Can I Wear White After Labor Day?

Can I wear white after Labor Day?  I just got this question the other day and I thought it was appropriate to answer this on the Friday before Labor Day.  Yes, of course, you can wear white after Labor Day!

Did you know Labor Day became a federal holiday in 1894, and society eventually adopted it as the natural end for summer fashion.  However some socialites refused to follow the trend, most famously Coco Chanel, who wore white year-round. By the 1950s, women’s magazines made it clear to middle class America: white clothing came out on Memorial Day and went away on Labor Day.  Here’s a short video from TIME explain the roots of the fashion rule.

If the weather says it’s still summer, then, by all means, keep on wearing white!  For the in-between days when it’s cool in the morning and evening, try wearing your all-white outfit and just add a third piece.  Remember about the third piece which I wrote about here?

Here are some examples:

Trench vest (here) and scarf (similar) from Jacket Society.

Olive Green jacket from Chalet available at boutiques, locally at daisy dig’ins.

Additional ways to keep your white alive as the temperature cools:

• Add a long-sleeve  or sweater-weight top
• Add darker shoes or booties
• Add a scarf or a shawl – the cooler the temperature ,the heavier the weight
• Add a felt hat

At least keep wearing those whites through Labor Day.  Have a wonderful long weekend!