The rule against wearing white after Labor Day is an outdated social convention originating in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, primarily among the wealthy elite. It symbolized the end of summer vacations and was a status symbol, with wealthy New Yorkers storing their light, summer whites upon returning to the city for work and cooler weather. Today, modern fashion focuses on fabric weight rather than color, and the rule is no longer considered applicable, with many sources, including the Emily Post Institute, stating that white can be worn year-round.
Origins of the Rule
- Summer Leisure vs. City Life:White was ideal for hot summer months and symbolized leisure and vacation in wealthy circles. When the summer season ended around Labor Day, these individuals would return to their city lives and switch to darker, more practical clothes.
- A Sign of Wealth and Status:Wearing white was a status symbol because it was harder to keep clean and showed that a person did not have to perform manual labor. When the city season began, packing away white garments was a subtle way to signify that one had returned to work and was no longer on vacation.
- Influence of Fashion Media:Women’s magazines in the early 20th century helped popularize this rule, reinforcing the idea that dark colors were appropriate for the fall and winter seasons.
Why the Rule is Outdated
- Modern Fashion’s Focus:Today, seasonal fashion guidelines are based on the weight and type of fabric (like linen or wool) rather than color, allowing for winter whites.
- Comfort and Practicality:With advances in laundry and air conditioning, the practical need to avoid white in cooler months has largely disappeared.
- Emphasis on Personal Style:Modern fashion emphasizes self-expression over rigid rules. Many style icons, like Coco Chanel, have worn white year-round.
- Official Rejection:Etiquette authorities, including the Emily Post Institute, have stated that this rule is no longer relevant and that white can be worn at any time of the year.
