Photography by Richie Chance
Top, Skirt, Necklace & Beanie by Forever 21
Shoes by Lola Shoetique
This past week I began packing for my trip abroad. As I collected my favorite pieces, the old phrase, “You can’t wear white after Labor Day” popped in my head. With the recent holiday just behind us, I started to question this old adage. Why? Why is it so wrong to wear one of my favorite colors merely because of the passing of another day in the year? In modern times we associate it as a marker in time, signifying the end of summer. I wondered where this tradition came from and did a little research. I figured it must have originated in the colder climates that get snow. Aside from that, there’s just something that seems comforting and natural about wearing darker colors in the fall and winter months but that still did not satisfy my curiosity.
With a few clicks on the ole’ google machine I was surprised to read that the reason behind it stemmed from affluent women in the early 1900’s who, in order to separate themselves from those less fortunate than they, formulated styles for different seasons that subsequently changed societal standards from then on. Catty, eh? Well, not much has changed and even to this day there’s a stigma attached to donning white threads after Labor Day. I, however, chose not to conform–per usual. Although I truly do appreciate the change of season and the fashion that comes along with it, I also believe that fashion is art and should be defined by the wearer, not society. Plus, there’s always a little wiggle room to pacify the sticklers.
As Californians, we’re lucky to have a bit more leeway in the fashion realm. We get nearly perfect weather everyday of the year, even when it cools down it’s nothing we can really complain about. Since September is known to be incredibly warm, I decided to accessorize my new taupe skirt with some white peep toe booties and a highlighter neon beanie, which has gotten way too many compliments for the price tag. I think the key to wearing white during those few taboo months is to either go big (ALL white!) or very minimal and perhaps opt for heavier fabrics like cashmere. Hence my decision to add just a pop of white amongst other neutral shades and the bright yellow to counter any chance of getting lost in the crowd, obviously.
At the end of the day I think the most important thing to remember is that who you are defines what you wear, not the other way around. Dress in whatever it is that makes you happy because confidence is sexier than any garment you could ever wear.
“Women think of all colors except the absence of color. I have said that black has it all. White too. Their beauty is absolute. It is the perfect harmony.”
-Coco Chanel
