Who came up with the notion that you shouldn’t wear white after Labour Day?
Well, the notion was created to separate the old money elitists from those aspiring to get in the coveted group. “It [was] insiders trying to keep other people out, and outsiders trying to climb in by proving they know the rules,” said Valerie Steele, director of the Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology, in an interview with Time.
Or perhaps it was as simple as Labour Day signaling the end of summer. A return to a regular routine, back to school meant a whole new wardrobe, usually with more heavy fabrics and darker colours.
Here are a few tips on ways you can say goodbye to “no white after Labour Day” and incorporate white into your wardrobe this fall and even into winter!
5 Ways to Wear White This Fall
Mix and match.
Pair white statement pieces with neutral colours like grey or tan to tone down the summer vibe for a sophisticated fall look. I love the look of a white sweater paired with white jeans, and a tan belt and handbag.
Stick to all white accessories like white cashmere gloves or a cable knit scarf to style your look as the months get colder. White is not always just plain old white – go with a shade of white, including cream, ivory, bright white, and my favourite, champagne.
Add some shearling.
From boots to jackets to capes, shearling makes an appearance every fall. Incorporate a pop of white in your transitional wardrobe with shearling accents. Also, think white wools, cashmeres, and down-filled parkas.
The not-so-blue jean
To balance out the summery feel of a pair of white denim jeans, pair with a distressed leather jacket in dark brown or a tan trench over coat for a more polished look.
Pair with darker colours.
Pair while with fall-like colours, so wear with grey or black jeans for example, or with a military green colour. A white sweater would rock with denim jeans and a leather jacket.
So, who said you can’t wear white after Labour Day?
21 Comments
I am old fashioned, so I put my white stuff away on Labor Day and it will not come back out until Memorial Day. I do love these looks, though 🙂
Oh My. I’m a southern girl and have pretty much not worn white before Easter or after Labor Day. But, I have mellowed in my old age and wear it all the time now. Especially down here in Florida where white is a must to stay cool.
great looks! I love the look with the brown belt the best! My problem is whenever I wear white I look like a toddler with a pudding cup! Never fails I end up spilling or sitting on something 😉
brave girls in white pants!! I have not worn white pants I think in over a decade!! These girls certainly can pull it off!
I tend not to wear white pants after labor day but will still wear other white articles and white accessories. It is definitely hard for me to keep my whites looking clean so I will have to check out that OxiClean White Revive Powder.
White is a nice color to wear for the fall, because it provides a nice contrast to the earthy tones around us. However, keeping white clothes looking anything but white would demand a good laundry assistant. I will check out Oxi Clean While Revive and maybe be daring enough to wear white this fall season.
Oh I’m loving these styles. I wish I could pull more of them off. I might have to try something new!
I love white and I love layering. Too bad i live in a warm place, San Diego 🙁
Great outfits. I really love white because it is perfect for anywhere. but when i wear a white pants it is quick to have dirt because my kids was really hyper.
I really love wearing white because it makes you look so presentable. White pants are perfect for the fall, as well as the whit knits and the scarves.
I love wearing white but save for the nursery days when I can avoid chocolate stains etc. I love your ideas on how to wear it thanks for sharing.
I wear white all year round. In fact, I was grown before I heard the white after Labor Day expression.
I grew up with a mom who would never have dared wear white after labor day. With that said, I love the white cashmere with the jeans.
Being a mom, I cannot wear white when I’m a human napkin. I’d love to, but I do not trust my children, lol.
I love all these great ideas. I don’t often wear white but might try and see if I can copy these looks and wear white this season.
I love those skinny jeans and the soft sweater too. What a great look!
I definitely love all these outfit ideas..you can never go wrong with white!
White is my favorite color. All these are fabulous outfits. I love all the ideas.
I love all the styles you laid out. I’m just not sure if I could pull those off pretty well.
Great looIs. It’s been so warm, I don’t want to put my summer whites away just yet 🙂
I rarely wear white but the outfits you put together on here are beautiful.