Reader WB asks:

When is it permissible to wear madras?

Thanks for writing in WB! For this question, we turned to our favorite wardrobe guru, Allie of Wardrobe Oxygen for the answer.

From WiseGeek:

Madras fabric is a light, cotton fabric that is typically associated with summer clothing. The name is based on the initial inventors of the madras fabric style, the Eastern Indians and especially on the black and red check fabric that was exported from Madras, India. Madras fabric is now made in a variety of checked patterns, for example turquoise and pink checks were popular in the 1980s preppy style. It was enjoyed as a "preppy lock" much earlier, and is referenced in S.E. Hinton's novel, The Outsiders as preferred by the rich kids.

Madras is made from very lightweight (sometimes to the point of being sheer) cotton from cheery colors, usually on a white background. This fabric doesn't look right at any time of the year that isn't sunny and hot. To wear it in the cooler months is the equivalent of wearing a wool pencil skirt in July: it may work and you may feel comfortable, but you will not look comfortable or stylish. Madras is best left to the months between Memorial Day and Labor Day, along with your straw espadrilles, white linen sundresses and wicker purses.

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