Dear Hildegarde: Your Questions Answered

Dear Mrs. Fillmore,

I have to go to a garden party next week and have a very nice white outfit I can wear with matching shoes. I have heard that I shouldn't wear white shoes before Memorial Day, but all of my other friends are doing it. What is the rule?

Sincerely,

Unsure in Akron

Dear Unsure,

Thank you for writing in to-day. I must first and foremost tell you that you needn't worry about what your friends are doing, unless that friend is yours truly, to whom you should always lend an ear. Now, the rule in the past has always been that one does not wear white between the holidays of Memorial Day and Labor Day. Now, as you surely know, these holidays have not always been in existence, beginning only in the last century. However, despite the newness of these holidays, the rule still stands and I would implore you to stay true to it. The basic intent of the rule is that white shoes/handbags are for use only in the summertime (the only exceptions are if you are getting married or if you are paging at a hereditary society event). Even if you are a day away from the holiday, don't take a chance, dear! Therefore, in answer to your query, you have the rule and you should not wear white shoes with your ensemble. I would even go as far as to ask you to wear a different costume, one with a little more color and flair, perhaps?

Until next time...

HF

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