Can I Wear White Shoes After Labor Day? (2024)

by Shannon Scott September 01, 2022

Can you believe Labor Day is already here? It seems like summer just started, and now we're talking about end-of-summer fashion. So, the big question on everyone's mind is can you wear white shoes after Labor Day?

For years, this has been a fashion faux pas. However, times are changing, and now it is perfectly acceptable to rock your white kicks all year round. So, next time you are getting dressed for a fall event, do not be afraid to break the rules and rock a pair of white shoes. Who knows, you might just start a new fashion trend.

This article will discuss the history of no white shoes after Labor Day and provide tips on making white shoes work for fall.

The History of the "No White after Labor Day" rule

The "no white after Labor Day" rule is a fashion guideline that has been around for over a hundred years. While its origins are unclear, the rule is thought to have originated from the upper class in America. The rule was designed to distinguish between the old money elitists and the new money group. It was a way for insiders (the wives of the super-rich) to keep out outsiders attempting to join the millionaire circles by proving they knew the rules.

The super-rich women with old money came up with different fashion rules that only they knew. It was a way for these women to show that they knew the unspoken rule and therefore belonged to their elite group.

One of these rules was not wearing white after summer. So, whenever a wanna-be showed up wearing white attire after summer, they knew not to give her time of day. In 1984, Labor Day became a federal holiday and the day eventually marked the end of summer fashion - thus, no white after Labor Day.

Some people believe that the rule came about for a simpler reason. When summer months were over and temperatures started to cool down, vacationers would pack up their white attires and don a new fall wardrobe that was darker and more subdued in color. They were back in the city, and it was time to get back to work or school, and therefore needed a new wardrobe.

Irrespective of the cause, the "no white after Labor Day" rule became a social norm that everyone followed. It was not until the late 1960s/early 1970s that fashion rules started to be challenged, and the "no white after Labor Day" rule began to disappear. Celebrities and trendsetters began to wear white all year round, and the fashion industry followed suit. In recent years, the rule has all but disappeared, and white can be worn any time of year.

How Strictly the Rule is Followed Today

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.

While some people still prefer to save white for the warmer months, there are no longer any hard and fast rules about when it can be worn. One reason for this shift is that designers have begun to create more versatile styles that can be worn in any season. In addition, people's attitudes towards fashion have become more relaxed, and they are no longer as concerned with following strict rules. As a result, it is now perfectly acceptable to wear white shoes after Labor Day.

What Does That Mean For You?

Labor Day marks the end of summer, so wearing white after this holiday is often seen as taboo. However, fashion rules have changed, and white can now be worn year-round. If you want to wear white after Labor Day, go for it! Here are some tips on how to wear white shoes after Labor Day:

CONSIDER THE MATERIAL OF YOUR SHOES
If you're wearing white sandals, they might not transition well into fall. However, if you have a pair of white booties or sneakers, they will be perfect for the cooler weather.

THINK ABOUT THE REST OF YOUR OUTFIT

Your shoes are just one part of your outfit, so make sure the rest of your clothes work with the season. For example, you can wear white sneakers with a pair of jeans and a sweater.

PAIR WHITE SHOES WITH FALL COLORS
One way to make white shoes work for fall is to pair them with rich, autumnal colors. Think deep reds, burgundy, forest green, and gold. This will help to balance out the look and give it a more sophisticated feel. You could also consider something outside of white shoelaces to add a splash of color as well.

OPT FOR STREET STYLE-APPROVED WHITE SHOES
When it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes for fall, opt for a pair that has a street style-approved look. Some great options include clean white leather sneakers, white leather Chelsea boots, or white booties.

AVOID WEARING HEAD-TO-TOE WHITE
This can look a bit too much like you are wearing a pair of tennis shoes with jeans. Instead, mix things up by pairing your white shoes with a printed dress or denim skirt.

ACCESSORIZE
Adding a few seasonal accessories can help your white shoes feel more appropriate for fall. Try pairing your shoes with a scarf or hat.

Get Your White Shoes at COMUNITYmade

The "no white after Labor Day" rule is no longer hard and fast, and white can now be worn year-round. If you want to wear white shoes after Labor Day, consider the material of your shoes, the rest of your outfit, and how you can accessorize. Remember to keep it simple and let your shoes be the star of the show. Check out COMUNITYmade for some great street style-approved white shoes.

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