Continued from April's issue...

- Since Greece is a warm country, in the summer men usually avoid wearing socks. However, there are still some exceptions: we always wear socks when wearing shoes with laces, when on a formal business meeting or in specific official buildings such as ministries or the Parliament, when wearing a suit and tie.

- Our grandfathers' hats have been substituted, especially in the summer, by caps. Even for these, old etiquette rules apply - we always remove our hat when entering a room, when greeting a lady, or when introduced to someone. Men should avoid earrings, rings, chains and other items of jewelry
 (unless, of course, they happen to be Ricky Martin or Elton John look-alikes).

- Men's aftershave should be subtle enough not to attract either positive or negative comments when in a public area or in a social gathering. Slightly more is suitable for private moments.

- Since it is inappropriate for men to hoist up their trousers constantly by the belt, if we feel that our trousers are loose we should use braces. These should always be hidden underneath a jacket or waist coat. Braces and a belt should not be worn simultaneously.

- A gentleman should never hide his eyes. When meeting a lady he should always remove his sunglasses.

- The old rule stating that a man should shave daily is still valid. There was a time when beards and moustaches were most fashionable in Greece, however this trend no longer exists.

- There are only two occasions where a man can appear with a bare chest: if he is sleeping with his partner (he should wear pajamas when sleeping on his own) and at the beach.

- Jewelry offers both internal and external satisfaction it is a pleasure to the eye of the beholder and the wearer.

- Jewelry should be chosen according to the time of the day and the location. We should in general avoid expensive jewelry
 in. the morning, and should not wear handfuls of precious bijoux at night. A family ring on the little finger, or above the wedding ring, a bead necklace in the summer and a few casual items on an island or in the countryside (ie a watch or a chain) are an indication of discretion and good taste.

- Can we mingle real and fake jewelry? The conservatives' answer is a firm no, but Coco Channel's supporters encourage this coexistence. It is really up to us to choose which of the two we prefer, but if we choose to mingle fake and real, the result must be pleasant and matching. In general, we should avoid such combinations since the former is accepted as long as it is elegant and not a replica. When wearing real jewelry, we should ensure that there are no extreme differences in each item's worth.

- We shouldn't show off our expensive jewelry. We should wear them tactfully and discreetly. And of course, we shouldn't wear them at the beach, at sports events, health clubs, in the countryside or in bed.

- A bride shouldn't wear much jewelry. A simple cross necklace and earrings are ideal.

- During mourning it is not advisable to wear jewelry, except perhaps a discreet cross. Queen Victoria was the first to establish the wearing of a pearl necklace at funerals.

- A pearl necklace suits all clothes apart from tracksuit trousers and T-shirts.

- The only items we are allowed to wear at all times are our wedding and engagement rings.

- We shouldn't wear two different precious stones on the same hand, unless they are bound together on the same ring.

- Young girls shouldn't wear expensive jewelry, apart from a simple chain around the neck.

- Men's choice of jewelry and accessories is limited to watches, cufflinks, and wedding rings. The tie-pin is no longer in fashion. A gentleman may use a golden lighter, note-clip, gold or silver cigarette case and a key-ring.

- Men can also wear their baptismal cross. However, this should always be worn inside the shirt and should not be obvious.

to be continued...

Excerpt from "Watch Your Manners In Greece" by Christos K. Zampounis