Our Guide to Breaking the Rules & Wearing White After Labor Day

The old adage is you’re not supposed to wear white after Labor Day, but fashion rules are not set in stone. If you’re ready to break one of the biggest fashion myths out there, we’re here to tell you white is totally wearable after Labor Day. Wear it year-round and wear it proudly! Whether you’re wearing white accessories with cozy fall clothes or donning white skinny jeans, embrace confidence and creativity and throw those outdated rules out the window. Let’s take a deeper dive into our guide to breaking the fashion norms and how to wear white after Labor Day.

Debunking the Myth of No White After Labor Day

The “no white after Labor Day” rule began as a way for the elite to distinguish themselves because wearing white was seen as a summer luxury only the wealthy could afford. Fashion has totally evolved since then, breaking all sorts of outdated and, honestly, unnecessary seasonal color rules. Designers and celebrities like Victoria Beckham and Gigi Hadid prove that wearing white works all year long, whether it’s a cozy fall sweater or a sleek winter coat. Wearing white is versatile because it’s crisp and chic and pairs well with just about anything in your closet. Rules? Where we’re going, we don’t need rules.

The Origin of the “No White After Labor Day” Rule

According to the Farmers’ Almanac, the “don’t wear white after Labor Day” rule is one that likely stemmed from historical practicality, but many speculate it came from the fashion practices of the wealthy in the early 1900s. Those who were affluent favored bright, lightweight clothing like breezy dresses and white linen suits as a way to separate themselves from the working classes. Wearing white was a way for the wealthy to show off their privilege to afford vacations, have expensive clothes to match, and clearly signal they didn’t do work that stained their white clothing.

How Fashion Has Evolved

The early 20th century has come and gone. While wearing white after Labor Day used to be a big no-no, the boundaries between what’s acceptable and what’s a fashion faux pas have blurred. Every day, celebrities, designers, and TikTok influencers are all about breaking the mold. White is not just for summer anymore. It’s a year-round staple. From cozy white knit sweaters in the fall to chic white winter coats, we’ve embraced wearing white for every season. Wear white with confidence, and imbue your look with your own personal style. Don’t feel locked into outdated restrictions. Fashion’s new motto should be to wear what you love when you love it — white after Labor Day, especially!

Seasonal Fabrics and How to Make White Work in Fall and Winter

Transitioning white pieces from summer to fall is easy when you just switch up the fabrics. Leave behind the cotton and linen, and go for cozy wool, cashmere, and denim to stay warm and stylish. Pair up textures like chunky knits and sleek leather by layering together different pieces to get that snug fall vibe. White, chunky sweaters and tailored coats go great with form-fitting pants that keep you looking fab while keeping comfy. For a stylish fall look, try monochromatic white outfits or pair your white pieces with rich autumnal hues like forest green or deep burgundy. Layer and blend to your heart’s content to keep your white pieces fresh and fabulous after Labor Day.

How to Style White for Different Occasions

Styling white for different scenarios is a breeze. On a casual day, put on white jeans or white joggers with a comfy sweater for that laid-back but chic weekend vibe. When you’re headed to the office, pair a white blouse with a blazer, pants, and heels for total boss energy. Headed out for a hot date? Wear a white dress or white jumpsuit with bold accessories like statement earrings and a bright clutch for glam perfection. For anyone going back to college this fall, keep it cute and practical with white jeans, a t-shirt, and sneakers underneath a cozy coat with your backpack. White works for every occasion, and here’s how to make both casual wear and formal looks effortlessly stylish in white.

Wear These Fall Favorites in White!

Casual Wear

For casual occasions like going out to brunch with your girlfriends or running errands during the week, incorporate wearing white as a part of your effortless everyday style. Grab your favorite white jeans or white joggers and pair them with a comfy oversized sweater or graphic tee for a relaxed yet chic look. Put on sneakers or ankle booties to keep it simple but stylish. Try the laid-back white t-shirt dress or romper with a denim jacket and fun accessories like a crossbody bag and layered necklace to nail the casual cool ensemble with minimal effort.

Formal Settings

Bring on sophistication with a twist by styling a crisp white blazer with wide-leg trousers to make a bold, polished statement. Dial up the glamor with a sleek white dress or white jumpsuit and metallic heels or strappy stilettos. Don’t forget a pair of gold earrings and a statement purse to make it pop. For a more classic office-friendly look, try a white blouse with a pencil skirt or form-fitting pants. In formal settings, wearing white delivers a fresh, modern, and effortlessly stunning look!

Breaking Color Rules

The autumn season isn’t just about wearing dark colors — rock fall clothes in white and still look fab after Labor Day! After all, as a neutral color, white can pair perfectly with just about everything. This fall, pair white with other neutrals like beige or gray for a soft, classy look. To make a bolder statement, white looks amazing with jewel tones such as deep amethyst, ruby red, or emerald green. Earthy colors like olive green, mustard, and burgundy add a coy fall feel when layered with white jackets or white sweaters. Take it up a notch by mixing in patterns like plaid or animal print for more depth and interest, or just wear a white coat and plaid scarf or white jeans with an olive sweater for complete fall perfection.

Seasonal Transitions: Wearing White from Fall to Winter

If you’re headed back to campus, try our cute college outfits and mix white with fall tones as the ultimate style hack to stand out on campus. As the temperatures drop, keep your white pieces in play by layering up with a cozy white sweater underneath a thick, oversized coat. Try pairing white jeans with a chunky scarf. To transition from a brisk, early fall morning to a bone-chilling winter night, add fun accessories like gloves, beanies, and patterned scarves for practical warmth and plenty of style. 

Balance out all that white with dark winter colors like black, navy, and charcoal to keep your outfit grounded and seasonally appropriate. A white turtleneck under a black coat with some layering and bold accents? Yeah, we’re all about owning the cold-weather season in white.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Wearing White After Labor Day

Yes, you can wear white from head to toe after Labor Day — but to style it right, you have to balance it out. Avoid overloading on white by mixing in different textures and adding contrasting pieces. Layer a chunky white sweater with a silky tank and white pants with a plaid scarf to make your look pop. Avoid breezy linens and wear heavier fabrics like wool or denim to stay cozy. Worried about staining your clothes? Don’t be — just carry a stain remover pen for quick fixes on the go. With the proper layering techniques, cozy textures, and a little TLC here and there, white can be your go-to look even when dealing with unpredictable fall and winter weather.

Essential Avaraista White Pieces for Fall and Winter

Now that you have an idea of the history behind the old “no white after Labor Day” rule and some essential techniques for styling white for cold weather, let’s take a look at our must-have Avara pieces in white. White sweaters are a fall favorite, whether they’re sleek turtlenecks or chunky knits, to stay nice and warm. A long, white coat can be an instant head-turner as a bold statement that’s both classy and modern. 

Who What Wear knows that white boots are trending this season, adding the perfect contrast to dark fall outfits. And how can we forget about white accessories like bags, scarves, and hats to brighten up your cold-weather look and stay fresh and stylish even when Mother Nature is doing the most?

White Jeans

Thinking about wearing white cute pants in the fall? Absolutely — because fashion rules are made to be broken! Wear white jeans in fall and winter with chunky sweaters and ankle boots. Layering is key, so throw on a long coat and plaid scarf. As winter rolls in, swap ankle booties for knee-high boots and consider a white puffer jacket for extra warmth. White jeans can easily be paired with darker colors like black and navy to create a balanced cold-weather outfit. Embrace white jeans as your perfect blank canvas for playing with textures, layers, and rich seasonal colors.

White Sweaters

Pair cute sweaters with white jeans for a crisp, cozy, and unexpected autumn look. White sweaters are a fall and winter staple because, whether they’re chunky or cropped, you’re going to want versatile baddies in your wardrobe. This season, wear a chunky white knit sweater with jeans and ankle boots. Layer up with a white turtleneck under a leather jacket or oversized blazer for extra warmth. To score some style points this winter, pair a white sweater with a midi skirt, long boots, and an A-line coat for a polished look. Go into full cozy mode by wearing an oversized white sweater with leggings and a scarf.

White Coats and Jackets

For a total showstopper after Labor Day, layer up with white coats and white jackets. A sleek white coat instantly adds a touch of sophistication to any outfit. Pair it with jeans and ankle boots during the daytime, or layer it over a dress at night. As the months get colder, go for a white puffer jacket to look and feel cozy. For a bit of extra flair, accessorize with a bold scarf or colorful gloves to really make that white coat or jacket pop. White coats look great when paired with dark jeans to create a stunning winter-cool contrast.

White Boots

There are so many fun ways to style white boots for fall and winter. Wear them with leggings or skinny jeans, and put on an oversized sweater or coat. For a cool contrast, pair white boots with dark-colored skirts or dresses in black or navy. Make a statement by wearing white knee-highs with a midi skirt and tights. White boots are versatile statement shoes that add a pop of brightness to gray winter days. With these boots in your white winter rotation, your feet will do all the talking.

White Accessories

And now, for the ultimate winter game changer: white accessories. It’s a quick and easy way to add white to your winter wardrobe. Start with a white beanie or knit scarf to brighten up your outfit. White gloves or a white handbag can add a crisp bit of color while keeping things chic. Don’t shy away from a white necklace or white belt to further elevate your look. Trying out all of these different pieces in conjunction with darker fall and winter colors can create a fashionable contrast. Embrace the endless possibilities with white accessories and all of our best-selling accessories, shoes, clothing, and more at Avara!

Shop Our Best Sellers

If you’ve read this far, we hope you’re as passionate about breaking the rules and wearing white after Labor Day as we are! As Avaraistas, we believe that styling outside the box isn’t just allowed — it’s a total vibe. Dare to pair white with cozy fall textures and mix in cute white sweaters with bold accessories. These can be your go-to look for the cooler months. Remember, fashion is about expressing yourself and having fun, so wear what makes you feel fabulous, whether it’s a winter white or a fresh fall twist.

 

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