16 Ideas For Wearing White After Labor Day

These days, our seasonless approach to fashion says there's nothing wrong with wearing all white after Labor Day. The lighter shade helps make long workdays feel brighter, and it's a smart method for transitioning your summer pieces over to fall — that way, you don't have to stow everything away just because the temperature is dropping. But the "no white after Labor Day" rule is still widely searched and remains a curious concept, even though it has long been cast aside.

This has only been confirmed by the ivory, cream, and milky-white separates stocked prominently on the pages of online retailers through the end of summer, paving the way for monochromatic dressing in the shades even once the heat subsides. And we have plenty of easy style tips for taking the look from summer to fall, even though it may mean trading in your open-toe sandals for pumps, platforms, or sneakers and adding extra layers and dark accents in the form of belts, bags, and other accessories.

Ahead, we shed light on the background of the whole "no white after Labor Day" rule, then provide some optimal outfit ideas for debunking any myths you've heard that say white is still solely a seasonal color.

Why Can't You Wear White After Labor Day?

The "no white after Labor Day" rule can be attributed to its most basic purpose — that lighter fabrics are reserved for warmer months, whereas we start pulling out darker tones and thicker materials when temperatures drop. But historians also speculate that in the early 20th century, wearing white was a symbol of high status and wealth, representing a well-seasoned traveler who could afford to flee the city for vacation in the summer ahead of returning to work in September. "It [was] insiders trying to keep other people out, and outsiders trying to climb in by proving they know the rules," Valerie Steele, director of The Museum at FIT, told Time. While other etiquette buffs deny the rule's connection to signifying any sort of elite reputation, it has certainly been disregarded today, as white is a shade appropriate for all wardrobes through all seasons.

White After Labor Day: Utility Jumpsuit
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White After Labor Day: Utility Jumpsuit

Add tough bandana print in dark tones to your thick utility jumpsuit, and complete the look with sandals if it's still a slightly warmer day leading into fall.

White After Labor Day: Structured Jacket
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White After Labor Day: Structured Jacket

Look for structured, oversize pieces that are well made, like dusters and palazzo pants. These separates can be worn well into the colder months.

White After Labor Day: Varying Tones
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White After Labor Day: Varying Tones

Create a look with varying tones, like off-white and ivory, and keep your blazer buttoned for a more polished effect. A closed-toe shoe will also help your outfit feel more fall conscious.

White After Labor Day: Long-Sleeve Dress
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White After Labor Day: Long-Sleeve Dress

Wear chunky white sandals under your all-white lacy dress with long sleeves and a forgiving cowl neck.

White After Labor Day: Rib-Knit Set
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White After Labor Day: Rib-Knit Set

Create a little contrast to break up your ribbed coord set by adding dark-colored accessories to your look, such as leather flats or structured sunglasses, both of which speak to the season.

White After Labor Day: Turtleneck, Trousers, and Cardigan
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White After Labor Day: Turtleneck, Trousers, and Cardigan

Tuck a sleeveless turtleneck into a pair of white trousers, and ground out the lightweight pieces with a cardigan thrown over the shoulders and a leather belt.

White After Labor Day: Oversize Boyfriend Shirt
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White After Labor Day: Oversize Boyfriend Shirt

Layer an oversize white boyfriend shirt over your tank, and opt for thick cargo pants with edgy utility pockets.

White After Labor Day: Layered Pieces
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White After Labor Day: Layered Pieces

Add extra weight and dimension to flouncy, lightweight layers with the addition of a few belts around the waist.

White After Labor Day: Blazer Over Minidress
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White After Labor Day: Blazer Over Minidress

Be in tune to your fabric choices, layering a tweed blazer over a white ribbed minidress for added warmth.

White After Labor Day: All in the Accessories
Sharon López

White After Labor Day: All in the Accessories

Play up the cool factor with a black turtleneck acting as the foundation to your all-white look. Finish with extra white accessories to make a monochromatic statement, like a bucket hat, a bag, and chunky platform sneakers.

White After Labor Day: Add a Trench Coat
Sharon López

White After Labor Day: Add a Trench Coat

Secure a sleek cream trench coat over a white turtleneck, and add glamorous accessories, such as a choker necklace, shield sunglasses, a luxe designer bag, and lug-sole boots.

White After Labor Day: Break It Up With a Blouse
Sharon López

White After Labor Day: Break It Up With a Blouse

Reach for the cropped coord set you wore all summer and style it over a billowing blouse for added warmth. Bring the boho moment full circle with a suede bag, sculptural jewelry, and '70s platform boots.

White After Labor Day: Pooling Pants and Oversize Sweaters
Sharon López

White After Labor Day: Pooling Pants and Oversize Sweaters

Wear roomy white pants in thick denim or wool with oversize knits and platform sneakers or loafers. Add to the color story with a vibrant pop from your purse, or opt for a sweater with eye-catching embroidery.

White After Labor Day: Ripped Jeans and Pumps
Sharon López

White After Labor Day: Ripped Jeans and Pumps

Style your high-waisted denim with a cropped leather jacket, rather than just a T-shirt, and finish with a belt and sharp pumps.

White After Labor Day: Turtleneck and Thigh-High Boots
Sharon López

White After Labor Day: Turtleneck and Thigh-High Boots

Ground out your white minidress with fall-appropriate accessories, like your new pair of leather thigh-highs you've been keeping in your closet in anticipation of cooler weather.

White After Labor Day: Dark Accents
Sharon López

White After Labor Day: Dark Accents

Contrast the delicate details of your white dress, like a wavy trim, with a structured box bag and chunky-heeled black boots.