Wearing white after Labor Day has been fashion "don't" for centuries. So would that mean this slick all white outfit worn by Colman Domingo is now a no-no? Not that anyone in Southwest Florida pays attention to rules. I mean just look at the number of people who drive slow in the left lane. Spend an afternoon at the beach and it is obvious that people turn a blind eye to fashion rules in general.
However, this wearing white topic is one that comes up every year. Do we really have to trade in our white sandals for beige? To get answers to the burning fashion question we turned to the experts at Vogue Magazine and they say wear it! The only caveat--just make it look seasonal.
Why is wearing white after Labor Day a thing in the first place?
So where exactly did this now outdated fashion rule come from? Turns out it was a couple of reasons. The first might be more obvious and one of practicality. Back in the day, when there was no air conditioning, light, white clothing was just plain cooler. It was natural to switch to darker, heavier clothing in the fall. Since Labor Day was the traditional end to summer, that was the end of white as well.
Apparently wearing white was also a way to separate the elite from the working class. The latter would never wear the color because it would get dirty. In addition, the wealthy would don their white linens to vacation at the beach and such...because they could. Flaunting ones wealth did have limits though. Continuing to wear white after Labor Day was considered showing off just a little bit too much.
In our tropical climate, most people still wear white after Labor Day, much to the chagrin of traditionalists and a few self-proclaimed fashionistas. If you are shamed for putting on those white pumps, or white sports jacket, now you are armed with info needed for a proper fashion fight back.
