The American holiday “Labor Day” was first celebrated in the early 1880s by the labor unions of New York. The purpose of this National holiday is to commemorate the achievements of American workers and unions. This “workingmen’s holiday” is meant to be observed with picnics, parades, and a well-deserved break from work.
But as David Letterman so astutely mentioned recently, the current economy makes this holiday almost humorous. “Labor Day, of course, is the one day a year we honor our workforce. Do we still have a workforce?”
Ha!
Oh wait… that stinks.
Instead of focusing on our American labor force, let’s examine the more contemporary twist on this holiday. Labor Day is the official last day of summer. With beaches closing and the school year starting, some fashion questions naturally arise. This is the weekend to pack away all of your summer finery: linen and seersucker need to hit the road. But what about the color white?
Not wearing white after Labor Day is a traditional rule that became popular in the more formal Southern states. Bright white clothing has always signified a high social status (not everyone can afford “Tide To Go” pens) and in the mid-twentieth century it became aligned with the vacationing elite. When the wealthy returned from the vacations they packed away their white beach clothes and transitioned into their formal fall attire. So this rule is really just symbolic. In a Time Magazine article about this issue, fashion historian and curator Valerie Steele notes “very rarely is there actually a functional reason for a fashion rule.”
So does this meaningless rule still apply? Well yes (sort of).
You should pack away all of your summer lightweight fabric pastels and whites. Cotton pants be gone!! Specifically pack up the white shoes and purses and all of the lightweight skirts, capris, pants, shorts, and dresses. All of your Lilly Pulitzer summer brights should also leave the clothing rotation.
But never fear! Heavyweight off-white and cream fabric can still be worked into your Fall wardrobe. White and cream denim, twill, and wool are great modern wardrobe basics. They will look crisp when paired with black or camel.
Some of my favorite cream colored Fall pieces are:
St. John Collection Double Face Ruffle Coat for $1,095: Cream Colored Coat Lust
DVF Mirabel Dress in Stone for $345: Fabulous with a tall boot and a long sweater!
3.1 Phillip Lim Embellished Silk Top for $895: I heart this top
*Don't forget today is the LAST day to enter the Fall Fashion $1000 contest. It takes just a moment and is such fun!
Monday, August 13, 2012 
