Ever had one of those days where you are just rushing to get out the door. You throw on the first thing you see in your closet that matches and is weather appropriate. Then, somewhere between your home and work, it hits you that you have broken a major fashion rule?
My coworker was having a moment like this just this morning. In a race against the clock, she threw on some white skinnies, a light blue floral blouse and a navy cardigan. She finished her look with taupe booties. Sounds super cute, right? She thought so too until she realized that it was October. Everyone knows that you can't wear white after Labor Day! Unless... you actually can?
Here's a little history lesson for you! (I love history. My husband thinks I don't know my history but he just isn't asking about me about the right things, ha!) This fashion rule was supposedly created in the late 19th century as a way for the "old money" to separate themselves from the "new money". White was considered vacation attire or that of leisure. White signaled that you had money and could afford to travel. Implementing this rule allowed those on the inside to disassociate from those on the outside. So basically it was a way to show off your wealth. Then fashion magazines came into play and started making the rule more public until eventually it caught on regardless of wealth. It just became a rule we blindly followed. (Disclaimer: there are actually a couple of different theories on why this became a rule. This one is my favorite; though, because it is easy for me to buck against snobbery! Otherwise, I am kind of a rule follower).
I say, "NO MORE!!!" (And the whole universe listened).
Kidding. But, I do say no more. But I'm also not the first to say this. I am the one who gets to share it here with you, though. In case you are like my coworker. Doubting her outfit and thinking it was a fashion faux pas. It isn't! Wear your white after labor day and wear it proudly! In fact, the term "winter whites" has made its own debut in many a fashion magazine over the last several years.
I have put together a few sample outfits that show how I like to wear white through the fall and winter. (Let me add that white obviously can be paired with black as well but I personally wear brown more often. So... you're getting lots of brown and white. Sorry).
1. White Sweater
If it comes in the form of a sweater then it should go without saying that you can wear it during the colder months. If you ask me. I paired this chunky cable knit sweater with a suede skirt and boots. These classy "Vogue" earrings dress it up a bit by adding some bling.
2. White Jeans
White jeans can be worn and should be worn year round. If you are wondering what fall colored tops will match with white, then the simple answer is anything that goes with animal print. When looking to mix white, brown, black or grey then cheetah is a go to accessory! But chances are you have more fall colored tops that you can pair with white jeans than you realize. Especially when it comes to solid colors like navy or hunter green.
3. White Sundress
Summer has left the building but you aren't quite ready to give up those sweet summertime sundresses. Plus the early days of fall can be quite warm. There is good news! You can take those white summer sundresses and turn them to fall in a split second. All you have to do is throw on a denim jacket, some booties and a fun earring. Boom. Instant bohemian fall goddess (which might be my favorite look I might add).
So we have established that it is now totally acceptable to wear white after Labor Day and even come up with a few possibilities for you. But that doesn't mean that all whites work all the time. There are still a few rules or general guidelines around wearing this color that you need to stick to.
1.Never wear white to a wedding. I feel like I shouldn't have to say this but it is almost like people think that any and all fashion rules are out the window (the audacity, right??). Let me just say once and for all that this is a rule that should never go out the window unless the bride herself requests the bridal party or guests wear white. Then do what she says or pay the price, ha! This is her time to shine. Let her have it.
2. White Shoes. While I firmly stand behind white pants and tops after Labor Day I just cannot get behind white shoes (other than tennis-shoes). This might be because white shoes take me back to my childhood and Sunday school class. I think I might also just genuinely not like them. You don't have to agree with me or take my advice on this. But if you're asking, then I will just say that I'm not sure you should ever wear white shoes but you definitely shouldn't wear them once it is officially fall according to the calendar.
3. Ivories might be easier to pull off in the fall and winter than stark whites. Yes. There are actually many different colors of white. Women are nodding right now. Men (are not reading this but humor me) are shaking their heads and rolling their eyes. White has different undertones just like any other color in the wheel. The undertones can make it a warm white or a cool white. Stark whites are bright. Almost sterile. They have their place but they also radiate a little bit more of a summer vibe than an ivory would. Would the average person notice this? Probably not. But if you pair a stark white with brown boots it probably will look a little off compared to an ivory with a pair of brown boots.
If you've been following me long at all then you know I'm all about being fashionable on a budget so I am in support of anything that you can wear year-round. If you've been counting out your white in the fall and winter then good news! It's back in. Be like my coworker and go for it. You'll look super cute and it will open a few new possibilities for your fall and winter wardrobe.
What is another fashion rule you think might be outdated? Leave me a comment.
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