So what's the bottom line here? You can wear white any time of year so long as you match the fabric to the season. Wear white cotton and linen in summer, white wool, crepe, and cashmere in winter. So those are the “rules” for wearing white.
By the 1950s, women's magazines started making this “no white after Labor Day” rule more public. Wearing white only between Memorial Day and Labor Day now signified that a lady was part of the in-the-know fashion club.
In the early 1900s, those who were well-to-do often favored lightweight, bright clothing—white linen suits and breezy dresses. Wearing white after Labor Day meant you were someone who had the means to have end-of-summer vacations. Wearing your whites beyond Labor Day was just, well… showing off.
Some historians say brighter clothing was worn by affluent groups who could afford to leave town for a warmer coast when the leaves began to change. Subsequently, it became socially accepted that those who didn't have the money to take fall and winter vacations shouldn't don white after the last summer holiday.
Unless the couple explicitly states that white is fair game, it's best to steer clear of it. And even if the love birds do say that you can wear white, avoid any attire that resembles a wedding gown. We're talking: tulle gowns, delicate lace details, and floor-skimming hemlines.
Samantha Leenheer, creative director and planner at Samantha Joy Events in Ohio, pointed out that the color white enabled "the bride to stand out amongst her guests. If a guest wears white, it can be seen as if you are stealing attention or trying to upstage the bride in some way.
However, nowadays, the idea that you must be 'pure' in order to wear a white dress is rather outdated. Many brides choose to wear white on their wedding day, even if they aren't a virgin, or even if they have children already. These days, white is merely chosen because it's traditional.
According to this rule, white should be worn from Memorial Day until Labor Day, or only in the summer months. However, people in the fashion world don't usually follow this rule, especially in recent years. The best rule of thumb is to incorporate white into your wardrobe by wearing white winter colors.
The holiday, which originated in 1880s, also marks the unofficial end of summer and the start of the fall. The "rule" that you cannot wear white after Labor Day spans back to the late 19th century and was reportedly invented by an elite group to use fashion to separate those with and without money.
As a neutral color, white should not be considered inappropriate at most North American funerals. Though you should ask the family hosting the service when in doubt, plain, neutral colors are generally acceptable for memorials. Wearing white in conjunction with other dark tones is absolutely appropriate.
Wondering whether you can wear white and cream together? The answer is a resounding "yes." This neutral color palette can be combined in endless ways to achieve a look that is at once understated and statement-making. Consider pairing a pristine white base with an off-white layer or vice-versa.
It's no longer taboo to wear white!
If a guest or attendant has any hesitation about appropriate attire, it's usually best to check with the bride, and follow her wishes."
The true reason could be much simpler. After Labor Day—the first Monday of September—became a federal holiday in 1894, it came to symbolically mark the end of summer. Vacationers packed away their breezy white dresses and linen button-downs in favor of darker-hued clothing, like navy suits and gray sweaters.
Unless the invitation specifies it's an all-white dress code for guests, avoid the color for a wedding, bridal shower, bachelorette party, or rehearsal dinner.
White, used in a professional setting, can provide reassurance, as is the case with doctors who often wear white coats to convey clinical cleanliness and efficiency. White clothing can also suggest neutrality, and hence is typically worn by match referees and adjudicators in sport events.
Light clothing gave the look of leisure, while dark clothing was mostly for working people. This idea expanded in the 1950s among the middle class. Southerners held to this hard and fast rule of no white before Easter or after Labor Day. Some say it's a Southern thing, because it's so hot in the South.
Of course you can wear white after Labor Day, and it makes perfect sense to do so in climates where September's temperatures are hardly fall-like.
As long as there's no snow on the ground or oodles of rain puddles, you can wear your white jeans, and wear them proudly.
Women such as Jane Fonda, Diane Keaton, Martha Stewart, Helen Mirren and Joan Collins all know an effective way to brighten the complexion and look younger is to wear something white, which reflects the light. Knowing your most flattering shade is vital.
Cool skin tones (those with blue and pink undertones) work well with classically, bright white (because it also has cool undertones) and pairs well with silver accessories. Bronze skin tones (with orange, yellow or red undertones) are best with bright white or cream, especially when paired with gold accessories.
Fashion. In fashion, the color white is often used to evoke a sense of purity, innocence, freshness, or cleanliness. Because white reflects light, it is often worn in the summer months to help stay cool.
Color Tips
This means that champagne, pink, blue, or any other color flattering to your skin tone is suitable for your gown. The Charleston School of Protocol and Etiquette states that second time brides can wear white just like any other bride.
Do Wear White (If You Want) For your second wedding, wear whatever you want. This is still your wedding day, and you should wear whatever makes you feel beautiful. You may choose to stick with traditional white, or switch it up for an ivory or blush color – or something even brighter!
In general, it's not appropriate for guests to wear white to a wedding. "When you're a guest at a wedding, the most important thing to keep in mind is not to upstage or upset the bride," says wedding dress designer Madeline Gardner. "It's safe to stay away from any outfits that are predominantly white, cream or ivory."