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What’s the Deal with Wearing White after Labor Day?

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Chapel Hill chapter.

If you’re a fan of Legally Blonde, you’ve probably grown up thinking that wearing white shoes (or white anything) after Labor Day is a major fashion faux pas. However, the fashion world has spoken and this rule has officially old news.
While it is difficult for me to change my rule-abiding ways (I am, after all, a creature of habit when it comes to seasonal fashion choices), even I can admit that it’s a pretty nonsensical rule in the first place. Let’s look at this logically. Your favorite white jeans probably cost near $50 dollars and you wear them about twice each summer before storing them away for ¾ of the year? It’s almost ridiculous! (Especially since I just bought a pair on sale at Urban Outfitters). And while it’s true that you probably shouldn’t be wearing that eyelet sheath dress anymore, there are definitely styles that can work in the winter and fall. Here are some Do’s and Don’ts of wearing white after Labor Day….

DO wear white scarves, gloves, and hats

White accessories are always adorable during the fall and winter. Try pairing them with a colorful pea coat or winter jacket for a classic look.

DO wear white, cable knit sweaters

There is nothing I love more than a cozy sweater, especially a chunky knit. So if you’re going wear one, make it white. Then pair it with your favorite fall-colored pants (I hear maroon is trending right now…)

DON’T wear white shorts

Trust me, no one is sadder than I am that summer is over but, over it is and it’s time to put away those shorts. Luckily, the white short look is classic and guaranteed to be a hit every summer.

DO pair white jeans with boots and a cozy sweater

This is the best way to keep your white jeans in rotation. Plus, the boot will cover your calf, detracting from the stark white of the pant, while the sweater will balance out the summery feel of the jean and ensure your look is weather appropriate.

DON’T wear white sandals or open toed shoes

Not only will you look out of place among the influx of fall boots but your toes will probably freeze, too! However, consider cute suede or leather shoes in a white or off white, like these.

DO try off-whites, too

Yes, this is a stray away from the pure white but warm creams and beiges look great in the winter and fall, especially if you want to show off the bit of tan you’ve got left!

DON’T wear white from head to toe

This was a big trend this summer (I know Nina Garcia rocked it at least once this summer—we worked in the same building, it was no big deal), but in the winter and fall, you just might blend in with the snowy landscape. Ok we don’t really get snow in Chapel Hill, but you get my point.

DO wear your white with confidence

Confidence is the most important part of any outfit, don’t forget it!

Winter white is officially in style collegiettes! So don’t go packing away your whole closet just yet. Have other suggestions on how to wear white? Comment below!

Melissa Paniagua is a senior journalism major at The University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill, specializing in public relations. She is currently a fashion market intern at ELLE Magazine. On campus, Melissa acts as the Her Campus president as well as the vice president of the Carolina Association of Future Magazine Editors, UNC’s Ed2010 chapter. In the past, she has been an intern for Southern Weddings Magazine and a contributing writer for Her Campus. Melissa has an appreciation for all things innovative, artful and well designed and hopes to work in marketing for a women’s lifestyle magazine in the future!