Debunking The No-White-Post-Labor-Day Myth

My friend Shana sent me the following email yesterday: "Is white in season at all? I have a white dress I haven't worn--like ever--because I'm so afraid of all the fashion taboos I'll break. How far into September can I wear it?"

In case the rest of you out there have similar concerns, I thought I'd address these questions here.

White is one of my year-round favorites--it's such a classic, flatteringcolor. All that stuff about retiring it post-Labor Day seems reallyoutdated. Even something as light and lacy as the dress by JMM picturedhere (and now 30 percent off at shopbop) can work in colder months whenpaired with a leather jacket and thick black tights (I actually lovethis contrast. Just add a slip if the fabric is sheer). I plan onextending the white Helmut Lang jeans I bought earlier in the summerstraight into the fall, layered with cashmere cardigans and wedgebooties. The key to not looking summery? Keep the palette neutral, asopposed to adding brights or pastels.