“Am I being old-fashioned, or is the no-white-after-Labor-Day rule passé?”

Kevin Says:  Every year, some sartorialists will demand that fashion be no longer beholden to such “old-timey” dictates. Well, balderdash, I say. Not to be too “Serial Mom” about it (look it up!), but the no-white rule still stands, with modest exceptions (exercise clothes, especially those for tennis, may be in white, regardless of season, for instance). “White” also includes spectator shoes, for both women and men. “What about winter white?” people may ask. Here’s the deal, folks: Winter white is really not white, and may be worn after labor day --- but really, not many people can pull off an all-winter-white ensemble without looking like a heroine from a Jackie Collins novel. People will also ask, “What if I live in a warm climate?” or “What if I’m on a winter cruise?” In those cases, you simply wear lots of light-weight cotton and linen … just not white cotton or linen. You may haul out your favorite white apparel on Memorial Day.

Beth Says:  Ok, here is the thing.  I work in a high school and live in the suburbs.  I'm not Victoria Beckham and no one expects me to be a fashion icon.  My rule is this, if it feels like it's summer, I am dressing like it's summer.  If I am on a cruise in Mexico in February, I am wearing my summer clothes.  If, like happened this year, it is 90 degrees on May 1st, I am going to wear my white capri pants.  In my day to day life, I am willing to be comfortable and be a "Fashion Don't" within reason.  That said, I typically put away the white pants after Labor Day. By then I am tired of them anyway!