parts of the world. Instead, you will find that business attire is usually appropriate for an event specified as casual. Breakfast, lunch, daytime meetings, afternoon tea, and some receptions are generally considered casual, but the invitation should specify.
Male Attire
Business suit (light or dark) or Sports jacket and pants
Tie or bow tie
Dress shoes or loafers
Female Attire
Business suit or daytime dress
Pumps or flats
Hats and gloves are optional – head coverings may be considered a requirement at some events. Hats may also provide welcome and necessary protection from the sun; check with the post.
Thanks to: http://www.ediplomat.com/nd/protocol/dressing.htm