Manolo says, here is the Manolo’s latest column for the Express of the Washington Post.

Dear Manolo,

Labor Day is this weekend, and I’m confused about the rule that prohibits the wearing of white after that date. Where does it come from and why should I pay attention to it?

Miranda

Manolo says, it has been two or more years since anyone has asked the Manolo about the white shoes and the Day of Labor, the fact which the Manolo takes as evidence of the final death throes of this old rule.

Its origin lies in the ancient history of Edwardian America, when lightweight suits, hats and shoes in light colors became the preferred summertime clothing of the rich and leisured. When the summers ended, these comparatively casual clothings were put away and the sobriety of black and brown were resumed.

To have several suits of seasonal clothing, when the working people made do with the same clothing year round, was considered the mark of refinement, hence it became the rule to which the socially elevated and those who aspired to that status, rigorously adhered. White in summer, black and brown the rest of the year.

Now, of the course, we live in the vastly more crass and materialistic culture, and clothing is cheap, and cheaply made. And the rich and famous are distinguished not by their sartorial refinement, but by the outrageousness of their televised antics.

And so the Manolo’s rule is now wear what you desire, as long as it is refined, well-made and appropriate to you and the occasion.

Here is the Just The Little Knotty Wedge from Lilly Pulitzer, not exactly white, but still the fun and flirty post-Day of Labor rule breaker.