Only wear white shoes...

We are trying to learn the meaning of the phrase "White Shoes Permitted After Labor Day". What does it mean?

I assume it is some 'rule' of etiquette: a dress code of some sort?

DFG

It is a fashion rule: "Originally, the rule was more along the lines of 'Only wear white shoes between Memorial Day and Labor Day.'"

More details are on Ask Yahoo at ask.yahoo.com/ 20020913.html Accessed September 3, 2005.

Sorry to restate the obvious, but the rule is, don't wear white shoes after Labor Day. Therefore the phrase "White shoes permitted after Labor Day" indicates an exception to the rule. I'm sort of curious about the context of the phrase. Surely no one would ever post a sign to that effect. So it must be some ironic expression of an author. SS

In days gone by when ladies of 'quality' wore hats a little white gloves it was the rule that white shoes (and the matching handbag) were only worn between Memorial day and Labor day. After labor day it was considered very gauche to wear white shoes and a lady who did so was somewhat ostracized (fashion-wise), talked about and had her 'quality' questioned. I don't know how this rule started it or who started it, but it was taken very, very seriously in those days.