Where did not wearing white after Labor Day come from? Fashion’s famed rule, explained (2024)

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Where did not wearing white after Labor Day come from? Fashion’s famed rule, explained? ›

In the early 1900s, those who were well-to-do often favored lightweight, bright clothing—white linen suits and breezy dresses. Wearing white after Labor Day meant you were someone who had the means to have end-of-summer vacations. Wearing your whites beyond Labor Day was just, well… showing off.

Some historians say brighter clothing was worn by affluent groups who could afford to leave town for a warmer coast when the leaves began to change. Subsequently, it became socially accepted that those who didn't have the money to take fall and winter vacations shouldn't don white after the last summer holiday.

What is the rule about no white after Labor Day? An unwritten etiquette rule followed by many for years held that white garments and shoes were only worn in the summer, which officially came to its a close on Labor Day after the national holiday was established in 1894.

By the 1950s, women's magazines started making this “no white after Labor Day” rule more public. Wearing white only between Memorial Day and Labor Day now signified that a lady was part of the in-the-know fashion club.

In fashion, the color white is often used to evoke a sense of purity, innocence, freshness, or cleanliness.

“She said, 'Screw this rule. I am going to make a white suit after the Labor Day holiday,' even though it's a U.S. holiday, but she was well aware of the rule.” And that suit is one of Chanel's staple pieces that many fashion designers know and respect.

In many different countries, wearing a certain color on New Year's Eve is an age-old tradition. For example, in Brazil, people wear white to bring peace into the new year. In Italy, red is the color to don for success.

To wear white was a subtle way of showing you weren't doing the landscaping, cooking, or cleaning—or, well, manual labor at all. When fall came, the wealthy packed their whites away. They didn't need to wear them: the temperatures had cooled, the tennis tournaments had finished. But they also couldn't wear them.

If you're wondering whether you can wear white after Labor Day and not be arrested by the fashion police, it's time we debunk that old-fashioned fashion rule. The fact is: you can wear white all year long!

In general, it's not appropriate for guests to wear white to a wedding. "When you're a guest at a wedding, the most important thing to keep in mind is not to upstage or upset the bride," says wedding dress designer Madeline Gardner. "It's safe to stay away from any outfits that are predominantly white, cream or ivory."

What is the 3 colour rule in fashion? ›

Maybe for some of you, this is nothing new or revolutionary, but it was new to me. The premise of the 3-color rule is not combine more than three colors in your outfit at any one time.

Whether you're choosing a suit or a casual hoodie, applying the Golden Ratio by proportioning your outfit into one-third top and two-thirds bottom, or vice versa, can significantly elevate your look.

The third piece rule is simple: add a third item to your ensemble to transform basic outfits into the polished look you want to achieve. Pick from a range of accessories to meet the third piece rule, from a hat to a scarf or jewelry. Why not more than one?

A royal wedding sparked the modern trend in white bridal wear. Queen Victoria chose to forgo the royal tradition of wearing coronation robes when she married Prince Albert on Feb. 10, 1840. Instead, she wore a fashionable white gown that was featured in newspapers and magazines around the world.

White is associated with truth, purity, cleansing, healing and protection. It is a good general healing color for the removal of pain and suffering. In the aura it signifies a high level of attainment, a higher level soul incarnate to help others.

White often symbolizes cleanliness, purity, and safety in Western culture. (For example, American brides typically wear white to represent innocence before starting their marriage.) The color can also represent neutrality or space. In fact, white creates “breathing room” between two or more elements.

To wear white was a subtle way of showing you weren't doing the landscaping, cooking, or cleaning—or, well, manual labor at all. When fall came, the wealthy packed their whites away. They didn't need to wear them: the temperatures had cooled, the tennis tournaments had finished. But they also couldn't wear them.

Wearing white was a sign of wealth. Some historians believe that this rule was actually a way for the wealthy to separate themselves from the working class. Not only could they afford vacations—and the expensive clothes to match—but they didn't do work that stained their white clothes.

In general, it's not appropriate for guests to wear white to a wedding. "When you're a guest at a wedding, the most important thing to keep in mind is not to upstage or upset the bride," says wedding dress designer Madeline Gardner. "It's safe to stay away from any outfits that are predominantly white, cream or ivory."

Just because Labor Day has come and gone doesn't mean you must pack away your favorite white jeans or slacks. Contrary to the old-fashioned “rule,” we're here to tell you that white pants can absolutely be rocked during the colder months.