Floridian Customs

[deb133]

Hi All, I am just packing a few things to bring down to our village home to keep in the closet so that I don't have to pack each time I visit (about 7 or 8times a year - not retired yet). I packed several pairs of white slacks and shoes. Then I thought, Do people in Florida wear white after labor day? Up North it is a no-no :ohdear: except of course if you purchase "winter-white" clothing from a specialty store. I always have to laugh when the garment is labeled "winter-white." I guess it is their way of saying its OK to buy this even though it is the middle of December - they give you a special dispensation! I know it sounds crazy but ... it led me to ponder further. The lifestyle in Florida is so different. What are some other customs that I need to prepare myself for when we finally make the move?

[Ohiogirl]

I always thought winter white was kind of an off-white - I've also been ignoring the "no white between Labor Day and Memorial Day" rule for awhile anyway, especially when in warm weather in Florida.

I can't say I've actually paid attention when down in The Villages in fall and spring - we haven't been in TV much from Jan-March since we were renting our place out, but usually visited relatives in Ft Myers every Jan or Feb - and I must confess I packed and wore white there.

Is there someone more fashion conscious who can let me know if I've guilty of fashion faux-pas? Might as well add that to the list . . .

[pooh]

Having lived in warm areas since 1972, I wear white in the winter. Always thought that "rule" of not wearing white after a period of time wasn't applicable in warmer climates and a stupid sort of "rule."

This winter was pretty cold here and honestly, I didn't feel like wearing white, I wanted dark, warm clothing. Just an emotional response to the chill I guess.

Bring clothing that you'll enjoy being in, but remember to have something that is warm for those days when the temps are chilly.

[swrinfla]

I frankly hope that you'll abandon any and all "fashion rules." No whites after Labor Day? Why the h*** not? No shorts after Labor Day? Why the h*** not?

When you begin living in a place where people often don't even wear long pants to funerals, then I think you've earned the right to be casual!

At first, I was appalled at the informality, but now basically endorse it! On t'other hand, I still go to funerals wearing a tie and jacket! Some folks may think I'm "stuffy."

SWR
:beer3:

[islandgal]

swrinfla-
Do you wear shorts and flip flops to the Savannah Center (our only live theater)???
:shocked:

[swrinfla]

islandgal:

Good Heavens, NO. But, it's true that I don't dress up, either.

Actually, I don't wear shorts or flip-flops EVER! It's TRUE! Yes, I have a pair of shorts and may, now and then, wear them when I'm at home, but not out in public! After all, I treasure my neighbors and friends - don't want to shock them to death! :D

SWR
:beer3:

[hoseman]

Without starting up a new link, I'll post this here.

I bought a ceiling fan at this place (this could happen anywhere in Florida - just posting to all to please be careful).

http://www.wftv.com/news/24671001/detail.html?cxntlid=cmg_cntnt_rss

[bkcunningham1]

Without starting up a new link, I'll post this here.

I bought a ceiling fan at this place (this could happen anywhere in Florida - just posting to all to please be careful).

http://www.wftv.com/news/24671001/detail.html?cxntlid=cmg_cntnt_rss

Wow hoseman! That should be posted in a new thread for everyone to see.

[bkcunningham1]

Hhmm, other Forida customs. Let's see. Well, most people in TV aren't from Florida so they bring a good mix of customs, traditions and clothing. On a cool night in July, it was in the mid-80s temperature wise, and my husband and I saw an attractive woman with a nice light sweater on her shoulders in one of the town squares. We knew she had been in TV for awhile and was accustomed to the temperatures. Eighty degrees feels cool after you've gotten accustomed to the high 90s.

I think it depends on what you are comfortable wearing. To this day, if I'm going to the doctor's office, I have to "dress up." When I was working, I could not for the life of me wear a skirt or dress with bare legs. Regardless of how tanned my legs were.

I was taught that white makes you look heavier. So white slacks or shorts has always been a no-no to me. I have a friend heavier than me and she wears white pants golfing and it looks great on her. But it is one of those things ingrained in my mind.

Someone on this forum mentioned their lovely wife wearing a two-piece swim suit at the TV pools. Now to me, that is a no-no after a certain age -regardless. But that is just me. Like skirts a certain length after a certain age. But I have found when my skirt length and sleeves length went down after a certain age; so has the neckline on my blouses. Go figure.

You see people in the mornings eating breakfast at Panera Bread in a large array of clothing. Everything from spandex on the local bicyclers and running shorts to clam diggers and sun dresses.

[uujudy]

My observations:
As far as casual clothes go, when we first moved to TV in the winter I noticed that the only people wearing jeans were the locals -- the people living NEAR TV, but not IN TV. There were lots of locals wearing jeans at WalMart and the grocery store, but Villagers wore 'outfits' when they shopped. Did anybody else notice this?

I observed that in the evenings Villager men wore khakis, and the women wore slacks or capris, or (believe it or not) skirts! Again, coordinated outfits with accessories. Everybody looked very spiffy, so of course I ran right out and bought some new clothes & accessories.

Last winter I noticed that some of the newer Villagers (men & women) wore jeans and sweatshirts to the country clubs, the restaurants, on the squares, etc.. At first I thought they were locals enjoying the amenities, but they were new Villagers. I haven't seen jeans at the Savannah Center - yet. I'm not making any judgments; I'm just sharing my observations. (Maybe the newer folks are from somewhere other than the Midwest? I have relatives in the Midwest, and they always wear 'outfits' and look great, even when going to WalMart. I don't think they own any jeans) Would any Midwesterners care to comment? On the other hand, maybe it's due to the newbies being younger than some of us?

And from the previous posts, I think we should all start wearing gloves when we go to the garden center. Maybe we could wear those long, over-the-elbow evening gloves ;)

[sunday]

It doesn't snow here... What ever you want to wear in the winter is perfectly Okay.

Peace and Love

[bkcunningham1]

My observations:
As far as casual clothes go, when we first moved to TV in the winter I noticed that the only people wearing jeans were the locals -- the people living NEAR TV, but not IN TV. There were lots of locals wearing jeans at WalMart and the grocery store, but Villagers wore 'outfits' when they shopped. Did anybody else notice this?

I observed that in the evenings Villager men wore khakis, and the women wore slacks or capris, or (believe it or not) skirts! Again, coordinated outfits with accessories. Everybody looked very spiffy, so of course I ran right out and bought some new clothes & accessories.

Last winter I noticed that some of the newer Villagers (men & women) wore jeans and sweatshirts to the country clubs, the restaurants, on the squares, etc.. At first I thought they were locals enjoying the amenities, but they were new Villagers. I haven't seen jeans at the Savannah Center - yet. I'm not making any judgments; I'm just sharing my observations. (Maybe the newer folks are from somewhere other than the Midwest? I have relatives in the Midwest, and they always wear 'outfits' and look great, even when going to WalMart. I don't think they own any jeans) Would any Midwesterners care to comment? On the other hand, maybe it's due to the newbies being younger than some of us?

And from the previous posts, I think we should all start wearing gloves when we go to the garden center. Maybe we could wear those long, over-the-elbow evening gloves ;)

uujudy, every respectable Southern woman knows that only gloves shorter than opera length gloves are worn in the garden center. And they should be removed before smoking.

[18togo]

I wore a pair of sneakers for the first time this summer ( I wear my Crocs wherever I go). Boy did my feet feel confined and hot, but I start back to school on Monday and need to get ready. I hope to wear shorts and sleeveless shirts as my usual outfit once i retire. It will make me feel as if I'm on a 365 day vacation.:D

[Kelsie52]

One thing I learned this visit last week --

there is a dress code on the golf course ---you must wear a collared shirt !!


I dont have a problem with it but I am more comfortable in a tee shirt ..:22yikes:

[Pturner]

Common dress: resort casual

[Tom Hannon]

TV are a collection of people from all over the country and the world. Throw the customs out the window. Wear whatever is comfortable. There used to be a day when people dressed up when they went to the airport to fly a long distance or go to a concert etc. Nowadays, be comfortable.

[Whatever]

Yellow or striped button down shirt open to the third button, long, plaid pants (held up with a thin white belt, and worn above the navel pulled high,) red socks (showing), white loafers and a red cap, (so that your spouse can find you). Oh yes, before I forget, a thick gold chain with an 8 inch medallion and ID bracelet are all, De Rigeur.

[Ohiogirl]

Might be the age - as Baby Boomers start to retire, many will continue to wear jeans and sweatshirts/t-shirts. That is, if the jeans are still comfortable! I think they're way too hot except in cold weather. Can't believe that ANYONE wears them over about 75 degrees, but they do.

I started college in 1968 at Ohio State - spent the summer before making (I sewed and was somewhat financially challenged) coordinated clothes (mini-skirts and vests I remember) for school, and actually wore them, as did most other co-eds, to class that winter. With boots - remember those frozen knees, ladies)? OSU is a BIG campus, and there is lots of walking involved. Can't believe we did that, but we also spent hours drying/ironing hair, etc.

There was a sea change in not only college apparel during my era. My sophomore year and on I almost exclusively wore jean/sweatshirts. Of course, these were the years of Vietnam protests, Kent State shootings, campus sit-ins, SDS activists, etc.

Those from the east and west coasts probably were a couple or a few years ahead of us midwesterners in this apparel change, but I'm guessing that, as almost everywhere, casual is gaining ground. Get used to it. I just hope we don't start seeing pajama bottoms in the squares. I also don't like the trend of it being ok to expose your underwear, but I guess I should be thankful they are at least wearing underwear!

[Boomer]

Might be the age - as Baby Boomers start to retire, many will continue to wear jeans and sweatshirts/t-shirts. That is, if the jeans are still comfortable! I think they're way too hot except in cold weather. Can't believe that ANYONE wears them over about 75 degrees, but they do.

I started college in 1968 at Ohio State - spent the summer before making (I sewed and was somewhat financially challenged) coordinated clothes (mini-skirts and vests I remember) for school, and actually wore them, as did most other co-eds, to class that winter. With boots - remember those frozen knees, ladies)? OSU is a BIG campus, and there is lots of walking involved. Can't believe we did that, but we also spent hours drying/ironing hair, etc.

There was a sea change in not only college apparel during my era. My sophomore year and on I almost exclusively wore jean/sweatshirts. Of course, these were the years of Vietnam protests, Kent State shootings, campus sit-ins, SDS activists, etc.

Those from the east and west coasts probably were a couple or a few years ahead of us midwesterners in this apparel change, but I'm guessing that, as almost everywhere, casual is gaining ground. Get used to it. I just hope we don't start seeing pajama bottoms in the squares. I also don't like the trend of it being ok to expose your underwear, but I guess I should be thankful they are at least wearing underwear!

Hi Ohiogirl,

Knowing how Ohio is, you might appreciate this one.

My Miami U roommate was coming in to visit one summer. (my first wedding long ago) My roommate was from Cleveland. Me - - Cincinnati, where some of us still tend to happily linger a little behind the times.

Anyway, she was flying in from Cleveland to Cincinnati. When I went to pick her up at the airport, she told me that on the flight, somebody from Cincinnati had asked her if she was from California. She was puzzled by the question until she found out that it was because she was wearing a (GASP!) pantsuit on an airplane. (Oh how I miss those days when flying commercial was an elegant experience.)

Boomer

[Caribbean Soul]

Firstly, I'm male but my wife pretty much follows suit. I've lived in FL for over 26 years. I've been here for 1. Since I retired, I wear shorts everywhere. Jeans or cargo shorts mostly, dressier shirts to golf and out. Collared shirts on the golf course, T-Shirts out shopping, print or golf shirts at the restaurants, squares, etc. For footwear, except for golfing, I wear topsiders (no socks). During cold days I'll wear jeans or cargo pants. I own 2 pair of dressy pants and rarely wear them, never wear them in summer.

I never dress up. First, it's too hot and Second I really don't care what the "fashion rules" are. I had enough of that when I worked.

[uujudy]

uujudy, every respectable Southern woman knows that only gloves shorter than opera length gloves are worn in the garden center. And they should be removed before smoking.

As many of you know, I'm neither Southern nor respectable, and I didn't know the long gloves were called opera gloves! I'll remember to remove them when I go to the garden center, or if i start smoking again. Thanks for the etiquette lesson!

Concerning the collared shirts on the golf courses, don't most country clubs require collared shirts? Our cc back in Utah does, and we come from the land where hiking boots and fleece are considered designer winter wear. ;)

[Kelsie52]

As many of you know, I'm neither Southern nor respectable, and I didn't know the long gloves were called opera gloves! I'll remember to remove them when I go to the garden center, or if i start smoking again. Thanks for the etiquette lesson!

Concerning the collared shirts on the golf courses, don't most country clubs require collared shirts? Our cc back in Utah does, and we come from the land where hiking boots and fleece are considered designer winter wear. ;)

Yes --country clubs do require some standard of dress, some do not allow shorts !! ---but City golf courses are about the only ones that would allow me to play ..lol --are a little less strict --nice tee shirts and shorts are acceptable ---

As I said really not a problem -- just thought it funny that --its the only dress code I have seen --I just bought 7 collared shirts :angel:

retiring in 56 days no more :boxing2:

[zcaveman]

I was raised in Florida. I never heard about all of these customs until I moved north. Light material suits and short sleeve dress shirts from Memorial day to Labor day. Heavy suits and long sleeved dress shirts from Labor day to Memorial days. Different colored shoes. Open the pool on Memorial day and close it on Labor day no matter how hot May or September are. I was swimming in my pool in May and through September most years.

I never followed the customs up there (after I found out about them). I never owned a long sleeve dress shirt or a heavy suit. I did have a jacket that matched some of my collection of shirts and trousers. But I never wore that to work anyway unless I was told to for a special meeting with the higher-ups. I did keep a jacket in my locker just in case. I was not alone. There were others that dressed the way they wanted.

FYI: I wear golf shirts, shorts and sandals to shows at the Savannah Center and out to dinner. I like blue jeans/dungarees in the winter months.

Why not be comfortable?

[duffysmom]

I can remember when a lady never left home without her girdle firmly in place. To jiggle was a no no. When I lived in south Florida I was told that Linen was to be worn only in the Summer months. Who knew... Now that I've been liberated, :girlneener:I wear whatever I want and love the casual lifestyle. I will say that women in TV are very chic(sp?).

[swrinfla]

Both my mother and my mother-in-law wouldn't have been seen "downtown" unless they were in a proper-length dress, stockings, gloves (ordinary ones, not for the opera!) and a hat!

Mother always insisted that I wear long pants, a jacket and a tie when she had guests for dinner. So, when I went away to boarding school, I wasn't uncomfortable with the requirement that that's what was worn throughout the day!

And, I suppose that's why I still "dress" (that is, wear a tuxedo) on so-called formal nights on cruises!

But, after 5 years in TV, I am beginning to be more casual! Still, long pants at the theatre (whether that's Savannah Center or some other venue) and almost anywhere out in public!

It's great fun to watch these things!

SWR
:beer3:

[graciegirl]

Both my mother and my mother-in-law wouldn't have been seen "downtown" unless they were in a proper-length dress, stockings, gloves (ordinary ones, not for the opera!) and a hat!

Mother always insisted that I wear long pants, a jacket and a tie when she had guests for dinner. So, when I went away to boarding school, I wasn't uncomfortable with the requirement that that's what was worn throughout the day!

And, I suppose that's why I still "dress" (that is, wear a tuxedo) on so-called formal nights on cruises!

But, after 5 years in TV, I am beginning to be more casual! Still, long pants at the theatre (whether that's Savannah Center or some other venue) and almost anywhere out in public!

SWR
:beer3:


when Sweetie and I were married, the men wore mourning suits (NO CRACKS) at the Mass at noon and changed into white dinner jackets for the evening reception.

I was from the glove wearing generation and I had opera gloves, but I really don't like opera. But I love the theatre and never come late...and I get too hungry for dinner at eight.

So nice to not to have to adhere to ANYTHING much in the clothing rule book anymore.

And Swinfla, I always wear pants to the theatre too.:1rotfl:

[Pturner]

I can remember when a lady never left home without her girdle firmly in place. To jiggle was a no no. When I lived in south Florida I was told that Linen was to be worn only in the Summer months. Who knew... Now that I've been liberated, :girlneener:I wear whatever I want and love the casual lifestyle. I will say that women in TV are very chic(sp?).

I apologize in advance for a partial hijack, before getting back to the subject. It's just that Duffysmom's post reminded me of a joke someone sent me today. Here goes:

Scientist Invents a New Bra


Dr. Calvin Rickson, a scientist from Ohio State University, has invented a bra that keeps women's breasts from jiggling and prevents the
nipples from pushing through the fabric when cold weather sets in.
At a news conference, after announcing the invention, a large group of men took Dr. Rickson outside and kicked the sh$$ out of him.


OK, back to the subject. I like to dress up sometimes. I love that I no longer have to!

[graciegirl]

I apologize in advance for a partial hijack, before getting back to the subject. It's just that Duffysmom's post reminded me of a joke someone sent me today. Here goes:

Scientist Invents a New Bra


Dr. Calvin Rickson, a scientist from Ohio State University, has invented a bra that keeps women's breasts from jiggling and prevents the
nipples from pushing through the fabric when cold weather sets in.
At a news conference, after announcing the invention, a large group of men took Dr. Rickson outside and kicked the sh$$ out of him.


OK, back to the subject. I like to dress up sometimes. I love that I no longer have to!

p...P,.....:1rotfl: ....P:1rotfl: I absolutly LOVE you!!!

[uujudy]

:a20: :1rotfl: :clap2: :clap2:

[jojo]

Noted that several of my fellow Buckeyes have posted. Will add that when I was at Ohio State in the mid-60's women never wore pants - especially in Campbell Hall (the home economics college). How quickly times changed.

[chuckinca]

Concerning the collared shirts on the golf courses, don't most country clubs require collared shirts? Our cc back in Utah does, and we come from the land where hiking boots and fleece are considered designer winter wear. ;)


Most golf courses, CCs, Execs, etc, require collared shirts and no denim pants.

.

[zcaveman]

Most golf courses, CCs, Execs, etc, require collared shirts and no denim pants.

.

Most courses outside the Villages do NOT allow denim pants. Ask when you call to make a reservation if you like to wear denim pants.

[graciegirl]

Our older daughter was called on not wearing a collared shirt on an executive course here. That is fine. We are used to those rules. I don't know why we didn't think about it before we got there.

She had a tank top or something kinda bare and not "golfy."

[English Ivy]

Our older daughter was called on not wearing a collared shirt on an executive course here. That is fine. We are used to those rules. I don't know why we didn't think about it before we got there.

She had a tank top or something kinda bare and not "golfy."

Gracie, your daughter did not need to have a collared shirt on. They are not required for ladies. However her tank top would have had to have a minimum of 2" wide straps, and cannot expose the stomach. The "kinda bare" thing is what probably caused the comment. I'm curious ... did they let her golf anyways?

Here's a link to the Good Golf Guide which outlines the dress requirements for both men and women. Page 16 deals with the dress code.

http://www.golfthevillages.com/golf-in-the-villages/GoodGolfGuide1.12.pdf

[PR1234]

I think pretty much anything goes here. We are snowbirds and I have noticed that women & men tend to get more dressed up at church. Also, it was a lot of dark winter clothes....maybe just because it was so cold last winter and I had only brought summer/spring type clothing with me:(:(

[duffysmom]

Pt can I join your fan club? That was a hoot..:1rotfl::1rotfl: