Where Did The “No White After Labor Day” Rule Come From?
It makes sense to wear white during the summer because it’s hot out, and white is said to keep you cooler, but should we still stick to this rule?
No one is completely sure exactly when or why this fashion rule came into effect, but it might have to do with snobbery in the late 1800s and early 1900s. The wives of the super-rich ruled high society with an iron fist after the Civil War. This is where a lot of the fashion rules and faux pas came from.
Eventually these elitist rules were followed by 1950s women’s magazines, as no white clothing came out between Labor Day and Memorial Day. These rules are definitely more relaxed, although some still follow them today.
Of course, in Western New York, you normally don’t even see our clothes, since they are covered up with heavy winter coats! :)