We’ve all heard people proclaim, “You shouldn’t wear white after Labor Day!” But if you’re anything like us, you’ve often wondered how this saying came to be, and why it still exists. And most of all — should you listen to it?

History of Why You Shouldn’t Wear White After Labor Day
Many historians say ‘you can’t wear white after Labor day’ gained popularity in the late 1800s for both practical and social reasons.

Practically speaking, this was a time before air conditioning; heading indoors didn’t 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.

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’t make sense in the cooler temperatures, so people would switch into darker, heavier fabrics after Labor Day to prepare for cool weather.

Practicality aside, there were some other reasons for ‘you shouldn’t wear white after Labor Day’. 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’t 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’t have to be true. In fact, flaunting white clothing after Labor Day was a way to show off — telling the world you have enough money to continue living ‘the life’. The idea of not wearing white was likely meant to separate the affluent from the working class. It’s not that nobody should wear white after Labor Day, it’s that if you didn’t have money, you shouldn’t wear white after Labor Day.

How to Pull This Look Off Year-Round

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 But, if you want to defy this outdated rule (and we think you should), there are plenty of ways to keep wearing white after Labor Day and look good doing it!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’s some tips on how to incorporate white into your outfit after Labor Day and beyond:

Materials

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’s as cozy as it is fashionable. The added texture will help give these pieces some visual interest, sometimes key in avoiding that ‘blank canvas’ look. Plus, white just showcases texture so well! So show off your knit, furry, woven, or fuzzy materials proudly.

Shades

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’re the type of person who’s 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’t have to be bright to grab attention.

Layers

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.

Dresses

Who says you have to wear pants in the cooler months? If you can find a dress made of hardy, white fabric, we say, ‘go for it!’ 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.

Ease Into the Look

If you’re 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’s not to say you should completely forget about the ‘you can’t wear white after Labor Day’ 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.

No white in the closet or does your wardrobe need refreshing? Check out our new inventory hitting the shelves daily at your local Turn Style! We have everything you need to turn the sidewalk into your own personal runway.