Wearing White: Memorial Day to Labor Day and Beyond
We’ve all heard the old rule: no white before Memorial Day and no white after Labor Day. But here in New England, the weather doesn’t always follow the rulebook. One Wednesday can feel like July, and by Friday you’re reaching for a jacket. So is it really “wrong” to wear white after Labor Day, or is this one of those traditions best left in the past?
Where the Rule Came From
The “no white” rule traces back to the early 1900s and became popular in the 1930s. For the wealthy, summer meant leaving the city behind for months by the sea or in the mountains. Along with that escape came a special wardrobe, light, bright clothing that symbolized leisure. White was the ultimate summer status symbol, while darker colors remained tied to city life and workwear. When the season ended, those crisp white outfits went back into storage until the next summer holiday.
What It Means Today
Fast forward a century, and fashion has loosened up. White isn’t just for summer anymore, it’s a canvas for every season. A white oxford shirt under a wool blazer looks sharp in November. White denim with boots can carry you through March. Of course, you may still run into an aunt in the South who swears the rule is gospel. But the truth is simple: wear what feels right.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind
Mix smartly: Pair white cotton or linen with seasonal colors—turquoise in summer, rust or navy in fall.
Be practical: City commuters and rainy days can be rough on white pants—sometimes darker fabrics are just more forgiving.
Respect tradition where it counts: The one hard rule that remains—never wear white to a wedding unless you’re the one in the aisle.
The Bottom Line
An all-white look is timeless, clean, and undeniably fresh. Whether it’s Memorial Day, the middle of September, or the start of winter, the real rule is this: style should serve your story, not someone else’s calendar.
Will you keep wearing white?
