For anyone living in the Southeastern United States, you’ve probably heard your mother or grandmother emphasize the importance of not wearing white at least once in your life after Labor Day.
The “official” unofficial rule is this: no white clothes, especially white shoes, or light fabrics like seersucker or linen after Labor Day…which is the first Monday in September…even if the last day of summer is technically seen Sept 21.
Summer, in my mind, ends when the weather starts to cool down and the leaves begin to change color. This tradition makes it seem like winter hits immediately after the holidays are over, like the weather suddenly goes from 90 degrees to 60 degrees. In reality , temperatures in the south to mid – 90s can rise to October . In my opinion, clothing should be based on the weather, not an old Southern rule. This applies not only to color, but also to fabric. Going to a Saturday afternoon football game in a dress made of thick, “winter” material just because it’s after Labor Day would be miserable.
Even when it gets chilly (I say chilly because the South never gets “cold”), white is a staple color in every person’s wardrobe. Why do you think it was made “winter white”? It is neutral and goes with everything.
The bottom line is that you should wear what you want, whenever you want. Ralph Lauren said, “Style is very personal. It has nothing to do with fashion. Fashion is quickly over. Style is forever.” There are countless trends that come and go, and the taboo of wearing white after Labor Day is just a passing trend. Today’s fashion is everywhere, a collection of fads from decades past. The new rule is that anything is allowed, no matter what anyone thinks.