After Labor Day Rules for Food and Fashion (2024)

FAQs

What are the fashion rules after Labor Day? ›

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.

The rule to stop wearing white clothing after Labor Day has persisted through generations of tradition, but even so, there are plenty of people who have reinterpreted this old-fashioned standard to wear white all year long.

That's because the federal holiday that celebrates American employees unofficially marks the end of summer, and is also known as the date to put away all things white until next season. We've all been warned about the fashion faux pas of wearing white after Labor Day.

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.

While it's fine to wear white or bright colors to a post-Labor Day event, clothing that's generally considered summer attire may not be appropriate for some September events. Consider the nature of the event when deciding what to wear to a late summer or early fall event.

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.

Pushing Boundaries: Wear Linen in Spring, Summer, and Fall

Nudge, cajole, even browbeat it if you must: go on and wear your linen clothing after Labor Day—it's appropriate for half the year or more, in many climes.

It can also help you recover safely to avoid postpartum injuries and reduce your risk of things like postpartum depression, anxiety, clogged milk ducts and mastitis. The basics of the rule consists of 5 days in bed, 5 days on the bed and 5 days around the bed.

I'm also over the heat and all my summer clothes so all I can think about are fall fashions. Since it stays warm through October, you can definitely still wear white jeans as long as you pair them with darker colors, heavier fabrics, and leather or suede accessories.

The “no white after Labor Day” rule is dated. So yes, you can totally wear white jeans in the fall and winter, and there are ways to style them for the cooler season. So, can you wear pink in the winter? Absolutely!

How long after Labor Day can you wear white? ›

When are you allowed to start wearing white clothing again after Labor Day? Good news: You're allowed to wear white clothing year-round.

Wearing white is generally uncommon, and attendees are advised to opt for subdued tones to maintain a solemn atmosphere. Bright and flashy colours and accessories are inappropriate and should be avoided to keep the occasion's solemnity.

For many years, fashion experts insisted that white shoes should only be worn before Labor Day. The reasoning was that white was a summer color, and wearing white shoes after the end of summer would be considered gauche. However, times have changed, and white shoes are now considered acceptable for year-round wear.

Even though clothes made with linen fabric are usually for living through the heat on your summer vacation days, they also make the best outfit for your balmy early fall seasons to the frosty temperature on the latter days.

If you ask any Fashionista, this statement is so false. Wearing white and linen can be appropriate with any outfit, any time of the year!