Post Labor Day Stress Syndrome: is white alright?

Alright people, let's talk about this.

Today is August 31st. This weekend is Labor Day weekend. When classes resume on Tuesday, should I expect to be seeing a significant lack of white in students' wardrobe?

NO!

Before we actually begin, let it be known that this topic was inspired by two situations occurring in the past two days:

1) yesterday I was sitting on the bus next to three guys who I didn't know, inadvertently eaves-dropping on their conversation (not my fault! they were practically yelling), when one of the brought up "that stupid rule about how you can't wear white after labor day." All three sat there yapping about how they didn't understand why you weren't allowed to wear white after labor day, how it was a stupid rule, and a lot of other uninteresting blah blah blah. I was sorely tempted to lean over and tell them, "it's shoes. You can't wear white shoes," and then resume my solidarity. I resisted the temptation.
2) today my roommate was wearing white shorts. As we were getting ready to go to a friend's apartment, I commented that I was going to change into jeans, and she said "I think I'm just going to keep these on. It's one of my last days to wear them, after all."

So, friends, let's talk about this no-white-after-labor-day rule.

The extent of my research shows that this rule supposedly originated around the 19th century when the upperclass returned from their summer homes at the end of August to resume their lives in the city. When they switched locations, they switched wardrobes as well, putting away their summer-wear and readopting their winter garments. Winter clothes are darker and heavier, so it was standard that the white would just disappear with the rest of the summer things.

I'm not sure how many of you are close to a calendar, but just in case you didn't realize, we're not in the 19th century.

We're not even in the 20th.

21st baby. Mind blown, I know.

But all sarcasm aside, fashion is about risk-taking and rule-breaking. Now, I'm not saying keep out all your summer clothes as we head into cooler months - that's just stupid. But I think a strict adherence to the no-white policy is pointless. Color forecasters plan seasonal color palettes about two years in advance, and they always incorporate neutrals. White is a neutral. This means white is a year-round color. Please don't remove it from your wardrobe.

So Catherine, can I wear white shoes?

Eh, I'm still undecided as far as that goes. I'd obviously get rid of sandals simply because sandals are indeed a summer shoe. I tend towards the idea of putting away the white shoes.

Well then, what can I keep?

Anything else. White jeans? Wear them with a dark sweater and dark shoes. White tights? Put em under boots and a black skirt. White jacket? Black jeans and a dark scarf.

Be risky. People really don't judge individual colors as much as color coordination. No one's going to look at you and say "gee whiz, what are you thinking, wearing a white shirt? It's September 7th, for goodness sake!" If they do, just direct them to me. I'll take care of it. (But really, don't do that. I'm not about to fight your battles for you.) As long as you wear your white well, people really won't care that you're wearing it post-Labor Day.

Oh, and when I say "white," I mean white, off-white, cream, eggshell, ivory... whatever you want to call your shade of white.

I think that's all I've got for now. Basically, I like white, and ivory, and cream, and I think you can wear them successfully during the winter months if you wear them properly and pair them with dark colors.

Because, when I think of winter, I think of snow.

And snow's white.

For the win.