Speaking of style, the “no white after Labor Day” rule might have you thinking twice before putting any white clothing items in your cart. But why can’t you wear white after Labor Day?
For the wealthiest families, having enough money to purchase an entire new wardrobe for each season was a huge status symbol. In the fall and winter, white surfaces are more difficult to keep clean due to mud, dirt, leaves, snow, and that yucky slush that forms after a few days.
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The History of the White After Labor Day “Rule”
During the late 19th century—long before you could wear jeans to a Michelin-starred restaurant—society ladies were engaged in an invisible battle with the nouveau riche (a.k.a. people who’d recently become rich rather than having benefitted from generations of wealth). One of the subtle jabs that the old money crowd used to distinguish themselves from the nouveau riche was to make wearing white after Labor Day a fashion faux pas.
“It [was] insiders trying to keep other people out,” says Valerie Steele, director of the Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology, in an interview with Time(opens in new tab), “and outsiders trying to climb in by proving they know the rules.”
How Serious is This Rule?
Not serious at all. As a means of self-expression, fashion has many arbitrary rules. After Labor Day, if a white “fit” takes your fancy, by all means wear it.
Contrary to what some people may think, it is not a sign of disrespect.
Even Vogue, considered by some a tome of fashion wisdom, advises that white can always be in style, even putting forth a guide to seasonally appropriate pieces in ivory and cream.
How Long After Labor Day Can You Wear White?
The rule states that after You should put white out of your wardrobe on Labor Day. The gates are then reopened on Memorial Day in May.
Fashionistas should feel free to disregard the interval and wear their favorite white pieces year-round (as long as they are weather appropriate), as the interval is not as serious as the rule it is based on.
Read about Why is There a Global Labor Shortage?
Who Started No Wearing White After Labor Day?
What then is the background to this outdated decree? Contrary to popular belief, it’s actually more fascinating. According to the Farmer’s Almanac, the concept of not wearing white after The first Labor Day was celebrated in the 19th century as a way for the upper class to distinguish itself from the lower class. Affluent groups, according to some historians, who could afford to leave town for a warmer coast when the leaves started to change, wore brighter clothing. After the last summer holiday, it was socially acceptable for those who couldn’t afford to take fall or winter vacations to refrain from dressing in white.
Laborers typically wore dark clothing to conceal the grimy results of a long day’s work, which is another explanation. The wealthy, however, didn’t have to worry about getting their white clothes stained. (You must discover something new each day.)
So Can I Wear White After Labor Day After All?
Are you unsure of whether you can wear your go-to pair of white jeans after Labor Day? Sso the answer to “After Labor Day, is white still acceptable?” is yes! After Labor Day, white clothing is certainly acceptable if desired. Better yet, there’s a historical precedent for your trend-thwarting ways: Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel herself, who insisted on walking around in garishly colored clothes all year long. So stylish.
These white items are excellent choices for wearing white after Labor Day if you need some shopping inspo. So long, summer!
