1. No because that’s the way I was raised. If you chose to wear white shoes after labor day I’ll assume you are from a less fortuate background (or one of those fake nuns who solicits funds at the airport)
2. Who wears white shoes these days anyway? Even the nurses at my local hospital are rocking patent leather leopard print clogs (which she happily told me ‘repel bodily fluids’)
I was raised with “no white after labor day,” then I was informed it was really just “no white shoes or purses after labor day.” Then Manolo said that white shoes and purses are ok, as long as the weather is still hot.
I think I’ve decided to go by temperature. I live in central Virginia and I’ve concluded that as long as it is over 85 degrees outside, wearing white is ok. I actually don’t even own any white shoes or purses, but I do have some awesome white linen pants that I rock. It’s often well into the 90s here until mid-late September, and if it feels like summer, I’m going to wear my cool white linen. Black and white linen as a combo looks quite chic as a combo well into September.
Comment by Lunakitsch — September 2, 2011 @ 11:02 am
I think white shoes are generally more appropriate during warm weather season, but the end of that season may or may not coincide with Labor Day where you happen to live. I also think the whole “winter white” look can be deployed to great effect, but is not really fitting for fall months.
Comment by SarahDances — September 2, 2011 @ 11:07 am
I think it should be based on the actual weather, not the calendar. It will be near 95 today in Chicago. I’m rocking a white gauze skirt. It’s too damn hot to break out the tweeds.
white any time the weather is warm. I live on the coast of california. some days sunny, some not so much, but typically low to mid 70’s all year (don’t hate). I wear bone colored shoes anytime. That being said, I will not be taking said bone colored shoes to Michigan for my fall vacation. There they would be strange. Hell, there I am strange.
White linen, white sandals and heck definitely white pumps! Until the temperatures drops to a solid 16 degrees Celsius at least. The arbitrary decision of no white after a certain date is moronic to say the least. The weather dictates the clothing and I’d sooner say the girl eager to wear her fall 2011 collection when it’s still barking hot outside is dressed inappropriately.
“If you chose to wear white shoes after labor day I’ll assume you are from a less fortuate background”
And…?
Comment by wildflower — September 2, 2011 @ 2:58 pm
I was raised as “no white shoes after labor day(*)” since that’s what bone is for. But realistically, if the temperatures are over 80F, it’s still summer, and I shall dress accordingly. The calendar does not trump the weather.
Then again, I don’t own any white shoes or purses so it’s a moot point for me.
(*)and no white shoes until Easter, then Sundays Only until after Memorial Day.
Comment by TropicalChrome — September 2, 2011 @ 3:03 pm
@Wildflower – and I shall ask my imaginary staff to escort you out of my imaginary country club ;-)
It’s so ingrained in me that I actually read the title as “White SHOES after Labor Day” not merely “White after Labor Day.”
As far as white clothes, yep I continue to wear white, and even winter white
Barry White, anytime, especially after dark! Shoes or bags, except for sneakers, would be no, after labor day. Bone or cream isn’t really up for discussion, they are not white, I’m just saying.
Comment by Kathleen O'Brien — September 2, 2011 @ 9:08 pm
I am not a white shoe person, even when it comes to sandals in the middle of July.
As for other clothes and accessories (shirts, sweater, pants, purses) I have no issues there. I have a white leather purse I carry all the time, it matches with everything and is comfortable! Well that and I haven’t found a nice brown or black purse I like.
A) I’ve been trying to send you fan mail for a few days now and it’s getting bounced back. So, consider you informed that you have yet another member in your adoring public. (P.S. I adore telling people that my weekend plans often include a cocktail party at church. Episcopalians are fun!)
B) I do not wear white as a rule, but I do not allow my 7 year old daughter to wear it either after Labor Day because that is the way of Our People. And I’m pretty sure that both my grandmother and sainted charm school instructor would haunt me FOREVER if I slipped even the slightest in this regard.
I think it’s kind of silly. I’m all for looking seasonably appropriate, but choosing Labor Day seems a bit arbitrary, especially for those of us who live in climates where it’s still blinkin’ hot clear through the end of September. Not that I own any white shoes anyway, but am I supposed to be swanning around in fall clothes when it’s 90 plus?
Comment by Leigh Ann — September 2, 2011 @ 11:39 pm
I don’t wear white, at all, ever. My skin tone is approximately that of Evan Rachel Woods with a dash of Dita & a huge dip of Snow White thrown in. I just prefer not to blend that much…
I can see white purses & some accessories, but white (non-sport) clothing & (non-sneaker) shoes belong only to that sliver of summer. I’m traditional, that’s just me.
@Tropical Chrome I tended to default to bone colored shoes with summer dresses too, it’s just a softer color!
It’s warm all year here, and while we still have seasons, they don’t happen at the same time as everybody else’s. So while everybody else is cooling off in October, LA can get VERY hot.
Barry White has gone on to his reward, so he shouldn’t skeeve anybody out anymore…
Comment by Lisa form SoCal — September 3, 2011 @ 3:09 pm
We’re still discussing this? Some random “rule” that has no purpose other than enforcing (sadly not quite) extinct social distinctions? Related: White is much harder to keep clean, especially when conditions are muddy, so I’ve always thought that wearing white in winter would be a more reliable status indicator than wearing it in summer. But it’s not like these things ever make actual sense.
Never after Labor Day, not at all until Easter, only on Sundays until Memorial Day. These are the rules we live by because they form that subtle delineation between us and… the beasts. It’s the same reason cards and letters are stuffed in envelopes in a certain way, drinks are served after 5:00 pm, elbows OFF the table, longer hems after 40, and every other seemingly insignificant little pain in the ass rule we live by. It keeps us civilized and from eating our young.
I heard the same rule when I was growing up. It never made sense, especially when DC weather can still be warm and humid in September. Lucky for me, the only white I wear is a pair of sneakers. Just find ways to wear white and other summery colors while it is still warm.
As for Barry White, he looked pretty good on that album cover. He was a pretty big guy but still managed to rock the neutral colors. Look at how his clothes fit. Yeah, he’s a classic.
Comment by dcsurfergirl — September 4, 2011 @ 4:54 am
Well, and check out Ms. Fabulous in her turban behind him. She’s exquisite.
Comment by Lisa from SoCal — September 4, 2011 @ 11:07 pm
Personally, I’m packing away my white jeans and white cotton skirts for another season. It will be warm here until November, but I discovered long, long ago that light weight clothing comes in a variety of colours, so I don’t have to choose between gossamer white outfits and heavy tweeds. I can have gossamer in any colour going.
White shoes, boots, purses, and cars are for uniforms, and generally I avoid these items (haven’t worn white shoes since my mom forced them on me for my First Holy Communion, and I have never missed them).
Say what you want about stuffy rules and regulations that might not apply anymore, but an 80 degree day in mid October is still a day where fall leaves grace and alter the landscape. White shoes and jeans against that will only hurt peoples’ eyes.
Comment by ChaChaHeels — September 5, 2011 @ 6:09 am
I come from a country that doesn’t have Labor Day, so this seems silly to me. Elbows on the table are rude to your neighbor, but what does white (or a lack thereof) have to do with anything?
Manolo the Shoeblogger is not Mr. Manolo Blahnik. This website is not affiliated in any way with Mr. Manolo Blahnik, any products bearing the federally registered trademarks MANOLO®, BLAHNIK® or MANOLO BLAHNIK®, or any licensee of said federally registered trademarks. The views expressed on this website are solely those of the author.
White shirts, tops, sweaters after Labor Day, no for anything else.
Comment by Andrea — September 2, 2011 @ 10:43 am
Why the heck not? Surely it depends on the weather and/or climate where one lives, and not on some arbitrary calendary reference.
Comment by Wendy — September 2, 2011 @ 10:45 am
1. No because that’s the way I was raised. If you chose to wear white shoes after labor day I’ll assume you are from a less fortuate background (or one of those fake nuns who solicits funds at the airport)
2. Who wears white shoes these days anyway? Even the nurses at my local hospital are rocking patent leather leopard print clogs (which she happily told me ‘repel bodily fluids’)
Comment by Thea — September 2, 2011 @ 10:51 am
I was raised with “no white after labor day,” then I was informed it was really just “no white shoes or purses after labor day.” Then Manolo said that white shoes and purses are ok, as long as the weather is still hot.
I think I’ve decided to go by temperature. I live in central Virginia and I’ve concluded that as long as it is over 85 degrees outside, wearing white is ok. I actually don’t even own any white shoes or purses, but I do have some awesome white linen pants that I rock. It’s often well into the 90s here until mid-late September, and if it feels like summer, I’m going to wear my cool white linen. Black and white linen as a combo looks quite chic as a combo well into September.
Comment by Lunakitsch — September 2, 2011 @ 11:02 am
I think white shoes are generally more appropriate during warm weather season, but the end of that season may or may not coincide with Labor Day where you happen to live. I also think the whole “winter white” look can be deployed to great effect, but is not really fitting for fall months.
Comment by SarahDances — September 2, 2011 @ 11:07 am
I think it should be based on the actual weather, not the calendar. It will be near 95 today in Chicago. I’m rocking a white gauze skirt. It’s too damn hot to break out the tweeds.
Comment by Orora — September 2, 2011 @ 11:42 am
And on another note, Barry White skeeves me out.
Comment by Orora — September 2, 2011 @ 11:45 am
white any time the weather is warm. I live on the coast of california. some days sunny, some not so much, but typically low to mid 70’s all year (don’t hate). I wear bone colored shoes anytime. That being said, I will not be taking said bone colored shoes to Michigan for my fall vacation. There they would be strange. Hell, there I am strange.
Comment by Inky — September 2, 2011 @ 12:09 pm
White linen, white sandals and heck definitely white pumps! Until the temperatures drops to a solid 16 degrees Celsius at least. The arbitrary decision of no white after a certain date is moronic to say the least. The weather dictates the clothing and I’d sooner say the girl eager to wear her fall 2011 collection when it’s still barking hot outside is dressed inappropriately.
Comment by coffeeaddict — September 2, 2011 @ 2:44 pm
@ Thea:
“If you chose to wear white shoes after labor day I’ll assume you are from a less fortuate background”
And…?
Comment by wildflower — September 2, 2011 @ 2:58 pm
I was raised as “no white shoes after labor day(*)” since that’s what bone is for. But realistically, if the temperatures are over 80F, it’s still summer, and I shall dress accordingly. The calendar does not trump the weather.
Then again, I don’t own any white shoes or purses so it’s a moot point for me.
(*)and no white shoes until Easter, then Sundays Only until after Memorial Day.
Comment by TropicalChrome — September 2, 2011 @ 3:03 pm
@Wildflower – and I shall ask my imaginary staff to escort you out of my imaginary country club ;-)
It’s so ingrained in me that I actually read the title as “White SHOES after Labor Day” not merely “White after Labor Day.”
As far as white clothes, yep I continue to wear white, and even winter white
Comment by Thea — September 2, 2011 @ 3:07 pm
LOL @Thea. :)
I, too, cannot imagine wearing white shoes at any time of year!
Comment by wildflower — September 2, 2011 @ 3:19 pm
The above needs a comma. I, too, cannot imagine wearing white shoes, at any time of year!
Comment by wildflower — September 2, 2011 @ 3:20 pm
This is one of those gorgeous across-the-pond-nuances that I know I’ll never understand, but love all the responses!
Comment by Josie — September 2, 2011 @ 3:22 pm
Barry White, anytime, especially after dark! Shoes or bags, except for sneakers, would be no, after labor day. Bone or cream isn’t really up for discussion, they are not white, I’m just saying.
Comment by Kathleen O'Brien — September 2, 2011 @ 9:08 pm
I am not a white shoe person, even when it comes to sandals in the middle of July.
As for other clothes and accessories (shirts, sweater, pants, purses) I have no issues there. I have a white leather purse I carry all the time, it matches with everything and is comfortable! Well that and I haven’t found a nice brown or black purse I like.
Comment by Jeni — September 2, 2011 @ 9:08 pm
A) I’ve been trying to send you fan mail for a few days now and it’s getting bounced back. So, consider you informed that you have yet another member in your adoring public. (P.S. I adore telling people that my weekend plans often include a cocktail party at church. Episcopalians are fun!)
B) I do not wear white as a rule, but I do not allow my 7 year old daughter to wear it either after Labor Day because that is the way of Our People. And I’m pretty sure that both my grandmother and sainted charm school instructor would haunt me FOREVER if I slipped even the slightest in this regard.
Comment by Marsha — September 2, 2011 @ 9:13 pm
I think it’s kind of silly. I’m all for looking seasonably appropriate, but choosing Labor Day seems a bit arbitrary, especially for those of us who live in climates where it’s still blinkin’ hot clear through the end of September. Not that I own any white shoes anyway, but am I supposed to be swanning around in fall clothes when it’s 90 plus?
Comment by Leigh Ann — September 2, 2011 @ 11:39 pm
I don’t wear white, at all, ever. My skin tone is approximately that of Evan Rachel Woods with a dash of Dita & a huge dip of Snow White thrown in. I just prefer not to blend that much…
I can see white purses & some accessories, but white (non-sport) clothing & (non-sneaker) shoes belong only to that sliver of summer. I’m traditional, that’s just me.
@Tropical Chrome I tended to default to bone colored shoes with summer dresses too, it’s just a softer color!
Comment by Leah — September 3, 2011 @ 2:29 am
I kind of have to wear white, it’s part of my work uniform!
Comment by Katy — September 3, 2011 @ 8:33 am
It’s warm all year here, and while we still have seasons, they don’t happen at the same time as everybody else’s. So while everybody else is cooling off in October, LA can get VERY hot.
Barry White has gone on to his reward, so he shouldn’t skeeve anybody out anymore…
Comment by Lisa form SoCal — September 3, 2011 @ 3:09 pm
We’re still discussing this? Some random “rule” that has no purpose other than enforcing (sadly not quite) extinct social distinctions? Related: White is much harder to keep clean, especially when conditions are muddy, so I’ve always thought that wearing white in winter would be a more reliable status indicator than wearing it in summer. But it’s not like these things ever make actual sense.
Comment by riona — September 3, 2011 @ 5:13 pm
@riona – are you entirely clear on the purpose of this thread ?
Comment by Thea — September 3, 2011 @ 6:54 pm
Never after Labor Day, not at all until Easter, only on Sundays until Memorial Day. These are the rules we live by because they form that subtle delineation between us and… the beasts. It’s the same reason cards and letters are stuffed in envelopes in a certain way, drinks are served after 5:00 pm, elbows OFF the table, longer hems after 40, and every other seemingly insignificant little pain in the ass rule we live by. It keeps us civilized and from eating our young.
Comment by Mel — September 3, 2011 @ 11:48 pm
@Mel, Lol!!! Completely true! =D
Comment by Leah — September 4, 2011 @ 1:00 am
I don’t do white shoes because it’s too high contrast with my skin. But I live in the tropics, white anything is fine year long.
Comment by retna — September 4, 2011 @ 4:50 am
I heard the same rule when I was growing up. It never made sense, especially when DC weather can still be warm and humid in September. Lucky for me, the only white I wear is a pair of sneakers. Just find ways to wear white and other summery colors while it is still warm.
As for Barry White, he looked pretty good on that album cover. He was a pretty big guy but still managed to rock the neutral colors. Look at how his clothes fit. Yeah, he’s a classic.
Comment by dcsurfergirl — September 4, 2011 @ 4:54 am
@Mel – standing ovation!
Comment by Thea — September 4, 2011 @ 6:32 pm
Well, and check out Ms. Fabulous in her turban behind him. She’s exquisite.
Comment by Lisa from SoCal — September 4, 2011 @ 11:07 pm
Personally, I’m packing away my white jeans and white cotton skirts for another season. It will be warm here until November, but I discovered long, long ago that light weight clothing comes in a variety of colours, so I don’t have to choose between gossamer white outfits and heavy tweeds. I can have gossamer in any colour going.
White shoes, boots, purses, and cars are for uniforms, and generally I avoid these items (haven’t worn white shoes since my mom forced them on me for my First Holy Communion, and I have never missed them).
Say what you want about stuffy rules and regulations that might not apply anymore, but an 80 degree day in mid October is still a day where fall leaves grace and alter the landscape. White shoes and jeans against that will only hurt peoples’ eyes.
Comment by ChaChaHeels — September 5, 2011 @ 6:09 am
I come from a country that doesn’t have Labor Day, so this seems silly to me. Elbows on the table are rude to your neighbor, but what does white (or a lack thereof) have to do with anything?
Comment by Nariya — September 5, 2011 @ 11:47 pm