What is the rule about wearing white?
April 2, 2014 § 16 Comments
It seems every Spring and Summer I notice my friends with Southern roots get out their white pants. The only fashion rule I remember from my eclectic childhood was no shorts in Manhattan – period. Looking back through family films and photos it’s clear that this was a rule strictly followed at one time. After some googling I found Memorial Day to Labor Day is the rule and no white clothes after Labor Day. I also learned that Emily Post gave the ok to continue wearing white after Labor Day.
Why We Can’t Wear White After Labor Day – Time Magazine
Still from family film footage. Somewhere in Long Island.
How to Wear White After Labor Day: Ten Pieces for Fall – Vogue
Still from family film footage. Somewhere in Long Island.
My grandmother holding my dad.
Women's Footwear in America 
Great photograph, Julia! I grew up in Baltimore. Oh, YES. We followed the rule. And I still do. I’m a fan, see. The countdown is always fun and dramatic. I’ve already picked out my skinny white slacks for the summertime. The anticipation! Tick. . .Tick. . .Tick. . .(And your bag must match your shoes, according to my grandmother!)
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Thank you for your comment! White is tricky though in NYC. Everything gets so dirty here which is secretly why we all wear black most of the time.
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I know! Wearing white is tricky. During my years in New York, I wore black. Heck, I still do. Black garb makes up 99 perfect of my wardrobe. Perfect for making the day to night transition, according to my grandmother. Their “rules” always fascinated me. They still do! T. (Again, your family shots. Their outfits are gorgeous. Along with the bobbed hairdos. Pretty darn terrific!
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Thanks again for the comments! Your grandmother sounds so interesting. I would love to know more about her!
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Cool photo’s Julia, I recognize grandma Rose Benjamin holding your dad. Do you know who anyone else in the photo’s are?
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I’m sorry Janice, I don’t know who anyone is in these. I wish we had someone to ask! They may not all be relatives — possibly shoe people from the factory. The place I believe is Lindenhurst NY.
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White was never a color I wore. I liked blues.
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Of course you would being a New Yorker! Thanks for your comment. 🙂
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True, keeping clean in New York is tough. There is smog in the air and on a clear day you can see three feet in front of you. Glad I moved out of there.
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I vote for black over white as well. (makes me feel thinner!)
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Yes. Makes perfect sense Rhonda!
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I love these photos-! And great post 🙂
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Thank you! I appreciate the follow.
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I make my own fashion rules ^ ^ White whenever
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Agree! Thanks for checking out my blog. Your products look amazing!
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You’re welcome and thank you
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