Top five reasons not to wear white shoes after Labor Day
Shoo! Shoo! Labor Day is upon us, and it's time to stow those white shoes for a few seasons.
Fashion tradition bans white shoes from autumn through spring in most of the Western world. Unless you spent your childhood in a cave, you probably already knew that.
Just for kicks, here are the top five reasons for toeing the line and packing the white shoes till next Memorial Day.
1. White sandals look best on tanned feet.
Even the most professional pedicure can't disguise this footwear fashion fact. A pair of espadrilles, scuffs, thongs, wedges or other strappy white sandals is simply sexier with a suntan. And, no, dark hosiery does not go with white footwear!
Sure, you could apply tanning lotions or spray-ons, but what's the point after Labor Day?
2. Who wants to step in soggy autumn leaves with white shoes?
OK, maybe you think you're too mature to leap into leaf piles, but sometimes you simply cannot help it. White shoes just won't fit the bill.
Shiny white athletic shoes may work after Labor Day, but only if you're wearing workout clothes and racing to Zumba, Jazzercise, tennis or another sports class.
3. White shoes don't match fall fashions' belts and handbags.
Tsk! Tsk! White belts, white handbags and even white watchbands draw frowns from fashionistas after Labor Day.
That means we're all dusting off our cordovan, suede and other sturdy belts for fall. We're switching out our purses, stowing canvas or natural fiber shoulder bags. We're stashing our straw hats.
Now who wants to slip on a pair of white clogs, mules or pumps? And while we're at it, could we please lose the plastic flip flops and perforated rubber clogs?
4. White boots look best with blades underneath.
Sure, Barbie and Skipper rocked their white go-go boots, but most of us won't. As temperatures drop, so do our fashion and recreational choices.
If those flashy white ankle boots aren't actually figure skates, then maybe they're a little off-color after Labor Day.
5. Fashion-conscious women like to admire their own shoes, even when the snow flies.
Think about it. When you walk to the parking lot from your workplace or the mall, do you really want your pricey shoes to vanish in camouflage against the winter snow?
Seven great ways to wear white after Labor Day
Essentially, white shoes after Labor Day are most appropriate for brides, nurses and little girls celebrating their First Communion or Confirmation. Cheerleaders might sport white sneakers.
The rest of us are more likely to kick up our heels with a bit more color with our fall fashions.
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