Today’s post I’m tackling the age-old fashion “rule” and answering the question: Is it okay to wear white after labor day? Also, I’m featuring some of my favorite fair trade and socially responsible fashion brands in this white after Labor day inspired outfit.

Shirt: Elegantees via The Flourish Market (use coupon code “stillbeingmolly” for free shipping) | White Jeans: Old, similar here | Wedges: Old, similar here | Bag: Wearwell | Earrings: Nickel and Suede Antique Brass Gem Leather Earrings c/o | Necklace and Bracelet: 31 Bits Emery Necklace and Marble Strands Bracelet c/o

I am sure that somewhere along the way, you’ve heard the old fashion “rule” that you’re not supposed to wear white after Labor day. So, where did this rule actually come from? I will do the best I can to explain where this came from… and, I also want to answer the question for you, “Knowing what I know, is it okay to wear white after Labor day?”

After doing some research, it’s pretty clear that people don’t actually know where the “no white after Labor Day” originated… but there are a couple assumed sources…

First, a big part of wearing white in the “olden days” (the 1800s or so), was actually function. Since there were no fans or air conditioning, wearing white helped to keep people cooler during the summer days… and so wearing white after Labor Day (the arrival of fall) was just not necessary.

But, the real assumed reason for the no white after Labor Day rule has actually a bit of a snobbish past. Basically, with the arrival of the industrial revolution and people becoming richer and richer and not having to do as much manual labor or “dirty” work, wearing white was a way for the richer / upper classes to separate themselves from the poor. During the summer months, the rich would often go on vacations and wear white as “leisure” wear or resort wear. Because, no one who was poor was going to wear white and get it dirty. So, anyone who wore white was doing so because they knew they wouldn’t get dirty wearing it. Labor Day signaled the end of summer and so the rich would “return home” from vacations / traveling, etc. and stop wearing white after Labor Day because they’d be back in the cities / towns, back at school, maybe back to work… (source, this TIME article was really helpful!)

So, to answer your question… Is it okay to wear white after Labor Day? The answer is a resounding YES. Wear it. Rock it. Don’t pay any attention to those fashion “rules” that are silly and outdated. Rock your white dress, your white pants, white tops, white shoes, white accessories. Break the tradition! If you love it, feel confident in it.

This outfit has become a FAVORITE of mine… and my husband, to be honest! haha!! He was a *big* fan! 🙂 I also am completely IN LOVE with this new fall necklace and bracelet from 31 Bits. I have loved 31 Bits for such a long time and their handmade pieces never cease to blow me away. They are handmade with love by artisans in Uganda! 31 Bits is actually one of the first socially responsible accessory brands I was ever introduced to.

The colors are the PERFECT neutral to go with pretty much any outfit in your closet. Aren’t they gorgeous?

Now what about you? Do you wear white after Labor Day? Do you also think it is an outdated fashion rule? Have you heard of 31 Bits? Sound off in the comments!