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White after Labor Day?
By Meg | August 30, 2007
Labor Day is next Monday. What does that mean? Lot’s of women are wondering if they can wear their white shoes - or white anything between then and Memorial day.
For starters, let’s make thing one clear, the “rule” only applies to white dress shoes, not any other apparel. And if you’re wondering, winter brides are still allowed to wear white shoes. Am I getting ready to stow away my white shoes? No, of course not. I think the rule is silly and can’t believe that of all the fashion “rules” this one has survived so long. Still, some people cling to this rule as if strict adherence makes them more stylish than all of us year-round white shoe wearers. Don’t tell me what color shoes I’m allowed to wear unless you want me to call you old-fashioned.
So what is the origin of this rule? I wish I knew for sure because I’m sure it’s just as silly. Some people point out that white reflects heat, so it’s better not to wear it when it’s cold. Even if it were cold right now here in Florida, wearing black shoes instead of white isn’t going to make much of a difference, if it’s even noticeable. And it’s not like I’m going to freeze to death even if I wear white all over.
Another theory is that it’s just one of those rules intended to separate the upper classes from the lower classes based on who knows the rules, like how to hold a teacup properly and which fork to use when you’re eating snails.
Of the two theories, I’d choose the second one as being closest to the truth. Another possibility, though, is that people do tend to wear darker colors in the winter and wearing white shoes, particularly white pumps, with a dark outfit can sometimes look silly. I say, go ahead and wear white shoes, but please make sure that they actually go with your outfit.
Tags: Color, Etiquette, Fashion, Shoes
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August 30th, 2007 at 1:24 pm
great post! i’m so sick of people still following this dumb ass rule and have the nerve to point it out to others. after monday, if anyone has the audacity to tell me “you’re not supposed to be wearing those white shoes”, they may find that white shoe up their butt, lol.
August 30th, 2007 at 4:43 pm
LOL! Yeah, I think it’s hilarious how some people hold fast to this rule! And have you noticed that the ones that make the hugest fuss over it are usually the worst style offenders?
August 31st, 2007 at 5:23 pm
LOL!