Belaboring White

The whole "no white after Labor Day" thing is a perpetual matter of debate in fashion circles. Can we? Can't we? Some like breaking the rule, some like maintaining the rule - it's a hot mess. I've read the whole theory that the "no white" rule came from snobby society ladies trying to distinguish between old money and new. It's a currently chic idea, but, personally, I feel that most clothing rules had some basis in practicality. White, because it reflects light, is one of the cooler colors (body temp-wise) to wear, making it perfect for summer. The same concept would make it somewhat less perfect for winters in fashion cultural centers like New York. I can't prove it, but I suspect that's at least part of the raison d'etre of the curtailing of white come fall. So, what about now, when we realizes that not everyone experiences frigid cold six months out of the year? And how to we reconcile modern notions of rules and their ridiculousness with the desire to pay homage to the caveats of yesteryear? Well there are a few zigzags you can take and a flagrant violation as well :). First, if you live in climates where the weather stays warm, you're free, in a practical sense, to make use of the chilling properties of white all year. Second, I consider the white blouse (not tees, mind you..real, true blouses. Wovens, not knits.)  to be so iconic, so legendary that it defies all rules. While I'll put away white denim, white jackets and white shoes, I keep white blouses in easy reach all year long. Finally, if you want to circumvent the cake, but eat it too, I present to you my personal saving grace: winter white. For real. It's a thing. Basically, it's any shade of white that isn't the pure white to which the strictures apply. Ivory, eggshell, vanilla, oyster, pearl: every single one of these colors is 100% post-Labor-Day approved and you're free to indulge in them to your heart's content. Sweet, huh?