The color would have been great for July, but not late September.”
When I was growing up our wardrobe was dictated by the calendar. Labor day to November 1 was dark cotton. November 1 to March 1 was dark wool. March 1 to Memorial Day was pastel wool and from then until the day before Labor day was pastel or light cotton. White shoes from Memorial Day to Labor Day, patent shoes only for Easter and dark shoes the rest of the year. Sixty years later I still find myself following those rules.
The Pope is wearing white and it is after labor day. She chose a dress by a catholic designer. I would wear that dress proudly. It is quite beautiful. I think it is one of the most tasteful things I have seen her do in the past 6 1/2 years. Why bash her for actually being thoughtful? She usually wears sleeveless dresses. This was a noticeable move to the conservative side.