Can I wear white after labor day....to work?

A classic question.... one we have been asked a couple of times recently as we transition from summer to fall. The old rules say no... absolutely not. But this is 2011!

In doing some research, no one is able to actually pinpoint how or why the rule got started - hotter summers in the city?, the development of 'summering' from the emerging middle class in the post war era? Whatever the reason, the rule still exists. Therefore, it's appropriate to give creedence to it, when it comes to work.

To us, the answer is not "no". As far back as the 1920's, Coco Chanel was spotted wearing her classic white suit...in all seasons. We cannot argue with one of our idols.

To put it simply, the answer lies in the weight and/or the color of the fabric.

• Post labor day, the fabric should be a bit heavier or give that appearance. No linen! A white cotton skirt in the same material as your white cotton shorts or white button downs is not appropriate (in our humble opinion). 

White tulip skirt from Marc Jacobs...not a good idea after Labor Day at work

• Some appropriate fabrics are wool, wool crepe, silk.
• Cream, off-white, beige, winter white - these are all better choices than pure white.
• No more seersucker. Just in case you were wondering.

As an example, this skirt would be perfect post labor day: off-white and wool crepe which is a bit lighter than wool but not cotton, so it carries you in to spring. Yum!

Giambattista Valli skirt  

Our reasoning: In the summer months, work is just a bit more casual. On Fridays, the office is less populated. You hear clients often say "let's regroup post labor day and set up a meeting". Post labor day, it is back to the grind. Your wardrobe should be too.