So Labor Day just passed and people are starting to pack up all of their white clothes to sit in a box until Memorial Day.  Why do so many people follow this fashion “rule?”  Not wearing white after Labor Day stands to have many meanings, though few people really know the reasoning behind it.

One explanation is this:  In warmer climates, especially during the Summer, we’re all advised to wear white to protect us from the sun.  White fabrics are typically lighter and therefore make more sense to wear during these times.  Labor Day marks the end of Summer, so the belief is that heavier and darker fabrics are needed through Fall and Winter, and people won’t have a use for their lightweight attire.  With popular magazines publishing this explanation in the early 1900′s, the practice of not wearing white after Labor Day came into existence and has been carried on ever since.

Here’s the issue with the rule:  Those magazines were mostly based in northern states, like New York, where they had 4 seasons and constant temperature changes, giving logic to the routine.  But, if you live in a state like Florida, where its bound to be 95 degrees in the middle of October, then it doesn’t make much sense. Even Coco Chanel disagreed with the tradition, and created a white suit to be worn year-round.

More and more people are rocking white through the chilly months.  Sweaters and winter coats are also being made in white or milk-tones, so designers are disregarding the advice.  Don’t feel like you have to follow the age-old routine.  It’s hot right now for a lot of us, so show your lights some love.  Break out your white tank top and don’t be ashamed, you’re not the only one.  If you’re still following the rule, I wanna know why, so feel free to share.

Write you soon,

Jenn