The No White After Labor Day Rule

via Obaz

Growing up in the South, there are quite a few "rules" that I've grown up with (hence, why I started my Tumblr page three years ago...). They cover topics ranging from undergarments to how to address your elders and they all have a reason they became a rule in the first place. One of the most serious, and contested, rules regards a certain color and when you can and cannot wear it... I know you KNOW which rule I'm talking about- no white bottoms before Easter or after Labor Day.

In my house, this rule was more of a commandment. The option to wear white absolutely and unequivocally ended the day after Labor Day. The summer clothes were "put away" and it was time to transition to clothes more appropriate for the fall, even though it was still 90 degrees outside. Transitional pieces of richer, more vibrant colors and heavier fabrics welcomed football games, shorter days, bonfires and pumpkin spice lattes.

via lovely-peppa

I never questioned this rule- I still don't. Crisp, white bottoms belong to the summer. I will never feel differently. No matter how many times I see bloggers and editors throw this rule out the window at various fashion weeks. After all, they don't live in the South...

Emmanuelle Alt at Paris Fashion Week via thepetticoat

I finally decided I wanted to know the origins of this rule. I had always been told that we bring the white back on Easter as a sign of resurrection, cleanliness and renewal- rebirth. I love the symbolism. I understand that this is purely a Southern thing- other parts of the country bring white back on Memorial Day apparently. (You learn something new everyday right?)

Putting the white away has a much more practical explanation. In the Antebellum period, this wasn't so much a rule but a smart and very common practice. When you're wearing a hoop skirt in the middle of winter, you wanted to have a dark, sturdy fabric that wouldn't ruin in the mud. (Yuck.) This practice continued into the Twentieth century, still for practicality's sake.

Can you imagine Scarlett wearing this around Atlanta in the winter?? It would have been ruined! via Sew Indigo

After awhile, fashion editors and socialites collectively agreed that this was a rule, not a suggestion and the rest is history. Because when fashion editors talk, we listen...

Over at Social Primer, they offer another explanation. KCR credits Brooks Brothers. (Check out his post here!) Regardless of the origins, this rule IS a serious rule. Don't break it!!!!!!!
So the countdown to putting your white bottoms away has almost run out. That being said...

WINTER WHITE IS FAIR GAME!!!

Winter white (a.k.a. off-white, cream, ivory, egg shell, etc.) is perfectly acceptable and quite lovely. I LOVE LOVE LOVE soft neutrals in the drab and dreary weather so don't be afraid to rock an off-white pea coat!!

via The Hunt

 In fact, I am currently on the hunt for the perfect Ivory blazer. I'll let you know when I find it!