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Bright hues and white attire are staples of the summer season, but once Labor Day passes, fashion-conscious individuals transition to earth tones and darker shades. So, what’s behind this shift? Luis Alvarez / Getty Images.In John Waters' film 'Serial Mom,' a murderous mom (Kathleen Turner) takes extreme action against a woman who dares to wear white at an 'improper' time of year.
"You can't wear white shoes after Labor Day," says Beverly, aka Serial Mom.
"That's no longer the case," the woman retorts.
"Oh, yes it is. Didn't your mother ever warn you?" the mother replies before striking the woman. "Now you know."
"Please, no," the woman begs, blood dripping down her forehead. "Fashion has evolved."
But it’s futile. The mother claims her next victim.
So, why is wearing white after Labor Day still frowned upon? Where did this rule even start? Read on to uncover how wearing white year-round became a fashion taboo and whether it holds any relevance today.
The History Behind the 'No White After Labor Day' Rule
There are multiple theories about the origins of this fashion rule.
One theory suggests it started for practical reasons. As summer brought heat, people likely chose light fabrics, such as airy white linen suits, to stay cool. When temperatures dropped, they may have opted for heavier fabrics in darker shades.
In a similar vein, New York fashion editors, known for shaping fashion norms, may have influenced the no-white-after-Labor-Day trend. They likely wore white garments in the summer to beat the heat, but as the weather turned cooler, they switched to darker colors that wouldn't show dirt as quickly.
Symbolizing Status
Valerie Steele, director of the Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology, contends that the no-white-after-Labor-Day rule, like many fashion guidelines, wasn't based on practicality. "Fashion rules rarely have a functional purpose," Steele tells Time.
Other experts suggest that the rule emerged when affluent families ceased wearing white after Labor Day, marking the end of summer and setting themselves apart from the working class.
"There was once a much clearer sense of reentry," Steele explains. "You return to the city, back to school, back to whatever you're doing in the fall — and thus, you refresh your wardrobe."
Is it Okay to Wear White After Labor Day?
Ultimately, the decision is yours. While some find the rule outdated, others still enjoy wearing white, off-white, and other light hues throughout the summer.
If you're set on rocking a completely white outfit in the middle of winter, that's your choice. Just be careful not to let Serial Mom spot you wearing those white sneakers after September rolls around.
