How to Wear White After Labor Day: Fashion Rules to Break

For years, fashion lore has dictated that wearing white after Labor Day is a major fashion faux pas. But in today’s world of ever-evolving trends and more relaxed sartorial rules, this outdated fashion guideline is being tossed aside. White is no longer reserved exclusively for summer months, and fashion-forward individuals are embracing this crisp, clean color year-round.

If you’ve been hesitant to wear white after Labor Day or simply don’t know how to make it work for fall and winter, fear not! Here are some expert tips on how to wear white after Labor Day, breaking the traditional rules to look chic and stylish all year long.

1. Embrace Winter Whites: Make It Cozy and Sophisticated

The first step to wearing white post-Labor Day is understanding that it’s all about adapting the color to the season. While summer whites are light and airy, winter whites can be a bit more substantial and cozy. Think of white as a neutral base that can still evoke the crispness of winter but with warmth.

How to Make Winter Whites Work:

• Layer with Textures: Instead of lightweight cotton or linen, switch to heavier fabrics such as wool, cashmere, or tweed. A white cashmere sweater paired with a chic wool coat will keep you cozy and stylish.
• Opt for Off-White or Cream: If you’re not sure about stark white during the colder months, go for off-white, ivory, or cream hues. These shades add warmth and are perfect for pairing with deeper, fall and winter tones like burgundy, navy, or gray.
• Incorporate Fall/Winter Fabrics: Leather, suede, velvet, and knit fabrics are perfect for pairing with white after Labor Day. A white leather jacket, white velvet dress, or white knit sweater are all great ways to work the color into colder weather.

Winter whites can give off a sophisticated, fresh vibe, and when paired with the right fabrics, they can make you stand out in a season dominated by darker tones.

2. Mix White with Fall/Winter Colors

A great way to wear white after Labor Day is to balance it with richer, fall-inspired colors. Pairing white with autumnal shades like rust, mustard yellow, deep green, or burgundy creates a beautiful contrast that feels seasonal yet chic.

How to Pair White with Fall/Winter Colors:

• Pair with Earthy Tones: Combine a white blouse with a camel-colored trench coat or white pants with a brown leather jacket. These earth tones complement white and transition the color from summer to fall effortlessly.
• Add Pops of Rich Colors: Incorporating rich jewel tones like emerald green, sapphire blue, or ruby red with your white outfits adds depth and warmth, making it perfect for colder weather.
• Layer with Darker Hues: For a sleek look, pair white with deep shades of black, navy, or charcoal gray. A white shirt with a black blazer or white dress with a charcoal sweater can create a striking and modern contrast.

Using fall and winter colors with white helps to ground the color in the season, making it feel more appropriate for cooler weather.

3. Wear White in Outerwear

White outerwear can be a bold yet elegant statement when styled correctly in fall and winter. A white coat or jacket is not only eye-catching but also incredibly versatile. From puffer jackets to tailored wool coats, white outerwear can be the focal point of your outfit.

How to Style White Outerwear:

• Classic White Wool Coat: A classic, tailored white wool coat is perfect for any occasion and provides an elegant look, especially when paired with darker pants and boots. This type of outerwear works for both casual and formal occasions.
• Layer with Bold Accessories: If you opt for a white coat, make sure to add some statement accessories to balance the crispness of the white. A colorful scarf, leather gloves, or a bold handbag can elevate your look while keeping it practical.
• Puffer Jackets: For a more casual, yet on-trend style, a white puffer jacket is a great option. Pair it with cozy sweaters, jeans, and boots for a practical yet stylish look that works well in colder months.

White outerwear has a clean, fresh look and can add a modern twist to your winter wardrobe, making it stand out in a sea of black coats.

4. Layer White with Fall Textiles

Layering is one of the best ways to incorporate white into fall and winter outfits. This season is all about textures, and layering your white pieces with chunky knits, leather, or corduroy can create a visually dynamic outfit that is both cozy and fashionable.

Layering Tips for Wearing White After Labor Day:

• White with Chunky Sweaters: A white blouse or top tucked into a cozy, oversized knit sweater can create a balanced look that feels warm and stylish. Add a pair of wide-leg trousers or jeans for a chic ensemble.
• Layer with Leather Pieces: White pieces paired with leather jackets, skirts, or pants can give your outfit an edgier feel. A white button-down shirt under a black leather jacket is the perfect mix of classic and contemporary.
• Add a Scarf or Shawl: Layering a chunky scarf or shawl over a white sweater or dress will not only keep you warm but also add depth and dimension to your outfit.

When layering with white, aim for a combination of textures to create visual interest and to keep the look from feeling too stark or plain.

5. Go for White Denim or Trousers

White denim is not just for the summer months. White jeans or trousers are perfect for colder weather when styled properly. The key to making white denim work in fall or winter is pairing it with the right top and accessories.

How to Wear White Denim After Labor Day:

• Layer with Cozy Tops: Pair your white denim with fall and winter tops, such as cashmere sweaters, flannel shirts, or thermal knitwear. These warm, textured pieces contrast beautifully with the clean look of white jeans.
• Pair with Boots: Whether you’re wearing ankle boots or over-the-knee boots, boots add a seasonal touch and work perfectly with white denim. A cozy sweater, white jeans, and a pair of stylish boots is a chic and practical outfit.
• Add Layers: A long, chunky cardigan or a wool coat layered over your white denim outfit adds warmth while keeping the look stylish. Keep your accessories seasonal with scarves and leather handbags to complete the outfit.

White denim can be worn year-round if styled thoughtfully with fall and winter elements.

6. Play with Patterns and Prints

Adding prints and patterns is another way to wear white after Labor Day without feeling too summery. Animal prints, plaid patterns, and even winter florals can pair beautifully with white and give your outfit a seasonal vibe.

Ways to Incorporate Patterns with White:

• Plaid or Checkered Patterns: Plaid is synonymous with fall and winter fashion, and pairing it with white creates a sharp contrast. A plaid blazer over a white shirt or white skirt paired with a plaid scarf makes for an easy but fashionable look.
• Winter Florals: Florals are not just for spring—floral prints in dark colors can work beautifully with white pieces during the colder months. A dark floral dress paired with a white sweater or coat gives an elegant, sophisticated feel.
• Animal Print Accessories: Pair a white outfit with animal print accessories, like a leopard print scarf or snakeskin boots, to add edge and dimension while still staying within the season’s theme.

Playing with patterns and prints allows you to break away from plain white outfits and add a fresh twist to your look.

7. Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment

Ultimately, fashion is about personal style, and the idea that you can’t wear white after Labor Day is a thing of the past. White can be an incredibly versatile color that works across all seasons, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different combinations, textures, and accessories.

Be Bold with White:

• Mix Different Whites: Don’t hesitate to mix different shades of white in your outfit. An all-white outfit can look chic and modern, especially if you mix textures like a white wool coat with a silky white blouse or ivory-colored trousers.
• Use White as an Accent: If you’re still unsure about going all-white, use white as an accent color in your accessories, shoes, or handbags. A white handbag or pair of shoes can add a fresh touch to any fall or winter outfit.

Conclusion

The rule about not wearing white after Labor Day has long been outdated. White can be a stylish and versatile color that works for any season when styled the right way. By incorporating winter whites, pairing white with fall colors, and layering with cozy fabrics and textures, you can break fashion norms and embrace white in your wardrobe year-round. The key is to adapt the color to the season and make it your own—so don’t be afraid to wear white after Labor Day and experiment with new ways to incorporate this timeless hue into your fall and winter looks!