What to Wear? Athens/Olympics
 

I have a friend who is attending the Olympics for a week in an official capacity. She has been advised of the weather (35-40 C) and that there will be a couple of evening receptions to attend (ambassadors residence type things), along with some evenings free. She is in a clothing dilema. For day time she has been given "logo" shirts and been told to wear walking shorts or a light skirt.

Is Athens a "formal" city? Are women expected to dress up in the evening when going out for dinner? Given the heat, what do women usually wear for "official" events where they are in a quasi-business setting? Do the evenings cool off at all? Are there any cultural concerns about sleevelessness or short skirts?

I hope these aren't totally stupid questions! I know it's an international event and that there will be a wide array of people and cultures represented. But she'd like to have a clue what to pack!!!

All serious help appreciated!
Thanks,
Alison

My husband is there right now. He says the temperature only drops a few degrees in the evening - too warm for him to wear long sleeves. He also says the women, and men, seem to be dressed with great care, and are fashionable.
I'm sure sleeveless is fine, with a light shawl or pashmina should your friend get chilly in the evening. How would she dress for these types of events at home?

Good point taggie!

We live in a very temperate climate, so what she would wear here is likely to stifle her there!!!

Alisonh

Hello Alisonh!
Athens is like any other big city. During daytime, the dress code is casual and 'light'.
At nights it depends on the occasion. For 'official' events usually a nice top and skirt is perfect, or a nice simple dress.
Nothing to worry about sleevelessness or short skirts. (although in official event i would't wear a very short skirt ;-)
At nights, for dinner etc, if it's not a very fancy or elegant place she can wear simple, casual clothes. (not shorts).

Women in Athens for evening events dress more formally than in the US, wear more makeup, and are well-accessorized. No cultural concerns about sleevelessness or short skirts -- this is what many women wear. Since she is there in an official capacity and attending events with ambassadors etc., if it were me, I would not be comfortable in simple casual clothes, as I'd just feel so out of place. Think about sophisticated clothes for hot weather in uptown Manhattan, and she won't go wrong.

Body armor and Kevlar helmet.
M

Is it OK to wear patriotic colors/symbols in Greece - particularly during the Olympics and as a U.S. citizen? Or would such garb be frowned-upon due to the U.S. reputation overseas?
- Thanks

Unless you're going to a Fourth of July parade, why would you want to wear "patriotic symbols" anyway, and especially on holiday in Europe?

eleni and taggie are right on!

We were in Athens at this time last year and found that carrying a collapsible parasol saved the day. The sun is brutal. Drink lots of water and get as much shade as you can...even if you have to carry it!

Where can one buy collapsible parasols? (I assume a parasol rather than an umbrellas is meant here)

"s Athens a "formal" city?"

Is any city formal?


If you're going to a smart party then you wear formalwear or evening dress, world over it is the same regardless of temperature. The city has no dress code, there are no doormen on the street throwing you out if you're not smart enough. Please have some common sense!

By "parasol" I meant an umbrella -- because there wasn't a cloud in the sky. "Para" = "for" and "sol" = "sun." I guess it depends on how one uses the useful tool! In our case, it was used "for" the "sun."

Thank you to everyone for their "serious" replies. The others have been filed where they belong.

Alison

In relation to my question, I predict that a lot of spectators will be wearing clothes emblematice of their country - given the Olympic pride. My concerns are still valid in relation to USA garb.