Why Not Wear White After Labor Day?

Wear-white-after-Labor-Day

What says we can’t wear white after Labor Day?

Summer heat and humidity make wearing white a very sensible fashion choice. Since white fabrics reflect the heat and keep us a bit cooler, it’s a no-brainer that it is a go-to color choice in summer. But limiting the wearing of white only during the summer months? Who came up with this idea and why can’t we continue to wear white after Labor Day?

Wear-white-after-Labor-Day

Who came up with this fashion rule?

Well, one train of thought is that it was just a form of snobbery showing an ugly face. After some research, I found that in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s there was an effort in social circles to separate old money from new. The old money elite decided to create fashion rules that only those on the inside circles knew how to follow. Hence, if a certain lady should be so vulgar as to break one of the rules such as wearing white in late-September. Then she was surely not well bred, from new money and unacceptable for social contact.

Secondly, before the days of air-conditioning, as the temperatures rose the rich would leave cities for country homes and the seashores.  And because the cities were quite dirty the people in the cities wore dark clothes. Thus, white and linen clothing was considered vacation or leisure attire which was afforded to the wealthy, not the working class.

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This may all be true, but I like to think that Labor Day merely marks the end of summer vacation season. As our thoughts become more grounded toward the coming fall season so does our desire for a wardrobe change. It will bring the darker color choices and heavier fabrics.  But, we will still be including our whites all year round. Especially when it’s 94 degrees in the South.

 


Wear-white-after-Labor-Day

I hope that you have enjoyed our time together.

Thanks for stopping by today!

Do you have a special End of Summer, Labor Day holiday planned?

Rosemary

 

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9 Comments

  1. Maybe it’s easier to wear white all year here in Florida because I have no problem with it and I know other people who just can’t do it! I think that’s crazy but maybe I’d feel differently if it wasn’t so hot! Anyway, you look so chic in all white, especially with your long blonde hair! So pretty and chic Rosemary!
    xo,
    Kellyann

    • I believe it’s no longer about color but all about the texture and weight of the fabric. But, I agree with you that our Florida climate is perfect for wearing white year round.

    • I happy you enjoyed this little bit of history. There are so many little rules and sayings that we often hear and think to ourselves, “That doesn’t sound right. Where is this coming from?” Of course, there is always an answer. But we just let it slip away for another day. Thanks for stopping by today.

    • Yes Jodie,
      White is a perfect anytime color! In today’s world it really comes down to the weight and texture of the fabric. I personally love winter white at holiday times and white jeans with sweaters. I have a white quilted coat for wintertime trip to the North.

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