If you were reared in the south, you were born with a pre-installed factory setting for social norms and acceptable attire by season. First among these was “no white after Labor Day!” Never mind that fall down here doesn’t start until well after Thanksgiving and kids start back to school in temperatures topping 100 for a good month or more. I used to host a white pants party for girlfriends the last week of August every year just so we could squeeze in that one last wear before the deadline. But no more!

It’s hard to think about fall clothes – sweaters, corduroy, boots and layers – or even fall colors for that matter. Why does the flip of a calendar page dictate a complete change in wardrobe?! Mother Nature doesn’t seem to mind the calendar so why should we? “Indian summers” are a way of life in the south and I’ve pretty much pushed the start of fall to October at least. And why not…? Kids are still taking dips in the pool after school in the evenings, sno cone stands stay open til Halloween, and have I mentioned the temperatures here in Austin?!?  

So what’s a stylish southern gal to do? Enter the LWD… the warm weather sister to the ubiquitous LBD, and a staple in every good southern woman’s closet. I have a wardrobe of them. I love the little white dress! Styled up or down, for work or play, it’s a crisp, cool, polished look that takes you from day to evening seemingly without breaking a sweat.  

Here are a few of my faves in various styles… from a military inspired sleeveless shift, to an embellished white linen caftan (snagged second hand btw), a sweet eyelet number (thank you Target), and one of my favorite party dresses from BCBG. This one is cute with flats or sneakers as well as these sky-high linen & gold Tory Burch gladiators. Eyeing this one as the perfect cocktail LWD.   

Wherever these dog days of summer take you, be sure it’s in a LWD and you’ll appear cool as a cucumber regardless of the date on the calendar. And ignore your southern mama’s voice in your head telling you, ”No white after Labor Day.”