Should the white go away after Labor Day?

One of the persistent questions of life, the universe, and everything is whether to continue wearing white anything after Labor Day, the official unofficial end of summer.

Well, I'm no Emily Post nor am I a fashion expert. But I do think it is acceptable to wear white after Labor Day for a number of reasons:

1. It's often freakin' hot through the month of September in most of the country. Why put those white sandals away when it's still 85 degrees? In a place like Miami, it's summer weather nearly year-round. When I lived there, I wore white all of the time.

2. The rise of "winter white." White--especially off-white or ivory--has been used more for colder weather clothing and accessories. Just as long as it is of course stuff made for that kind of weather. Once the leaves have changed and the pumpkins are out, unless you're experiencing Indian Summer weather you probably should've moved on to your fall wardrobe.

3. White's a good neutral, period. A nice white dress shirt can be transformed into season-appropriate wear with a sweater, jacket, or suit.

As fall progresses and the temps get a little cooler, then you can start to pare down on the white shoes, suits, and accessories. Go by the climate, not what's in the stores or in the magazines.