15 Ways To Wear White After Labor Day

If you grew up in the South, you’ve definitely heard the old adage, “No white after Labor day.” The origins of this so-called rule are a little murky, but some say it was born out of practicality: White attire was lighter to wear in the heat of the Southern summer before air conditioning, and Labor Day signaled the end of summer. Naturally, white fell out of fashion come fall. 

But somewhere along the way, we took this rule and ran with it. Many of us grew up under the impression that committing this fashion faux pas could end in arrest by the fashion police! Fortunately, today’s fashion rules are far more forgiving, and crisp whites are fair game all year. 

Personally, I love wearing white year-round. Etiquette expert Emily Post, says it best: “It’s more about the fabric choice today than color.” That means trading in your breezy linens and cotton gauze for cozy cableknits, tailored button-downs, and structured denim that suits the season. 

With that in mind, I’ve rounded up a selection of fall-ready white pieces that are perfect for cooler temps. If Mama asks, we’re wearing “winter cream.”

Best Fall-Ready White Fashion at Amazon

• Gloria Vanderbilt Amanda Classic High-Rise Tapered Jean, $23.99 with coupon (orig. $48)
• Btfbm Satin A‑Line Midi Skirt, $34.99 
• The Drop Sia Pointed-Toe Western Ankle Boot, $69.90
• Imily Bela Cable Short-Sleeve Sweater, $24.47 (orig. $33.99)
• Lucky Brand Tomboy Trucker Jacket, $62.01 (orig. $79.50)
• Anrabess Mock-Neck Sleeveless Sweater, $19.99 (orig. $24.98)
• Lands’ End Mid-Rise Straight Leg Corduroy Pants, $71.96 (orig. $89.95)
• Grace Karin Open-Front Lightweight Cardigan Sweater, $22.49 with coupon (orig. $37.99)
• The Drop Blake Long Blazer, $69.66
• Senfure Turtleneck Sweater Dress, $56.99

Gloria Vanderbilt Amanda Classic High-Rise Tapered Jean

A pair of white jeans in a closet staple, and not just for summer. I love to pair crisp white denim with a chunky sweater or plaid blazer in the fall for a pop of contrast. These high-waisted jeans have a slight taper that toes the line between skinny and straight leg, making them adaptable to a variety of styles. They’re also available in long and short sizes, so you’re more likely to find a perfect fit. One five-star reviewer says that the material is thick enough to keep things covered—a big consideration when choosing white jeans. 

Btfbm Satin A‑Line Midi Skirt

I wear midi skirts year-round, pairing them with tanks and short-sleeve tops in warm weather and sweaters once the temperatures drop. This white satin midi skirt was practically made for fall layering. Try it with a cozy sweater in a fall hue like oatmeal, olive green, or mahogany. Or pair it with one of the white sweaters below for a luxe monochrome look. 

Imily Bela Cable Short-Sleeve Sweater

If you’re looking for a piece to carry you from summer to fall, a short-sleeve sweater offers the perfect solution. This chunky cable-knit sweater has just enough insulation for crisp fall mornings while keeping your arms uncovered, which is ideal for when the temperatures inevitably climb by the afternoon. And there’s just something so effortlessly fresh about a white sweater.

The Drop Women’s Sia Pointed-Toe Western Ankle Boot

If you’re not quite ready to commit to white clothing after Labor Day, accessories are a great entry point. These Western-inspired ankle boots offer just enough cowboy flair, thanks to their subtle snakeskin texture, without veering into full-on rodeo territory. They will pair perfectly with fall denim and dresses. 

Of course, these are just a small sampling of ways to include white in your fall and winter wardrobe. Below, you’ll find more of my favorites, inducing a denim trucker jacket from Lucky Brand, cream-colored corduroy pants, and more. 

Lucky Brand Tomboy Trucker Jacket

Anrabess Mock-Neck Sleeveless Sweater 

Lands’ End Mid-Rise Straight Leg Corduroy Pants 

Grace Karin Open-Front Lightweight Cardigan Sweater 

The Drop Blake Long Blazer 

Senfure Turtleneck Sweater Dress 

Couxily Wrinkle-Free Button-Down 

Prettygarden Button-Down Puffy-Sleeve Tiered Ruffle Shirt Dress 

The Drop Brigitte Cotton Blend Chunky Cardigan 

Funyyzo Wide-Leg Pants 

Levi’s Ex-Boyfriend Teddy Bear Fleece Trucker Jacket