White jeans/pants

[Anonymous]

I grew up with the strict "No White Pants or Shoes Before Memorial Day or After Labor Day" rule and have continued to follow it except for cream or ivory wool/silk winter dress pants occaisionally. However, I find myself utterly stumped by white jeans. By the time June rolls around there is not much time left to wear white jeans and, in July and August its generally too hot. Several girl friends have told me the old rule is passe (in regard to white jeans/pants) and its fine to wear white jeans now, or even year round. Spring, ok that seems fine, but year 'round, really?? and white cotton pants, same rule? only from Memeorial to Labor Days? As for shoes, the only white shoes I would ever own would be sandals and I do hold off on wearing those until June.

Comments? Ideas? Fashion advice?

[Anonymous]

Hmm - I had thought the rule only applies to white linen and shoes. I think you're safe with white pants in the spring (at least, I won't turn you into the fashion police). I agree that white jeans in winter would just look odd. I doubt you'd ever be tempted, even if it weren't a rule.

However, if you must stick with the more restrictive rule, you might want to move to a climate where white pants are OK in the summer. Perhaps New England? It also gets chilly on yachts in the summer evenings, and white jeans would work well there...

[Anonymous]

We are below the Mason Dixon line here in DC so the "wearing white" rule is Easter to Labor Day. Above the Mason Dixon line it is Memorial Day to Labor Day.

[Anonymous]

I grew up in a place where the rule is from Easter, so I was shocked when I moved up here and had to wait until Memorial day. The white capris and skirts are in my closet ready to go!

[Anonymous]

I think after Easter white pants or jeans are fine down here, as long as it's hot out and as long as they aren't linen. I would hold off on all linen -- and on white shoes -- until Memorial Day. I think you can wear sandals now, though, if they aren't white.

[Anonymous]

I second the after Easter rule. But honestly, though, if it's hot out, I wouldn't question wearing white jeans even if it were before Easter. And I say that as someone who is generally a big rule-follower in all thing but white jeans just aren't up there on my list of things to worry about rules for.

[Anonymous]

I'm just impressed that anyone with kids even THINKS about wearing white pants!

[Anonymous]

OP here. Thansk for all the opinions/advice. I grew up in Atlanta and the white pants and shoes rule was Memorial to Labor day (except baby shoes!). I think it depends on how "strict" your mom was about these kind of things as to if its Easter or Memorial Day. I have decided that I agree that white pants in this day and age , except in linen, are okay now but linen pants only after Memorial Day. I think heavier linen shirts are fine outside those dates, however. As for white shoes, you wouldn't catch me dead in white shoes, ever, strappy white sandals can be cute though. I think white shoes are hideous, especially white pumps, and that makes me think of the funniest story but... for another day.

[Anonymous]

White after Easter in DC area is fine. NO on white shoes, go for a metallic instead. White Jean are very cool in Florida or someplace like that in the winter with a dark cashmere sweater-- very Ali McGraw. I like off white a lot in the winter.

[Anonymous]

This rule is so dumb and pointless. Wear what you want whenever you want, and do it with confidence and no one will bat an eye.

[Anonymous]

I agree with 12:06. Even the "what not to wear" and Top Model folks say white is fine all year round. There are different shades of white (white is a color, after all) and different types of fabric that may make things more preferable. But, you CAN wear white at any time of the year.
I personally do not (due to the fabrics and things like that). But, I've seen lovely outfits before easter and after Labor Day.
These arbitrary fashion "rules" about being too old to wear things or not wearing certain clothes after a certain time are so silly. Like the PP says, if you look good and are confident, no one will care. (Except people who have nothing better to do.)