Cloture Girl: White after Labor Day

Back from August recess (and the Labor Day holiday) I received a question I felt was important enough to devote a whole article to: wearing white after Labor Day.

Dear Cloture Girl,
I’ve always been told to never wear white after Labor Day. Can I get away with wearing my favorite white denim jeans, or is it still a fashion faux-pas?
White Out

Dear White Out,

As long as they are not suction cupped to your backside like I saw on the Hill last week (I know it is recess but c’mon ladies), sure! When this rule originated, high-society would dress for the season. During the summer when they’d typically be in the country, they’d wear white summer weight clothes to shed the heat. When they’d return to the city, the darker, heavier fabrics would return. Luckily we’re in the 21st century and we can break this tradition – if you wear it correctly and with some style. A few tips to follow:

Cloture Girl

For your white jeans, pair them with darker tops or jackets so that they are cold weather appropriate. Check out Kate Middleton’s or Zoe Saldana’s pairings. Or try a Jackie O inspired look: pair your white jeans with a black turtle neck or long sleeve shirt with leopard print flats and a long necklace. The look is casual yet chic.

Use white to accessorize. Women can wear sparing white to accent outfits with scarves, handbags or jewelry. A crisp winter white blouse is always good to pair with slacks in fall colors – gray, camel or oatmeal – with a jewel tone sweater or jacket. Men can go for a layered white sweater vest over a dark button down.

Just say no to white shoes. Instead, go for a nude or neutral shoe. This will allow you to look taller and leaner, and let’s face it, more sophisticated.

Fabrics should be season-appropriate. Step away from the linen and sheer fabrics that have been so popular this summer. Trust me. Your coworkers and significant others will thank you. Fall is when you can indulge in those cozier sweaters and fun jackets. Going to a cocktail party? Try a brocade fabric that’s creamy and fabulous.

A shot of white with layers is best. A little bit of white will go a long way when everyone else will be in head-to-toe dark colors. A white sweater paired with slacks or an off-white coat with a black dress will really stand out in the crowd, especially in black-aholic wardrobe choices of those in DC.

Not sold on breaking the rules? Wear Ivory or off-white. If you just can’t bring yourself to wear white even sparingly, got for ivory or off-white.

Happy fall  y’all!

xoxo CG

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