White symbolizes innocence and purity. The color white reflects light and is a neutral that goes with anything (denim, patterns, white on white, etc). What's the big deal with wearing white after Labor Day? What exactly is winter white vs. summer/spring white? I finally got my answer!
Here is what I learned watching FABlife (NBC).
No. 1 Difference: The Fabric
SUMMER WHITE. Summer fabrics are made of lightweight materials such as mesh, linen, jersey and sheer fabrics. You usually only have a couple months to rock outfits incorporating these materials, unless you live in FLORIDA like me! lol If you live in a tropical climate similar to me (Caribbean, California, etc), it's appropriate to wear your summer whites year round. Most of the time these particular fabrics are made of cotton and are already starting off stark white. I Loved these 2 looks from lulus.com. Effortlessly Chic!
WINTER WHITE. Winter white is never pure white and always has a cream/ivory tint color to it. Flannel, knits, cashmere, corduroys, leathers, and tweeds always look great in the fall and winter months. Because these fabrics are thicker and heavier, it is almost impossible to dye them pure white. Clothes made of these fabrics will always be off white, bone, cream, ivory, or in the blush, beige family. Depending on the fabric, like denim or silk, they can be wore all-year round. White jeans or a cotton cardigan are versatile and can be wore every season.
My favorite winter white fashion statement is wearing white monochromatic from head-to-toe. This look is simple, chic and sophisticated!
Picture #1: @houseofchic.la This look is a perfect example of business to date night! The jacket makes this jumpsuit appropriate in a corporate setting. I would probably add a camisole for the day and then remove the cami and jacket when hitting up happy hour after work!
Picture #2: @styleduo_ Mixing the blush or baby pink w/ crisp white is a great combination. During the winter, let your coat be a statement piece in your wardrobe!
Picture#3: @natybaby I love her sense of style and IG feed. The contrast of the snakeskin pump! #SWAG
So, let's briefly talk about wearing white after Labor Day and the origin of this fashion etiquette rule!
For centuries, wearing white during the summer was truly just a way to stay cool. Remember the modern-day A/C unit wasn't invented until July 17, 1902 by Willis Carrier. What was a standard outfit back then? Well, you didn't see crop tops and mini skirts. They wore floor length dresses or a loose blouse and skirt combination. These women also wear corsets, knickerbockers (men knee high trousers), petticoats (underskirts) and tights under their dresses in 90 Degree Weather. WOW! Can you imagine? I would have needed a personal fan under my underskirt! These outfits in 2016 would be consider too formal, dreadfully hot and WAAAAYYY too complicated to wear everyday! Summer white is usually made of lighter fabrics and could only be worn in summer months. So, when Labor Day came it was BacK to Reality! Back to the city for work, school is in session and winter is headed our way! The color of fashion switched to dark colors (blacks/browns) and jewel tones during the cold months.
Here are pictures of African American women in the early 1900s.
My opinion: DO YOU! If you like rules and want to follow tradition thats cool. Continue to living with NO WHITE after Labor Day! If you want to break all the rules and rock WHITE ALL YEAR around, #GIRLSLAY!
What Do You Think?
Do you have your SWD ready? (Summer White Dress)
After reading this post, Will you try Winter White this upcoming FALL/WINTER season?
Let us know with a comment below!
