Angie Says: Hey Ali! I have no idea if I can wear white after Labout Day. I know it used to be a no-no, but times have changed. Are there new rules? I am looking at white all over my closet and have no idea what to do with it!
Ali Says:
Labour Day Monday has to be the most powerful of long weekend Mondays. It winds down summer and ushers in fall signaling the end of freedom and return to routine. Moreover it wreaks havoc on the wardrobe of fashionistas everywhere. It’s tough picking the perfect outfit when it’s warm during the day then cool at night; one day crisp and sunny, the next dark and rainy. And the single most debated issue on every girls’ mind: Is it okay to wear white after Labour day?
The origins of this ‘Rule’ are unknown and even if we did know where it began, I am not one to promote ‘Rules’ when it comes to dressing. Rather, I am a believer in promoting guidelines. So, when it comes to this question here are my thoughts:
The rule about white after Labour Day is a non-issue if you live in a hot climate. Crisp white cotton and linen clothing look fantastic in brilliant sunshine. There is something airy and glamourous about dressing head to toe in white. It evokes thoughts of beachy afternoons and looks marvelous as a sharp contrast to yachts sailing in deep indigo or turquoise waters.
The same is not so true here in the North on a blustery afternoon when winds are whipping and leaves are blowing all around. After Labour Day, there is normally a distinct change in the weather: days are warm but evenings are markedly cooler. The weather at the start of the day is no indication of what is in store for the day to come. Risking white pants or dress when a dark downpour is never too far off the horizon is high stakes not worth the return.
This is not to say you should banish white all together. Well that is exactly what it is to say: you should banish white all together. White from head to toe is too much. The hours of daylight are getting shorter minute by precious minute, and the leaves already beginning to change colour. An all white outfit looks off and out of place. One should aim to have their clothing be complemented by our surroundings/ backdrop. Warmer tones are a safer choice with the cooling temperatures.
White shoes and bags can be traded out for camel, toffee and chocolate. Crisp white t-shirts, pants or even dresses however can still be worn. After all it is still hot out there. Just opt to pair white with darker tones like plum, navy, olive or brown. Use gold and bronze accessories to smooth the transition. Your aim should be to downplay the brightness of the white and balance it with cues from seasonal colours like my personal favourite burnt orange!
The origins of this ‘Rule’ are unknown and even if we did know where it began, I am not one to promote ‘Rules’ when it comes to dressing. Rather, I am a believer in promoting guidelines. So, when it comes to this question here are my thoughts:
The rule about white after Labour Day is a non-issue if you live in a hot climate. Crisp white cotton and linen clothing look fantastic in brilliant sunshine. There is something airy and glamourous about dressing head to toe in white. It evokes thoughts of beachy afternoons and looks marvelous as a sharp contrast to yachts sailing in deep indigo or turquoise waters.
The same is not so true here in the North on a blustery afternoon when winds are whipping and leaves are blowing all around. After Labour Day, there is normally a distinct change in the weather: days are warm but evenings are markedly cooler. The weather at the start of the day is no indication of what is in store for the day to come. Risking white pants or dress when a dark downpour is never too far off the horizon is high stakes not worth the return.
This is not to say you should banish white all together. Well that is exactly what it is to say: you should banish white all together. White from head to toe is too much. The hours of daylight are getting shorter minute by precious minute, and the leaves already beginning to change colour. An all white outfit looks off and out of place. One should aim to have their clothing be complemented by our surroundings/ backdrop. Warmer tones are a safer choice with the cooling temperatures.
White shoes and bags can be traded out for camel, toffee and chocolate. Crisp white t-shirts, pants or even dresses however can still be worn. After all it is still hot out there. Just opt to pair white with darker tones like plum, navy, olive or brown. Use gold and bronze accessories to smooth the transition. Your aim should be to downplay the brightness of the white and balance it with cues from seasonal colours like my personal favourite burnt orange!
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