Wearing white after Labor Day is viewed by some as a fashion faux pas, but experts we spoke to say otherwise. So, free up some space in your closet for even more on-trend white pieces that you'll want to rock long after the three-day weekend.
Lifestyle expert Kathy Buccio stopped by the 3rd hour of TODAY to share different ways both men and women can style white before and after Labor Day. From breezy dresses to go-to sneakers, keep reading to discover all of the ways you can work the color into your wardrobe for fall and beyond.
How women can wear white after Labor Day
Look 1
Zara Voluminous Midi Dress
Buccio picked this 100 percent cotton dress as the base for this look. The straps are adjustable for a comfortable fit and the back features a smock detailing that we're seeing everywhere right now.
Scoop Faux Leather Moto Jacket
Contrast the look with this bold and bright jacket, which features an asymmetrical zipper and silver-tone hardware. Not only can you style it with the midi dress, but you can also wear it well into fall with sweaters and T-shirts.
Scoop Western Booties
Cowboy boots have been trending since last summer, and the Western vibe doesn't seem to be going anywhere. Buccio chose this metallic pair, which features a block heel for comfort and side-zip closure that makes them easy to slip on and off.
Look 2
Eloquii Ruffle Blouse with Ties
This elegant top can go great with jeans or with a cropped pant, like Buccio styled it with. Ruffle detailing and a tie-neck also make it feel a little more elevated than your typical long-sleeve top.
Eloquii Crop Wide Leg Sweater Pant
Bottoms that are as cozy as a sweater but nice enough to wear into the office? Count us in! These wide leg pants boast a high-rise fit and are machine washable for easy care.
A New Day Penelope Sock Boots
Buccio picked these boots to finish off the outfit. With a '70s-inspired silhouette and faux leather look, these sleek booties are the perfect neutral to pair with a white top this fall.
Look 3
Unique21 Double-Button Vest Blazer Dress
This oversized vest is actually a dress — and Buccio thinks it looks great with a turtleneck and pair of booties. It hits just under the knee for a modest look and can also be worn with heels in the spring.
Amazon Essentials Long-Sleeve Turtleneck Sweater
While this sage green turtleneck makes for a subtle pop of color with this look, you can also find it in more than a dozen other colors, too. From black to bright pink, you can't go wrong with a turtleneck when it comes to layering.
Simply Be Extra Wide Fit Ankle Boot
Buccio loves these booties, which come in a fun leopard print and an extra wide fit for those with wider feet. The faux leather upper and zip-side closure are other details that make them a fashionable and functional pick for this look.
Journee Collection Gwenn Bootie
These faux suede booties are versatile enough to wear with Buccio's vest dress, but we can also picture ourselves wearing them with jeans or a nice pair of trousers as the temperatures get cooler.
Look 4
H&M Cotton Poplin Shirt Dress
Another oversized workwear look Buccio is loving right now? The shirt dress trend. This dress features a tapered waist and pleat detailing that makes for a flattering fit, according to the brand.
Gap Shaker-Stitch Boyfriend Cardigan
An oversized cardigan can help keep you warm on chilly days in the office or on weekend outings. Buccio chose this simple style to wear over the shirt dress for not only an extra layer, but for a pop of color.
Shein Layered Chain Belt
A simple chain belt like this one can elevate an otherwise plain outfit. Buccio found three gold options that pair nicely with this look.
Steve Madden Catcher Sneaker
White sneakers are a wardrobe essential. Buccio approves of these kicks from Steve Madden, which boast a 1.5-inch platform bottom for some added height and contrasting accents for a trendy look.
How men can wear white after Labor Day
Goodfellow & Co Slim Fit Jeans
Slim fit jeans can easily be dressed up or down. Buccio picked this versatile white pair from Target, which are currently on sale for less than $30.
Goodfellow & Co Denim Trucker Jacket
If a denim jacket doesn't exist in his wardrobe, now is the perfect time to make it an addition. Buccio loves this trucker-style jacket that adds a rugged feel to an otherwise polished look.
Naadam Cashmere Long-Sleeve Polo
Editor's Note: Buccio's pick is low in stock in certain sizes, but we found another similar option below.
A great basic for his wardrobe? A neutral-toned polo. This top is made from a blend of cashmere and cotton and can be worn with just about anything in his wardrobe.
Banana Republic Merino Wool Sweater
While this top isn't made from cashmere, it boasts a similar look to Buccio's pick and is on sale at a deep discount right now.
Goodfellow & Co Kingston Casual Sneakers
Another look that can be polished off with a white sneaker, according to Buccio? This one. We've seen them on red carpets, so it's safe to say this casual look can also be completed with the basic footwear.
Where does the myth come from?
Shop TODAY previously spoke with style experts to learn about the long-standing rule. Here's what they had to say.
According to Time, the notion that you can't wear white after Labor Day originated in the early 20th century, when the color began to function as an indication of societal status. Valerie Steele, director of the Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology, told the publication that the elites could afford to purchase seasonal clothing, while the working class typically donned darker clothing all year long.
Hollywood stylist and Dhstyle Inc. CEO Dana Asher-Levine told us that seasonal availability also has a lot to do with this old-fashioned myth.
"Many years ago, shopping was very seasonal. You bought clothes for fall, holidays and spring and summer," Asher-Levine told Shop TODAY. "White was never available in the winter months. Now with fast fashion, collections changing monthly, white is a staple color year-round."
Does white need to leave our wardrobes?
So, should you opt to leave your outfits void of any traces of white until Memorial Day? Some celebrity stylists don't think so.
"I disagree with this notion — white should be a staple in everyone's wardrobe worn year-round," said celebrity stylist Cristina Ehrlich. "If we took white out of our wardrobe after Labor Day, that would take away men's and women's shirting."
Celebrity stylist Karla Welch also disagrees with the notion. In fact, she doesn't believe in any fashion rules.
"I think white is great for all the basic wardrobing pieces — a white or off-white sweater always feels right, " Welch said.
More ways to wear white after Labor Day
"Times have changed and fashion has changed," as Asher-Levine put it.
If you're looking to defy the fashion myth yourself in the following months, we also asked the experts for some tips on exactly how to do it. Whether you want to build a timeless capsule wardrobe or simply test out a white outfit yourself, read on for the pieces you should be adding to your cart.
T-shirts
Welch says a "perfect" white tee is also an easy basic to incorporate into your post-Labor Day wardrobe. Asher-Levine also recommends keeping a variety of white tees in your closet.
Whether you'll be working from home or just need a comfortable top to run errands in, we found some fashionable and affordable options.
Gap 100% Organic Cotton Vintage V-Neck T-Shirt
Made with a soft, lightweight cotton, this tee was made to live in. For an effortless look, pair it with jeans, flats and a camel coat.
Uniqlo Crew Neck T-shirt
If you prefer the comfort of a crew neck, this solid tee will certainly deliver. It's made from 100% cotton and specially designed to offer any figure a flattering silhouette.
Calson Rounded V-Neck T-shirt
This rounded V-neck is a classic that will never go out of style. The top is lightweight and easy to pair with jeans or leggings as the seasons change. To complete your look, try throwing on your favorite pair of boots or sneakers.
Outerwear
If you're looking to add a pop of color to your all-white look, the fall season is the perfect time to experiment with a chic coat.
"A beautiful all-white look with a camel cashmere coat transitions beautifully into fall and winter," Ehrlich said.
Already have your outerwear covered? Welch says adding a black blazer to a white outfit can make it instantly chic (and ready for video calls).
Allegra K Notched Lapel Winter Coat
For a look that's on-trend, this coat features a button closure and an A-line fit — subtle details that make all the difference. Pair it with your go-to all-white outfit for an effortlessly chic look.
Nine West Relaxed Blazer
This soft blazer features two functional pockets that you can actually use during your workday. It's the perfect way to break up a monochromatic look without breaking the bank.
Accessories
Wondering how to complete the look? "When styling white outfits, incorporate statement necklaces and earrings," Ehrlich told us. "Having a white base allows gold metals to pop once worn, and always add that red lip."
Pavoi Gold-Plated Cuff Earrings
Prefer something on the smaller side? These "huggies" are TODAY editor-approved and cost less than $15. Pair them with your favorite T-shirt and jeans for an effortless look.
MAC Lipstick Matte in Ruby Woo
If you want to heed Ehrlich's advice and opt for a red lip to complete your look, this bestselling shade won't disappoint. The matte lipstick boasts over 800 reviews from Ulta customers that praise its rich color and easy application.
ASOS Design Natural Straw Boater Hat
"Another accessory would be incorporating a stiff-brim boater hat for the season," Ehrlich said.
This trimmed boater hat can easily transition from the last days of summer to the early days of fall, thanks to its rich color and ribbon detail.
Shoes
Asher-Levine also adds white booties and chunky tennis shoes to the list of ways you can incorporate white into your wardrobe this fall and beyond, since they can take you from day to night.
Superga 2750 Cotu Canvas Sneakers
The duch*ess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, frequently sports these all-white sneakers, pairing them with everything from jeans to wide-leg pants. They're a budget-friendly way to add some royal style to your wardrobe.
Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Sneaker
Chucks will never go out of style, so investing in these white sneakers after Labor Day is a smart fashion move for adding a timeless piece to your wardrobe.
Keds Champion Sneaker
Another classic sneaker, these Keds can match nearly any piece in your closet. Whether you're opting for a basic tee and leggings or want to step it up with light-wash jeans, these shoes make it easy to incorporate white into your look.
Madden Girl Dafni Bootie
These vintage-inspired boots are an easy way to add a bright pop of white to an otherwise dark outfit. The faux-leather upper and chunky block heel means you can sport a chic look without compromising comfort.
