You know how people are always saying not to wear white after Labor Day?

Let’s consider that the least of your worries.

What about how to wear white and not look like a stained restaurant napkin? What about how to wear white and not hear “I see London, I see France ...” every time you stand up? And what about how to wear white and not look like you’ll be leaving port soon, or want to take someone’s temperature, or are about to conduct tests on lab rats?

In honor of the summer’s favorite color, here are some tips on wearing white and looking bright.

LOOKING RIGHT

White clothes just feel like summer — breezy, fresh, easy. And retailers are always finding new ways to use the color in clothes. This season, you’ll see white in capris and wide-leg pants, says Ashley Jenkins, assistant manager at Maurice’s.

And don’t forget the Bermuda shorts, says Tammi Gumm, owner of Clara’s Fashions, or sweet little white sweaters.

So how to wear the white and not look clinical?

“Always do a bold-colored top with it,” Ms. Jenkins says. “And try not to wear it too tight.”

We’ll come back to that one in a minute.

She also recommends bold-colored shoes.

Ms. Gumm likes bold patterns with white, and colors like yellow, red or navy.

And don’t forget your accessories.

“... Your jewelry would be able to pull it all together,” says Jan Flint, store manager at Cato.

About.com recommends a few more little tricks for wearing white.

Show a little skin, they say, maybe by wearing a tank or an off-shoulder top, so people don’t think you’re headed for first communion. And wear your white tops with dark denim, giving the piece a little edge.

OUT OF SIGHT

The possibilities of white mixed with so many colors, textures, patterns and accessories are many. So are the possible mistakes.

For instance, Ms. Flint says, don’t wear all white.

“To me, that looks like nurse.”

And pay attention to the fit.

“None of us are perfect,” Ms. Jenkins says. “ ... White shows a lot.”

“You want to make sure you’ve got the right fit,” Ms. Gumm agrees. “And make sure that the fabrics are not too sheer.”

In any case, don’t wear white underwear, because it will show, and don’t wear something bright and wild, because no one wants to see that.

“Definitely nude panties,” Ms. Jenkins says.

KEEP IT BRIGHT

Keeping your whites clean is the final challenge that comes with the color.

A big lobster bib? A tub of bleach? Maybe you should wear white but just stay home?

“Be very careful,” Ms. Flint says, laughing.

Actually, though, treating stains doesn’t have to be a full-time job with white.

First, treat them right away, preferably keeping the garment damp, Ms. Gumm says. And treat it fast.

“ ... Don’t let it sit.”

And forget the bleach. When her son started little league, Ms. Flint learned that there’s something better than bleach — dishwasher detergent. Now, she adds a little Cascade in with every load of whites in place of bleach, and she says the whites are brighter.

“I learned that many, many years ago.”

InStyle Magazine’s May issue happens to agree, at least about the bleach. It causes yellowing eventually, they report. A better alternative is using a pre-treater, washing in warm or hot water and drying on cool.

Altogether, you should be set for an easy summer and look good for it, too. Just avoid the color from head to toe, save your zebra panties for another day and, if you know you’ll be eating ribs, get ready to do some laundry.