It’s time to talk about another fashion rule worth breaking. A few months ago, I shared my thoughts on mixing navy and black. You can read that post HERE on how to wear navy and black together. Today, I want to tackle one of the oldest fashion rules I know—wearing white after Labor Day. Specifically, I’ll be focusing on how to style white pants after Labor Day.
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Why can’t you wear white after Labor Day?
So, why can’t you wear white after Labor Day? According to an article in Vogue from September 2023, this fashion wives’ tale dates back to the Gilded Age, when elite society would leave the city and head to their summer homes on the coast for cooler temperatures. They would pack their white clothes with them because they were practical. White reflects the light and keeps you cooler. Also, linen and breathable materials came in lighter neutral colors, which were just a more sensible choice.
When they returned to the city in the fall, they would pack up their white wardrobes and wear darker colors. Back then, the streets were dirt, covered in mud, garbage, horse manure, and other sewage. You definitely didn’t want to be wearing white in that mess. The lower class citizens who didn’t have the luxury of espcape the city heat didn’t spend their summers in white, so it was often a sign of privilege.
Fast forward to 2024, and people still follow this antiquated fashion rule, mostly because they were taught it at a young age, and it’s just a habit passed down through generations. But here’s the thing: there’s no real reason to stick to it anymore. Fashion today is all about wearing what makes you feel good, and that means you can totally rock white year-round if you want to.
So, don’t feel like you have to put away your white pieces after Labor Day. Whether it’s a cozy white sweater in the fall or a pair of sleek white boots in winter, white is a color that can work in any season. Fashion rules are meant to be broken—especially outdated ones!
How to wear white pants after Labor Day
Today, I want to focus on white pants after Labor Day. For whatever reason, white pants often get the most criticism for being worn in the fall. I think white pants can look great styled for fall. Here are three ways you can style your white pants this fall.
Outfit 1: Sweater + Trench Coat
Adding a sweater with white pants is a great way to transition your white into fall as the weather cools down. You can also pair a trench or wool coat over them. I love my Spanx Twill Cropped Wide Leg Pants, which I also styled in the spring HERE in How to Wear White Cropped Wide-Leg Pants. (Discount code for 15% off: THRIFTYWIFEXSPANX). I love the cropped length and find it the perfect balance with a sweater.
Sweater (xsmall) || Pants– xsmall/petite (Code: THRIFTYWIFEXSPANX for 15% off) (similar, similar) || Trench Coat (similar, similar) || Shoes– 7.5 || Purse- (similar) || || Bracelet
Outfit 2: Fall Blouse + Denim Jacket
A cute fall blouse with a denim jacket is always a great way to style white pants for fall. I’m not anti-denim on denim, but I do find it easier to style my denim jacket with white or black jeans. That’s why I love how it looks with white denim. This pair of white jeans is actually a thrifted pair of Paige jeans that I found on GoodwillFinds. Read about online thrift shopping at GoodwillFinds HERE!
Blouse– xsmall || Jeans (similar, similar) || Denim Jacket– xsmall (similar, similar) || Shoes– 7.5 || Belt || Purse || Bracelet
Outfit 3: Black Top + Blazer
For this last look, I went with a blazer. Adding a blazer in rich fall colors is the perfect way to bring those cozy autumn vibes into your white pant outfit. I love how a structured blazer instantly elevates the look while still keeping it casual. This houndstooth blazer, in particular, is so cute for fall with its classic pattern and warm tones. It adds just the right amount of texture and interest to the outfit, making it feel seasonal without being over the top. Plus, blazers are great for layering when the weather starts to cool down!
Blazer– xsmall || Pants– xsmall/petite (similar, similar) || Tank top– small || Shoes– 7.5 || Belt || Purse (similar) || Bracelet
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