Dear Jacquelyn,

Is it still considered a fashion faux pas to wear white after Labor Day?

Dear Reader,

One of the most well-known fashion “rules” is that you can’t wear white after Labor Day.

It turns out that rule is outdated. White can be worn 365 days a year.

Common sense is key. Wearing white after Labor Day depends on the clothing items making sense, rather than what color the item is.

If it is the dead of winter be careful about what sort of white clothing you choose. If it’s slushy out, white shoes probably don’t make sense.

It’s more about the specific outfit and the specific occasion than it is about the rule.

Nobody knows for sure where this piece of fashion wisdom comes from.

However, there are some common theories. One states that this rule was created by the wives of the wealthy elites during the late 1800s.

The story goes that the women who considered themselves to be “Old Money” created this rule among themselves so they would know who was in that upper crust inner circle and who was not.

Another theory is based on practicality. Back in the day, people didn’t have air conditioning or central heat so instead relied on shades of clothing to adapt to the changing temperatures.

A final theory blends both classicism and practicality to suggest another reason for the rule.

In time, not wearing white after Labor Day became a bit of a fashion rule. Following it showed that you were wealthy or at least that you knew how to act like you were.

While there are still those who consider post-Labor Day white clothing a no-no, the most important thing to remember is not to take fashion rules so seriously, because fashion is really supposed to be fun.

Long story short, it’s perfectly fine to wear white after Labor Day.

Respectfully Yours,

Jacquelyn

Have a question? Email: jacquelyn@ptd.net. Jacquelyn Youst is owner of the Pennsylvania Academy of Protocol, specializing in etiquette training. She is on the board of directors of the National Civility Foundation.

All Rights Reserved &Copy; 2022 Jacquelyn Youst