does anybody know why u can't wear white after labor day?

Answer 1

Dear Yahoo!
Why aren't you supposed to wear white after Labor Day?
Fletch
San Francisco, California

Dear Fletch:
As with many customs and etiquette dictums, it's difficult to pin down the reason behind the prohibition against white after Labor Day. We searched on variations of "wear white after Labor Day" and sifted through the Etiquette and Fashion categories in the Yahoo! Directory. We managed to turn up a bit of information on the fashion dictate.
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.

Several sites quoted a charming refrain about G.R.I.T.S. -- girls raised in the South. This bit of folklore states, "Southern girls know bad manners when they see them," and a clear sign of bad manners is wearing white shoes before Easter or after Labor Day. Because fashions in the American South can be a little more formal than elsewhere, perhaps the no-white-shoes rule came from south of the Mason-Dixon Line? Even Star Jones (an otherwise fashion-forward Southern lady) admits that white shoes "are for Easter Sunday and not the dead of winter."

We can only surmise that the point of this rule is to ensure that people only wear summer fashions during the actual summer months. The opposite probably applies as well, but people generally don't need to be reminded to avoid wearing a goose-down parka in 100-degree weather. If you live in a locale with summer temperatures year-round, we can't see the harm in wearing white shoes or a head-to-toe white outfit in October. And we promise not to tell Miss Manners.

Answer 2

Actually there is really no law that says one can not wear white
after Labor Day! It is only that white is basically a hot weather color as it reflects heat and light away from ones body, so as to keep you cooler. Darker colors are recommended in the cooler and fridgid moths as they tend to absorb heat and light thus make one feel rather cozy and warm! Less of course you are a snowshoe rabbit and then you want to have your fur white to camoflage you in your surroundings. A white rabbit on snow can not be seen by its predators, hopefully!

Answer 3

I've never know why, but that rule is really outdated now. White has been really in for fall and winter the past couple years so if you want to wear white go right ahead

Answer 4

nah that rule in basic terms applies to getting dressed up and going to love a complex ingredient. like in case you have been going to a ritzy tea occasion, you will appear like ignorant in case you went donning white. i assume it basically alerts that summer season white outfits and issues are over? yet yeah, a cardigan and tshirt do no longer count quantity

Answer 5

It's just one of those outdated fashion no-no's. Just like you are not supposed to wear white before Memorial Day.

Answer 6

I have always hated that rule, and I honestly think it was developed by department stores so you have to go buy new clothes and shoes. I say we revolt and where white ANYTIME WE WANT TO! Who's with me?

Answer 7

it is in style now so dont worry about it white pants are the new thing

Answer 8

i think its cuz labor day is kinda a sad day and white is very bright and happy

Answer 9

If I can button it and its clean, I wear it

Answer 10

ya thats wierd but i wear white all year lol