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<\/p>\nWe\u2019ve all heard people proclaim, \u201cYou shouldn\u2019t wear white after Labor Day!\u201d But if you\u2019re anything like us, you\u2019ve often wondered how this saying came to be, and why it still exists. And most of all \u2014 should you listen to it?<\/p>\n
History of Why You Shouldn\u2019t Wear White After Labor Day
\nMany historians say \u2018you can\u2019t wear white after Labor day\u2019 gained popularity in the late 1800s for both practical and social reasons.<\/p>\n
Practically speaking, this was a time before air conditioning; heading indoors didn\u2019t offer much relief from sweltering summer heat. Summer months were flooded with people wearing cool, white fabrics, which reflected light and trapped minimal body heat. This type of wardrobe would typically last from Memorial Day until Labor Day, when the weather was at its warmest.<\/p>\n
As the temperature tapered off in September, Labor Day became recognized as the unofficial last day of summer (which officially ends on September 22nd). Wearing light, breezy fabrics into autumn didn\u2019t make sense in the cooler temperatures, so people would switch into darker, heavier fabrics after Labor Day to prepare for cool weather.<\/p>\n
Practicality aside, there were some other reasons for \u2018you shouldn\u2019t wear white after Labor Day\u2019. For many in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, summer represented an opportunity for leisure, vacations, and a chance to unwind. After all, if you were wearing thin, light-colored clothes, you probably weren\u2019t doing much hard labor. But once summertime ended, it was back to work, and back to wearing more rugged clothing. For the affluent, however, this didn\u2019t have to be true. In fact, flaunting white clothing after Labor Day was a way to show off \u2014 telling the world you have enough money to continue living \u2018the life\u2019. The idea of not wearing white was likely meant to separate the affluent from the working class. It\u2019s not that nobody should wear white after Labor Day, it\u2019s that if you didn\u2019t have money, you shouldn\u2019t wear white after Labor Day.<\/p>\n
Although most of these reasons have been lost over time, the saying still remains popular. But, if you want to defy this outdated rule (and we think you should), there are plenty of ways to keep wearing white after Labor Day and look good doing it! Here\u2019s some tips on how to incorporate white into your outfit after Labor Day and beyond:<\/p>\n
The color white may inspire thoughts of sunshine and beaches to this day, but choosing the right white material can make the perfect outfit for colder months, too. Try wearing thick, textured white jackets, coats and sweaters. These will never be mistaken for summer, instead defining an expensive, crisp look that\u2019s as cozy as it is fashionable. The added texture will help give these pieces some visual interest, sometimes key in avoiding that \u2018blank canvas\u2019 look. Plus, white just showcases texture so well! So show off your knit, furry, woven, or fuzzy materials proudly.<\/p>\n
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Play around with shades of white for a sophisticated look. Beiges, creams, and ivories not only look refined, but they add a great contrast to dark jeans or other clothing without looking too steryl. If you\u2019re the type of person who\u2019s always conscious of dirt and stains, toning down your shade of white will most likely give you some peace of mind. Remember, white clothing doesn\u2019t have to be bright to grab attention.<\/p>\n
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If you want a pop of white without sticking out too much, or worrying about dirt and grim, try using white as an under layer. White turtlenecks are classic, especially when paired with a cute jacket. No matter what type of shirt you choose, the bit of white popping through your coat, vest or jacket is sure to make a statement.<\/p>\n
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Who says you have to wear pants in the cooler months? If you can find a dress made of hardy, white fabric, we say, \u2018go for it!\u2019 Thick enough material will keep you warm, especially if you add leggings or a shawl. Much like white jackets, coats and sweaters, cozy white dresses can make for a unique, upscale look. Any shade of white will work, and if you want to have a little fun, look for a white patterned dress for a signature piece.<\/p>\n
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If you\u2019re still not quite sure about wearing white, try exploring this color with little accessories to see what you think! White purses, wallets, hats, or shoes can be a great way to ease into whites and off-whites without completely committing to the color. But, that\u2019s not to say you should completely forget about the \u2018you can\u2019t wear white after Labor Day\u2019 rule. If you live in a snowy area, you know winters can be especially muddy, making white shoes a dangerous choice when things get melty. Perhaps a safer choice is white jewelry, which can really actually make more of a statement than gold and silver through its brightness and purity.<\/p>\n