White on White Winter Looks

One of the most common unwritten fashion rules is no white after labor day.  I never quite understood this rule. I’m all for people wearing what they want when they want (to a certain extent).

Through the years, I’ve consciously avoided wearing white after Labor Day. But now, white is a staple in my closet, ready to be worn year-round. 

So, where did this no white after labor day rule come from? According to Time magazine, people wore white in the summer months as a way to stay cool.  But in the early part of the 20th century, wearing white clothing was a status symbol for people who were wealthy enough to spend time away from the city in the summer. It was a way to separate the rich from the working class. 

Labor Day marks the end of summer, and as the colder months approached, people would pull out their heavier, darker-colored clothing. It wasn’t until the 1950’s that the no white after Labor Day became an unwritten rule in fashion. 

Though some people still follow this rule today, there’s really no need to. It’s ok to wear white all year round. You can also find winter whites with more of a softer undertone as an option. 

Do you wear white all year round or pack it away for the fall/winter months?