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"Don't wear whites after Labor Day." We've all heard this since we were old enough to dress, but where did this rule even come from? One explanation is that in an era before air conditioning, wearing white was necessary for its cooling properties. Wealthy East Coasters would head to the breezy beach for the summer until the season officially closed after Labor Day. Then, they'd return to the city and don their darker garments. Fashion magazines picked this up as a rule, and despite it making very little sense in our real world, it's become a style statute.
At Garmentory, we believe that most style rules are simply suggestions. Want to know how to break out of this particular box? We've got new guidelines, below.
When it comes to seasonal clothing colors, the choice is really more about textiles than it is about hue. Linen and cotton are decidedly more summery fabrics, while knits, cords, tweed, and velvet are better suited to the cooler months. Not only do these textural fabrics add interest, but they'll keep you weather-ready.
You can certainly wear an all-white outfit year-round, but one of the easiest ways to incorporate white in fall and winter is by layering with other neutrals like navy, gray, or camel. Try a white turtleneck under a beige trench coat or a pair of white trousers paired with a cozy gray sweater, making the white piece feel more seasonal while keeping the outfit modern.
While antiquated rules may decry white after Labor Day, the fashion world also loves a winter white (contradictions abound). Bright whites in the cooler months are crisp and sophisticated, from white jeans with thick cream sweaters to ankle-length porcelain coats with silky slip dresses. Warmer whites, like beige and ivory, work best for fall, while snowy, pure whites with blue undertones are ideal for winter.
Caring for your white clothing is in its own category of care. Lucky for you, we've broken down every detail of how to keep your whites shining bright, remove stains, and more.
