Dear Whoever You Might Be,
During a recent rendezvous at a bar, a dear friend and I started up the most animated conversation with a couple sitting adjacent to us. After a lively round of small-talk pleasantries and cocktail crackups, there was a brief moment when the conversation turned to the lifelong debacle of wearing White After Labor Day (I capitalize because, honestly, who *hasn't* made it a legitimate topic of interest).
This would not be my first time in the ring when it comes to fashion-to-fashion combat over white. I remember sophomore year of college when there was an unfortunate incident with someone who felt the need to correct my October attire.
--- "Um, excuse me.... you *do* know it's after Labor Day, don't you?
Because you really aren't supposed to be wearing white pants..."
First of all, who does that? I was on the way to my morning tea and so did not need those "words of wisdom" instead. Second, while I appreciate the knight-errant defense against the antiquated fashion sense of ye olden days, I think sources should be checked before gallivanting around town, criticizing an individual's sense of style.
I realize that the incident I speak of is almost three years old (when did I get so old?!?), but apparently the topic is still relevant since it came up in recent, post college conversation. And though my response at the time was a polite "thank you for your concern," it pestered me for quite some time.
When it comes to White After Labor Day, I believe that it is perfectly acceptable to don those white jeans well into winter. If you do not take my credibility seriously, here is a little article for you from the Huffington Post published not even a week ago -- White Pants --. When it comes to fashion, runways dictate. Some people follow the mandated regulations religiously in order to avoid a disastrous fashion faux pas. Others dress to the beat of their own drum, ignoring VOGUE's latest trends and red carpet spottings. For me, I try to stand en media res, and use what is in my closest to suit the needs of the day/mood. Somehow, wearing White After Labor Day has fallen into that category with me, defying glares and snotty girls who think they work on "What Not to Wear."
So, if you still do not believe me that it is perfectly acceptable, even preferable to wear White After Labor Day, go to a Pinterest near you and look it up yourself. I am 100% positive that you will find the cutest outfits featuring a major piece of white clothing. But whatever you decide, just remember.... Fashions fade, Style is eternal. I will never wave the white flag of defeat nor give up my crusade against this cruel rule against a staple item of clothing, and I hope to never again be affronted by those who cannot dress themselves outside of the box... No offense to anyone, of course :)
Sincerely,
Me
