What to Wear: White After Labor Day

By Erika, Resident Fashionista

We’ve all heard the adage that we shouldn’t wear white after Labor Day.  And, if you’re like a number of people whom I encountered over this past weekend, you scrambled to wear the last of your white clothing before the “official” end of summer.  In case you haven’t noticed, we like to break a rule or two around here – especially that silly little rule about wearing white after Labor Day.

Now, I am not saying that you should wear your white linen pants or white lace dresses all year ‘round (though, if you do, more power to you!).  What I am saying is that just because September has come and the fall is upon us it doesn’t mean we have to lock away white until next May.  There are tons of cute ways to rock white – yup, white(!) – after Labor Day.  Here are a few looks that I pulled together with the help of Polyvore and my own closet for inspiration.

WHITE Outerwear

Sure, the weather is getting chillier and we’re all bundling up more but that is no reason for our outerwear to be second fiddle to the clothing that’s underneath.  There are a ton of cute pieces on the market; everything from trenches to capes to motorcycle jackets to wool coats.  I’ve mentioned in a past post that one of my favorite winter coats is an Olivia Pope-inspired piece I picked up last year.   The jacket featured in this post is an adorable cropped motorcycle jacket by River Island ($100).  I paired the jacket with earth-tones to make sure the piece gave a “fall” vibe.

WHITE + Black

Another easy way to incorporate white into your fall and winter wardrobe is to pair it with black.  Not only is this still totally on trend (yay!) but it will always look chic.  It’s a classic pairing that is hard to get wrong.  To spice up this classic look I chose to mix a patterned Saint Laurent top (wishful thinking on my part) with a white and black grid-patterned skirt.  To make the look even more playful I added a pair of polka dot patterned tights.  Because everything remains in the white and black family, the patterns, though different, work together to achieve a cool and sophisticated look.

WHITE Jeans

I get it; lots of people don’t want to wear white jeans no matter WHAT season it is.  Well, white jeans are the last thing on my fall wish-list and I’ll be copping a pair ASAP.  You can totally rock white jeans come fall and winter.  Just pair them with heavier, sturdier fabrics and pieces – like the Vila Voila Blazer, $60, featured.  An organic t-shirt and classic scarf in neutral colors help anchor the look.  Ankle booties and a messenger bag keep things über  casual – perfect for a low-key weekend.

WHITE Out for a Night Out

This look is my favorite and it is certainly the bravest.  It takes a strong woman to rock white (even winter white) from head to toe any time of year.  This tuxedo jacket and tailored tuxedo pant are the perfect foundation for an outfit reserved for a special night.  Forgo a shirt (risqué, I know!) and instead opt to layer tons of colorful necklaces.  Mix and match bright, bold colors for your accessories.  As long as you pick one fall/winter color for your accessories (in our case, we used Mykonos Blue) you won’t run the risk of looking out of season.

To get details on all of the looks and where you can purchase these amazing pieces, check out our collection on Polyvore.  And, make sure you follow us on Polyvore.  We’ll be posting outfit ideas at least weekly, if not more often!

I know I’ll be rocking plenty of white after Labor Day; will you?  Share your thoughts below!

Your Chic is Showing,

PS – Today is the last day to submit nominations for the Black Weblog Awards.  We are grateful for the two nominations we have received thus far – Best Blog Post Series (Men’s Style  & Make-up Moves) and Best Plus Sized Fashion Blog!!  If you like what you read here consider nominating us for the Best Fashion Blog and Best Group Blog.  Thanks for your continued support!