It's Never Too Late or Early to Wear White

It’s never too late to wear white. White after Labor Day is a fashion rule that no one really follows anymore or cares. But before we write it off, let’s learn how it came to.

A brief history “No White before Labor Day” rule:

In an interview with Time Magzine, Valerie Steele, director of the Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology stated that the you can’t wear white after Labor Day rule was created (around the 1930s) to separate the old money elitists from the new money group. It was insiders trying to keep other people out. By others, I believe she is referring to “new” money; keep outsiders from crawling in to prove they know the rules.

During warmer months, the elites would put away their cooled colored clothing and bring out their white attire to go on vacation. So white clothing became known as “vacation clothes”, and it also let people know that you could afford a new wardrobe and a vacation. White linen was considered a look of leisure.

Steeles explains there could be a simpler answer: “There used to be a much clearer sense of re-entry,” said Steele. “You’re back in the city, back at school, back doing whatever you’re doing in the fall—and so you have a new wardrobe.”

Now people wear shorts, miniskirts, and short sleeve shirts in the fall and winter. Back then there was a clear distinction between wardrobes in the cooler and warmer seasons.

Now that we have gotten past that. White is synonymous with summer; it keeps you cool and always looks chic. I personally never understood the rule or followed it. White is a color, a neutral for some, and it should be showcased no matter the season. That is not to be confused with winter white, which is more of a creamier hue, which is also gorgeous. The classic white collard shirt is worn year-round, why not extend that into other pieces in your wardrobe.

My top is from Forever 21 $19.90. My skirt is Antonio Melani by way of Dillard’s; it was $80.00.