- Sat, September 14
White is just right for fall. In this post, wearing white after Labor Day.
You a lover of white like me? I’ve been sporting white all year round for many moons now. I dig the unexpected vibe of it in the cooler months. I mean, really….should a date on the calendar really dictate whether you can / should wear a certain color of clothing or shoes?? Commonly asked questions: can you wear white on Labor Day? Can you wear white jeans after labor day? How about shoes, can you wear white sneakers in the fall? The answer is yes, yes, YES! So when did that silly rule start and why? I asked google & here’s what AI spit out…
Who started the no white after Labor Day rule & why?
The tradition of not wearing white after Labor Day likely originated in the late 1800s during the Gilded Age, and may have had multiple origins:
- Classism : Some say the rule was a way for the wealthy to distinguish themselves from the working class. The wealthy could afford to leave town for the summer and not worry about staining their clothes
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Vacation theory : After Labor Day became a federal holiday in 1894, it came to symbolize the end of summer. Vacationers would pack away their white clothing and replace it with darker colors.
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Hiding dirt : Middle-class laborers wore darker colors to hide the dirt and grime from a hard day’s work.
Let’s hear it for Coco Chanel who was said to have challenged the rule in the 1920’s by (FIRST), wearing a suit(!!) and a WHITE suit at that! Let’s go Coco 👏🏽🫶🏽🙌🏽
Knowing all this, we’re scraping that rule quick. Let’s get to some white-after-Labor-Day fits :))
White After Labor Day Fits
A White Suit
I’m starting with this look in honor of Ms Coco who was the first to say…uh hell no, I’m wearing my white. A white suit is chic as hell to me… perfect for cocktail parties, brunches & all sorts of special get togethers. And it’s just as equally a standout on a usual fall day too. Mine is by Rachel Comey (one button boxy blazer w shawl collar & jogger pant) worn with one of my go-to button ups by Steven Alan.
White fabrics + Layer!
An easy way to wear white into fall is pair it with a sweater or layer.
Left look : Rachel Comey white pencil skirt + M.Patmos cashmere sweater. Honestly, I would add white knee hi’s to really bring home the white!
Center look : mens vintage shirt worn as dress (from top pic) + M.Patmos cashmere sweater
Right look : white denim + Sir & Madame long button up + Clare V tee. Just like my white, my tees are an all year round item for me.
White accessories
All white fits too bold this time of year for you? Go for white accessories! I have to say white accessories are fresh!
Left look : via pinterest. I love love love the white paired back to the black floral dress.
Center look : white with leather! ok!! also via pinterest.
Right look. : white sneakers after Labor day, they’re so easy!! Love the white sunnies. Via Insta!
White Inspirations this Fall
If I haven’t convinced you to wear white this fall, maybe these three will!
Left look : such a great cool relaxed vibe + love the black sheer tights & boots. Full look by 3.1 Phillip Lim 2024 RTW
Center look : I’m inspired by basically anything worn by style icon, Veronique Tristam, esp this white sleeveless blazer.
Right look : 3 words…long white jacket.
That’s a wrap on white into fall!
ARLENE ABAD MATTHEWS
is sharing her unique personal style from a 50+, p.o.c p.o.v along with easy stylist tips, style inspirations & essentials, travel stories with recommendations and best of all, overall good vibes, self care & wellness.
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