Of course it's silly and arbitrary, and of course it's still warm after Labor Day. But that's precisely why I stop wearing white after Labor Day. If I had anything in seersucker, I’d stop wearing it as well. Although I am guilty of sometimes wearing navy blue, traditionally a summer color, well into winter.
Most “rules” of fashion either keep you from looking ridiculous (plaids and stripes anyone?) or are purely symbolic. Think about it, why do brides wear white wedding dress? Why do grooms wear tuxes? Is it because it will somehow make the marriage more successful?
Why do doctors wear white coats and business people wear suits? Does it help them do their job better?
No, of course not. Most of our clothing choices are about tradition and symbolism, not about comfort and efficiency.
So, even though summer weather never really came to Chicago this year, and it could very well be 90 degrees next week, I’m putting away the white. Because it helps remind me that fall is here, that winter is coming, that I should enjoy the last few days of sunshine and flowers. Of course, fall has its own rewards, crunchy leaves and crunchier apples, beautiful colors and brand new back-to-school notebooks.
There really is no such thing as the “fashion police,” and if there were, I’d have been locked up long ago, so if you want to keep your whites out, go right ahead, but I’m ready for fall. I’m ready to come inside, hunker down and start getting stuff done. Well, maybe just one more margarita on the porch...
