No Whites Allowed
Okay so where did this “you can’t wear white after Labour Day” rule come from anyway?
Anyone know? Do you actually adhere to this tradition?
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Cheers,
Mike
Okay so where did this “you can’t wear white after Labour Day” rule come from anyway?
Anyone know? Do you actually adhere to this tradition?
Grab some JACK NATION points with the following bonus code: nowhites
Cheers,
Mike
September 2nd, 2008 at 11:21 pm
I just did a quick search regarding the wearing of white after Labour Day, and it seems like it’s an upper class thing or maybe a warmth thing. It’s like it’s unclassy to wear white after Labour Day and before Easter, or something like that. Plus white colours reflect heat, offering less protection from cold weather in the colder months.
However, I don’t adhere to this rule at all. It’s just so old fashioned and I refuse to abide by it. Not that I have white jeans or white pants, but I have white shirts, white socks, and in some years, I’ll have white shoes, and I’ll wear whatever I want and whenever I want. Everyone should do the same thing. If you want to wear white, wear it, but if you don’t want to, then don’t.
September 3rd, 2008 at 2:33 am
I actually prefer to where white t-shirts while on the construction sites. When it gets dirty, the boss knows I’m working! Cheers!!
September 3rd, 2008 at 8:04 pm
Here’s what I found.
Originally, the rule was more along the lines of “Only wear white shoes between Memorial Day and Labor Day.” Furthermore, it mainly applied to white pumps or dress shoes. White tennis shoes and off-white boots seem exempt, as are any shoes worn by a winter bride. “Winter white” clothing (e.g., cream-colored wool) is acceptable between Labor Day and Memorial Day too.
The only logical reasoning we could find cited temperature. Image consultant Nancy Penn suggests that because white reflects light and heat, wearing white would make you cooler in winter, and thus should be avoided. But others suggest the rule stems from a class issue. Acting Director of the Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology Valerie Steele notes that in the late 19th century and the 1950s, more people were entering the middle classes. These nouveau-riche folks were often unaware of the standards of high society, so they were given specific codified rules to follow in order to fit in.
These doesn’t seem to be an answer all speculation!!! Do I adhere to the tradition? Not a chance. If the shoe fits I wear it
September 5th, 2008 at 6:10 am
Labour day, shmabour day! I wore off-white (some camps may say beige) capris on Tuesday, and who cares? I’ve never been one to follow that “tradition” for 2 reasons, one summer isn’t offically over until 3 weeks into September, and 2 when it’s that hot outside and technically still summer, then it’s fair game. Anything goes!
September 5th, 2008 at 12:03 pm
I love winterwhites, little white loafers, white girly cowboy boots the black and white look and blank slate white anytime of year.
September 10th, 2008 at 8:55 pm
The real reason you’re not supposed to wear white shoes after labour day is because they blend in with the snow. People standing on curbs in the snow wearing white shoes waiting to cross the street often had their toes run over by motorists who couldn’t see them. Hence it was decided early on in the last century to make it a rule that nobody wear white shoes between Labour day and May 1.This can be evidenced by the fact that many people born in the early 1900’s limp.