Why can’t I wear white after Labor Day?Historical interpretation of fashion rules

Although Labor Day may be a federal holiday celebrating American employees, it also marks an important date in the tailor’s calendar.

As the old adage goes, Labor Day marks the last day of the calendar year when fashionistas should wear white clothes.

But where do the rules come from? Can you really not wear white after Labor Day?

Why can’t I wear white after Labor Day?

To be honest, nothing can stop you from wearing any clothes you want to wear as long as you want, but there are some theories about dressing tailoring rules.

The first is practicality.

Since Labor Day is celebrated on the first Monday in September, it marks the end of the traditional summer and the beginning of autumn.

In the early to mid-20th century, there was no air conditioning, and wearing white was an easy way to stay cool. As the temperature started to get cold, replace these lighter clothes with darker fabrics.

“All magazines and fashion makers are concentrated in big cities, usually in the seasonal northern climate,” the author American fashion, Charlie Scheips tells time.

These fashion editors may not find white to be practical in the autumn weather, because their clothes are easily stained in the rain.

The “no white” rule is also considered a seasonal wardrobe for middle-class vacationers, who will leave the humid climate of big cities for summer.

The change to white, including linen suits, is considered a tourist’s holiday clothing.

As Valerie Steele, curator of the Museum of the Fashion Institute of Technology, told the magazine, returning to the city in a darker tone may be seen as a sign of “re-entry”.

“You go back to the city, go back to school, go back to fall to do whatever you are doing-so you have a new wardrobe,” she said.

Steele also believes that as social mobility led to an increase in the middle-class population, there may be classism in strengthening the rules in the 1950s, which helped to distinguish the old money elite from the nouveau riche, although not all historians All agree with this.

“it [was] Insiders try to prevent others from entering by proving that they understand the rules, while outsiders try to climb in,” Steele said.

Can I wear white after Labor Day?

Regardless of its history, there is no real reason to comply with the rule in 2021.

Many celebrities, including those who are often praised for their personal style, were found wearing white after Labor Day.

In October 2020, Kourtney Kardashian was photographed wearing a white satin shirt dress when he was out with friends and TikTok star Addison Rae.

When shooting Younger in New York last November, someone saw Hilary Duff wearing a white suit and a thick sage green cardigan.

Actress Olivia Wilde wore white on the red carpet in the same month, while singer Ella Mai appeared on Dick Clark’s New Year’s Eve in a playful white feather skirt.

Many other fashionistas have also been spotted wearing white at the fashion shows during New York Fashion Week in September. Many fashion shows are held after Labor Day.