I'm sure you've heard the saying "no white after Labor Day." It's unclear exactly where this "fashion advice" originated from, but there are two common explanations. One is that white reflects heat, so wearing white makes you cooler in the winter and therefore should be avoided. Another theory is that in the late 19th century, as more people were entering the middle class, they were given specific fashion rules to follow because they didn't know what they should wear. For more detailed explanations, check out this page.
Whatever the reason behind the saying is, "no white after Labor Day" is definitely a fashion rule that you should break. In fact, white is a simple, classic color that can be worn whether it's 90 degrees of 20 degrees. Below are some great celebrity-inspired fall/winter looks incorporating white.
Casual in White
Splendid Acid wash jersey T-shirt, $50 Nine West Magnetti flat thong sandal with jewels (GOLD), $35 MICHAEL Michael Kors Handbags - Michael Kors Purses, Pouches : Macy's..., $128 Light Blue Cocktail Ring, 63 EUR Black Out Aviators (Buy 3 Get Free Shipping) House Of Sunglasses, $9.99 Chanel Le Vernis Nail Color Colour Nouvelle Riviera No. 537 Limited..., $30 CITIZENS OF HUMANITY JEANS Morrison Slim Boot in Santorini at Revolve..., $105 Discount Womens Dress Shoes | Buy Women's White Rhinestone Multicolor..., $5.99
White jeans are one of my favorite wardrobe staples. I'm a total jeans girl and while I've got my acid-wash and greys and dark-wash and blacks, white jeans take things to a whole other level. They work with pretty much any kind of top and can either look more casual or more formal than normal jeans depending on how you wear it. And they're perfect for a bright, fall look as exemplified by Cali beach-girl Audrina Patridge.
You should take time looking for a good pair of white jeans because it's a great wardrobe staple. While I love skinny jeans, I think white jeans comes best in boot-cut and pencil styles. I highly recommend Citizens of Humanity's jeans in Santorini wash, which comes in many different styles. Also, be sure to check your behind when trying on white jeans. You do not want a pair that shows your pantylines.
For an early-fall look that's perfect for right now, pair your white jeans with a loose tee. Go for a dark color like black, grey, blue, or purple; white or yellow would look too summery against the white jeans. Then accessorize with jewelry that plays on the color of the top. For example, Audrina's topaz ring and gem-studded bracelet draws on the same color as her tee.
For added chicness, go with a roomy white tote to keep the color palette of the outfit very simple. As for shoes, either flats or some sandals would work. Steer clear of flip-flops as that might look to sloppy/summery. Then, finish off with some fun nail polish like this beautiful baby pink shade from Chanel.
Black-and-White
JCrew Perfect-fit slim scoopneck tee in white, $25 Double Layer Jacket, $749 Faux Leather Legging, 5 GBP Distressed Metallic Leather Loafers, $264 Street Level 78178, $75 Bambi and Paris: 1/07/09 - 1/08/09
This stylish black-and-white look inspired by Olivia Palermo is perfect for the chic city girl and is very autumn-appropriate. Start off with a long, fitted white tee and leather pants. For a more budget-friendly alternative, opt for liquid leggings (which can be found for under $20 online) or faux-leather pants. If you do get liquid leggings, get a sturdy, thick pair since this is one of the few exceptions where wearing leggings as pants does work.
Finish off the outfit with a crisp, fitted white blazer - no boyfriend blazers here! That would make your top half look too bulky. Also add some fun silver metallic sneakers - they're a great alternative to flats. A pair of boots that hits below the knee would also look great.
Finally, accessorize with a simple black tote. Olivia is pretty much always carrying one of her many Hermes Birkins, but that is waayyyyy out of most college students' budget. A similar style would be the Kate Spade Quinn tote, but any simple, black tote works with this outfit.
Winter Wonderland
Long Military Jacket with Belt, $30 Belle & Mimi grey corsage shoe boots, 55 GBP Big Buddha Miranda, $72 Echo Knit Newsboy Cap, $38 ASOS Nude Lace Gloves, $6.76
This adorable look inspired by what Anne Hathaway wore in The Devil Wears Prada - one of my favorite movies and a fabulous source of fashion inspiration - is perfect for late fall. Before I saw this outfit, I was convinced that like white sundresses, all-white is an absolute no-no for any season other than summer. However, I was so inspired by this look: by incorporating various textures, this all-white ensemble works.
To look perfectly Parisian-chic like Hathaway does here, you need a great belted white coat. Make sure to go for just ever so slightly off-white, like a cream shade, because paper-white would look too harsh. It doesn't really matter what you wear underneath since the coat covers everything, but I would recommend a silky blouse tucked into a black pencil skirt.
A white newsboy hat adds to the whole Parisian look - I love Hathaway's cream tweed one but couldn't find one quite exactly like it (anyone know where it's from? - looks very Chanel-esque) and lacy gloves makes the ensemble ultra-feminine (don't count on them for keeping your hands warm, though!). Finally, finish off with some pastel booties - these light blue ones work great, but so would nude or baby pink.
What do you guys think? Would you wear white after Labor Day?
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