Can You Wear White Pants Before Memorial Day?
One of the most common questions in the fashion world is, “Can you wear white pants before Memorial day?” You’ve probably heard the fashion “rule” that wearing white clothing after Labor Day in September and before Memorial day in May is a big no-no.
But where did this supposed fashion faux pas come from? Who even makes fashion rules to begin with? And is this rule still observed today?
Why wearing white after Labor Day is considered bad
You may have heard several different stories about why wearing white clothes after Labor Day and before Memorial Day is bad. One of those reasons is said to be related to social class in the 1900s.
Back then, light and bright clothing was a sign of an elite class. Working-class people were typically seen in darker clothing, even in the warmer months.
Wearing white meant that you were well-to-do and could afford to enjoy an end-of-summer vacation, which was only possible then for upper-class Americans. Wearing white after Labor day was basically a way of showing off your status.
Whatever the reason was for this old fashion rule to come to be, it may still be circulated around today simply for practical reasons.
Summer months are most commonly known for bringing out white pants and other white clothing because of the change in weather.
Although winter months can look and feel a lot different for different areas all around the world, summer is a big change for those who experience rainy falls and harsh, cold winters. Living in a lot of rain and snow makes it difficult to wear bright white pants or even light pants without the chance of ruining them.
White clothes also make more sense for the summer because bright colors reflect the sun, keeping you cooler. While dark clothing makes more sense for winter because it absorbs the heat of the sun more.
Depending on the type of climate you live in, winter may just be more comfortable and practical for darker-colored clothing.
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Can I wear white before Memorial day?
So what’s the verdict? I say, no one is calling the fashion police over this so-called rule anymore. Even fashion experts do not follow this outdated rule.
We’ve moved way beyond the late 19th century and its fashion trends. These days, we wear what we want. Fashion magazines feature all kinds of white fall and winter clothing, even pants.
Labor Day weekend is no longer a goodbye to white clothing. You don’t have to put away your favorite white blouse or vow not to touch white clothing until Spring. No matter who you are or where you live, you can wear white anytime!
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How to wear white before Memorial day
There may not be any when to wear white rules these days, but there are some suggestions you should keep in mind.
Depending on where you live and your fall and winter weather conditions, consider leaving the stark-white pants in your closet on wet rainy or snowy days. You may always want to skip the white shoes and white dresses and opt for white wool and a white turtleneck sweater instead.
Your fabric choice today probably matters more than the color when it comes to seasons. White linens or other lighter-weight white clothing may not be a great option for winter. White linen suits in colder months wouldn’t be very comfortable, you would want something warmer.
Those people who live somewhere like Southern California or other very mild climate locations, don’t need to consider these things quite as much, if at all. A pair of white jeans will work for you anytime.
If that’s not the case for you and you live somewhere very seasonal, here are a few white options in suitable winter fabrics to give you some ideas:
Chang Yun Women’s Long Maxi Sweater Dress
This beautiful wrap sweater dress is perfect for fall and into winter with boots and a nice coat for the colder months.
Ceuplon Women’s Casual Long Sleeve Crew Neck Knitted Pocket Oversized Pullover Sweater Dress
A sweat dress is a great transitional fall piece that looks beautiful in white with some knee high brown boots.
French Connection Teddy Faux Shearling Coat
This chic fleece coat is so cute and versatile. You can dress it up or down and the beautiful bright white color will have you standing out in a crowd of dark winter colors.
Amazon Essentials Women’s Skinny Jean
On a nice dry and beautiful winter day, these white skinny jeans would pair nicely with calf or knee-high boots and a sweater.
SANTINY Women’s Joggers Pants Pockets Drawstring Running Sweatpants
These white joggers with a tan hoodie and a tan pair of sneakers will work for all the different seasons.
Guooolex Women Fleece Lined Thermal Leggings
These white leggings are fleece lined and perfect for those winter runs or hikes.
