Doing business in Spain: What and how to dress

Want to do business in Spain, but haven't a clue how to dress? Or worse yet, perhaps you think it doesn't matter. The truth is, in Spain dress is a key ingredient in business, and affects that all too important first impression.

So with that in mind, here's a guide for that Paranoid Businessman who's negotiating the big deal in Spain. While some of the following might seem like a simple dress code it must be understood that people here do in general tend to dress more formal. And yes, there are Spaniards who do "break" the following rules, but if your goal is to blend in and make a good impression, think seriously about following my advice. And remember, even in casual situations where business is being done, dress matters.

Rule 1: Don't wear white socks  - unless, of course, you are playing tennis.

Rule 2: Don't wear sneakers or tennis shoes, and if you do, don't wear them with white socks (see Rule #1).

Rule 3: Don’t wear penny loafers, instead go for a wingtips.

Rule 4: When "dressing down" with chinos, don't wear sneakers, or penny loafers (see Rules #1 and Rule #3) .

Rule 5: Don't wear sweat or track suits, and DON'T wear a baseball cap

Rule 6: Don't worry about traffic signals, because nobody else is. Go by the rule, if I can get across the street, then do it...but watch out for those cars!

Rule 7: When out in the street, always wear a jacket or blazer, even if you're "dressed down."

Rule 8: If you smoke, do so in public, while walking down the street, in lobbies, basically ignore any signs that say smoking isn't allowed (okay, I made that up, since Spain has now passed laws against smoking in some public places).

Rule 9: When wearing suits, in winter prefer dark navy blue suits, with a discreet herringbone or birdseye patterns, pinstripes can also be acceptable, but not if "loud." Suit cuts should run conservative. Also don't wear any pins in lapels. In summer, lighter weaves (but avoid linen, unless you want to look like a British "Colonist"), and some colors can be worn.

Rule 10: Don't wear button down, Oxford-style shirts, instead choose shirts of a large collar cut, firmly fitting around neck, and preferably, with French cuffs. Cufflinks should be a simple design, medium large, in either gold or silver. Avoid polyester like the plague! Always 100 percent cotton, and avoid white shirts, instead go with blue, or a subtle plaid pattern. Monograms are okay, but should be limited to three initials, and over the "left breast," never on the cuff or collar!

Rule 11: Ties should be of a double weave, and wider cut. Always tie your ties using a double Windsor knot (creating a large knot) - a dead give away is a tie that forms a small knot. Tie patterns should be conservative, leave out the floral, etc. prints, and instead go for solid colors, or small print patterns. Avoid the typical Yale school style striped patterns. And never wear a black tie, or you'll be asked all day who died!

Rule 12: Wear over the calf socks, avoid thick weaves, and loud patterns, and best without any pattern. Stick to thinner (viewed more elegant) 100% cotton socks, of a dark color, and which, in the summer get to looking pretty similar to nylons.

Rule 13: Suit jackets should be with three-button, and never button the bottom one. Lapels should be medium width.

Rule 14: Don't have a big, or thick wallet - not only will it call attention to thieves, but it creates a bulge in your jacket - and don't wear it in back pocket of trousers , very unseemly!

Rule 15: When wearing a topcoat (trench coat), avoid a dark blue Burberry's, as with the rest of your wear you'll like like US secret service. Instead go for a classic look, avoid d