lasjas

okay, maybe a silly question.. but.. would you wear a white dress in November in Florida?
in New York I would never wear a white dress (summery style) in November, but is it acceptable in florida?

jor

I would Never consider wearing a white dress in Florida nor New York after labor day. I would look like some kind of cross dresser with no sense of style!

Marilyn

I think when the weather says it's summer all year, then you dress accordingly. You would wear a white dress in December in a tropical resort, wouldn't you? Why is Florida different?

Giovanna

There was a similar question on the European board and several stated you should wear white whenever you wish. This is an old, obsolete fashion rule. I personally don't know if I would be comfortable here in California, but if I were going to Florida, the Caribbean or Mexico, I wouldn't hesitate.

Don't know if you watched the debates on Thursday, but both the first lady and Kerry's wife wore white suits. If it's okay for them, I guess it's okay for you!

Stephanie

Florida is still hot in November and I'd wear white in Florida definitely. Most people in the Ft. Lauderdale area dress in bright corals and turquoise year around that is one thing I like about the place, wearing black on black gets old in the winter. I went to Florida in November 2000 and the temps were mid-80s, too, too hot for dark colors.

cigalechanta

speaking of those ladies, Richard Avedon who pass away yesterday photographed Teresa Heinz and it's in last weeks New Yorker.

cher_cher

It's a perfectly valid rule if followed appropriately. It's origination was with regards to shoes. You wouldn't wear white shoes in winter, would you? They'd be ruined!

Otherwise, I feel like if you have to ask, then you shouldn't worry about it. The shoe rule was morphed into a clothing rule by bourgeoisie who made up codes with which they could ostracize those who weren't "in the know."

wildblueyonder

I confess. I wore white in California, after Labor day. What should I do to myself?? The birch, do you think?!

My only plea for mercy is that I'm a Brit (now home again and still wearing white ..) and didn't know of this rule.

I thought this was a joke!!

Patrick

Yes, it is perfectly fine to wear white in Florida any month.

And to be really stylish make sure your husband wears white patent shoes! (NOT!)

here_today_gone2Maui

Those white patent leather shoes should only be worn with a matching white patent leather belt!

Patrick

Well, duh! Of course, unless you happen to own one of those snazzy elastic braided ones in red, white, and blue!

OO

That's wonderful wildblueyonder! Stay just as you are.

I notice just recently that all sales people in one of the more upscale department stores in a Tampa mall were dressed for winter. Dark clothes, wool, and yet it was still 90 and humid. I decided it must have been a directive from management, designed to get us shoppers thinking and buying winter. What they had on you might wear in Feb here.

To me, whether or not a white dress will fly in November depends on whether or not you are in a resort area. I wouldn't wear it in Tampa, although I might at the beach or around Naples or Key West. (Probably not, but that's me)

People who live in FL get so sick of their summer clothes that when temps drop to anything remotely tolerable (high 60's), we'll dig out sweaters and boots and do the winter thing. You can tell us in the mall. We are the pale ones who look as if we live in the north. Visitors have on their shorts and sport wonderful tans. Nope, we don't look askance at all. You look happy and that makes US happy!

Fodorite018

OO, you made me giggle. Same thing here in the PNW...if it hits 50 we are in shorts and t-shirts thinking its warm

wildblueyonder

LOL - I guess I don't wear white in the winter either (and it's practically winter now - brrh!) - although there are no 'rules'. It just struck me as funny because we are always of the opinion that Americans are far more casual than we are! It reminded me of that old rhyme, "don't cast a clout til May's out" or something. But white winter boots are pretty fashionable here (to some with no taste!

Scarlett

I hardly wore white in the summer !! LOL so my opinion will be a little off the norm, I guess Haven't shaken all the NYC black off of me yet..

I saw a Godiva ad in a magazine that was cute and appealed to me just today-
There are no fashion rules for eating White Chocolate after Labor Day..

Diana

My Mama would still have been wearing gloves and carrying a clutch up until her death if it hadn't been ruled outdated by the Junior Leaguers in - oh say about 1970.

Call me a dinosaur, but I will NOT:

Wear open toed shoes after Labor Day

Wear anything predominantly white after Labor Day - shoes included. (Does not apply to "Winter White.")

Wear spectator pumps after Labor Day

Go out of the house - even to the mailbox - unless my shoes and belt and purse (which I don't usually carry to check the mail) match

Wear a "wind suit" outside of the interior of my house

Try on sandals if I am wearing socks

Leave the confines of my home if my nails are chippy

Wear unattractive lingerie or nightwear

And finally, I do not condemn those who chose to do any of the above - except for the sandals and socks (unless you are under 5 or over 75) or white shoes after Labor Day. Those I simply cannot get accustomed to, but it is the wearer's choice, and not mine.

Fodorite018

Diana, I was brought up with that same list and still abide by it...except for one item. Its been a hot issue on here before...but in the PNW socks/sandles are accepted...but I only do it with my tevas, not my nicer sandles

cigalechanta

my choice is not to have exact belt bag shoes. I guess I like more creative dress and really like looking at off beat styles as long as it's clean and not outrageous. White has been promoted as the new color for winter in the fashion mags. But for most of us, except for resort wear, it's not practical.

Judyrem

Personally, white makes me look like an elepehant...so I steer clear whenever possible ......black suits me fine. I just put on more deodorant ;-0. If you can wear white and look good in it...have a go!!! (IMO).

cigalechanta

judy, white is not attractive on most people, the cream colrs are mor suited to some of us.
I read nurse in most white dresses and shoes(except for formal)