As with many customs and etiquette dictums, it’s difficult to pin down the reason behind the prohibition against white after Labor Day. We searched on variations of “wear white after Labor Day” and sifted through the Etiquette and Fashion categories in the Yahoo! Directory. I managed to turn up a bit of information on the fashion dictate.

Originally, the rule was more along the lines of “Only wear white shoes between Memorial Day and Labor Day.” Furthermore, it mainly applied to white pumps or dress shoes. White tennis shoes and off-white boots seem exempt, as are any shoes worn by a winter bride. “Winter white” clothing (e.g., cream-colored wool) is acceptable between Labor Day and Memorial Day too.

With all these fashion rules and exemptions, we’ve decided that wearing white after Labor Day is TOTALLY FINE (within reason)! Pack up the white linen and forgo the frilly, white strapless dress BUT rock a pair of the Winter White wool pants or an eggshell white cocktail dress and you are looking fresh and stylish all fall and winter long!

Here are some white looks that you can totally rock after labor day!

White Fedora- Cost: $48

Buy It: White House Black Market

White Shawl Collar Coat – Cost:318

Buy It: BCBG

White Cocktail Dress – Cost: $288

Buy It: BCBG

White Boyfriend Blazer – Cost $88

Buy It: Urban Outfitters