Clothes for visit - Wear White After Labor Day? (Louisville: shop, wealthy)

[marino760]

Originally Posted by Oldhag1

Oh, no, no, no. It used to be that Derby Day was when you pulled out the whites and Labor Day was when you put them up. The church ladies could be downright militant about it. Men could get away with wearing white shirts with ties, a white t-shirt under another shirt, or as part of a uniform, but otherwise everything was supposed to be off white or cream. We weren’t even allowed to wear white socks unless it was for gym. My mother wouldn’t even wear white earrings after Labor Day.

Fascinating!! Thank you for sharing.

[Crazee Cat Lady]

Originally Posted by Lemming95

I thought that rule was only for shoes. And in the 70's mens belts.

And purses! God forbid you carry a white purse after Labor Day!

[Gerania]

Originally Posted by Lemming95

I thought that rule was only for shoes. And in the 70's mens belts.

That was the short list for men.

[FrankInPhilly]

Wasn't the reason for this because after Labor Day it could start getting cooler, which would mean you'd start heating your house, which usually used a coal furnace? All that airborne soot would be more noticeable if it landed on white clothes.

[marino760]

Originally Posted by FrankInPhilly

Wasn't the reason for this because after Labor Day it could start getting cooler, which would mean you'd start heating your house, which usually used a coal furnace? All that airborne soot would be more noticeable if it landed on white clothes.

Just thinking out loud, I think it may also come from a time where wearing white in winter did not help to keep you warm. Dark colors absorb heat, white is just the opposite. White keeps you cool in the summer. That's just from a practical standpoint. From there it developed into fashion and what was acceptable and what wasn't in a traditional sense.

[in_newengland]

Originally Posted by marino760

Just thinking out loud, I think it may also come from a time where wearing white in winter did not help to keep you warm. Dark colors absorb heat, white is just the opposite. White keeps you cool in the summer. That's just from a practical standpoint. From there it developed into fashion and what was acceptable and what wasn't in a traditional sense.

That's an interesting theory but how does it apply to purses? I would't have been caught dead with a white purse after Labor Day (still wouldn't--it would look strange somehow.)

Anyway, white makes me think of summer resorts and after Labor Day the colors change to fall colors--orange, yellow, darker warmer colors. In winter where I live it's black or other darker colors. Just seems to fit the mood of the seasons. In spring, it goes to pastels like pink or light green. But that's not a "law" anymore, lol.

[staywarm2]

I was in Louisville for over a week and only saw 2 people in white. (Except for the bride at a wedding.). Personally, I think ladies are ready for fall to come and like to change out their wardrobes. Not much white clothing around.

[loser prole]

I've always heard this wearing white crap was a rule of the old money northeast "summering" society. Why anyone would care now is perplexing. Who even pays attention? I thought this thread must have been a joke at first.

[staywarm2]

You sound mad about it! There are upper classes. They will mostly always dress better. It’s OK. That’s the way life is.

[Crazee Cat Lady]

Originally Posted by staywarm2

You sound mad about it! There are upper classes. They will mostly always dress better. It’s OK. That’s the way life is.

^No reason to be rude and insulting.
That poster had a valid point. And a right to their own opinion.


There are snooty arrogant people who think they are better than other people because they do or do not wear a certain color, or because they belong to a different "class" and think themselves better than other people.

The true sign of someone with "class" is someone who acts with manners, kindness and grace.
Not someone who insults people because they don't follow out dated social practices.