On September 7^th, Erin’s Style File poses the age-old question: “Is it acceptable to wear white after Labor Day?”   While I was pondering, I came across an ad in a magazine that suggested “Do a Don’t”.  Then I remembered that I don’t like being told what to do - white or no white!   So, as a sort of a social experiment, I donned a white suit and asked anyone I came in contact with, “Is it acceptable to wear white after Labor Day?”  I let my finger do the walking and polled my Facebook friends too.  While the people I spoke to were kind, I was wondering how many people were snickering and sneering behind my back.

This is what I learned:

1.  This fashion guideline is clearly generational.  Most of the people I came into contact with were under 50, but many stated that while they thought it was acceptable, they would never dare tell their grandma.

That leads me to my third point: 

3.  Pick your poison.  Not all white is created equally.  Many of the people I talked to agreed with Erin, that while white clothing is fine to wear year-round, white shoes are not.  If you REALLY want to know what I think, white shoes are never acceptable… it’s just not a good look any season.

I got some pretty funny responses along the way.  One 20-something said “I always thought it was taboo, but before you walked up to me, I was thinking how nice you looked.”

I did ask many males to get the ‘guy perspective’.  Most of them shrugged and said ‘who cares’.  However, one gentleman said wearing white after Labor Day is definitely a faux pas.  When I pressed the subject and asked why, he said, “I don’t know why… It’s just what my wife has told me for years”

Bottom Line:  Don’t let ANYONE tell you how to dress!  Rules are meant to be broken!!  Go for it Girls!!!