It’s Labor Day! Last day to wear those white shoes! I’m referring to the rule that in the US, white shoes should only be worn from Memorial Day to Labor Day. And we’re talking the actual Memorial Day, May 30th and not the fake Memorial Day Observed. The only exceptions are brides, athletes, and those whose uniform requires white shoes. Don’t worry. This still leaves winter white, off-white, ivory, cream, eggshell, candlelight, bone, and any other not-quite-whites.

Who made up this rule? After exhaustive Googling, I have no idea. All I can tell you is that It’s Just Not Done. Other fashion rules have been retired, but not this one. The white-shoe edict is more than a mere rule. It’s part of our social DNA. Ignore it at your peril. Think I’m kidding? In November, 1989, Sarah, Duchess of York, arrived in Houston wearing a yellow and white dress and white shoes. The faux pas made the evening news along with an explanation that she had dressed for a tropical climate, since it was still eighty-five degrees during the day time. To this day, people still discuss the incident.

But what about the temperature? It’s still summer outside! As Judith Martin, writing as Miss Manners says, “Weather is never an excuse.” And “Sensible people therefore adhere to the concept of seasons without regard to whatever chaotic conditions may be prevailing outdoors.”

Many arbiters of style have declared the rule obsolete. They’re wrong, or I’d be wearing white sandals tomorrow. But I just can’t make myself. At least not until Memorial Day 2010.

Thanks to Alison Kent, we have a poll!