How to Wear White Year Round
It’s safe to assume you’ve heard: Don’t wear white after Labor Day. But where did this rule even come from? We were curious and found online that before there was air conditioning, wearing white was necessary for its cooling properties. Wealthy East Coasters would head to the breezy beach for the summer until the season officially closed after Labor Day. Then, they'd return to the city and don their darker garments. Fashion magazines picked this up as a rule, and despite it making very little sense today, in some circles it remains a style statute.
We believe that most style rules are simply suggestions. And with this adage, it’s less the color than choosing the right cut and material. We share a basic guide so you can confidently shop and wear white, year-round. i.e.: Break the rules.
Fabric Choices
When picking out seasonal colors, it’s really all about the fabric! Light, breezy fabrics like linen and cotton scream summer, while cozy knits, corduroy, tweed, and velvet are perfect for the colder months. Not only do these fabrics add texture and style, but they’ll also keep you comfy no matter the weather.
Tonal Layers
You can certainly wear an all-white outfit year-round, but one of the easiest ways to incorporate white in fall and winter is by layering with other neutrals like navy, gray, or camel. Try a white turtleneck under a beige trench coat or a pair of white trousers paired with a cozy gray sweater, making the white piece feel more seasonal while keeping the outfit modern.
Winter Whites
While antiquated rules may decry white after Labor Day, the fashion world also loves a winter white (contradictions abound). Bright whites in the cooler months are crisp and sophisticated, from white jeans with thick cream sweaters to ankle-length porcelain coats with silky slip dresses. Warmer whites, like beige and ivory, work best for fall, while snowy, pure whites with blue undertones are ideal for winter.
Clothing Care
Taking care of your white clothes deserves a little extra attention. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with tips on how to keep them looking bright, tackle stains, and more.
- Treat Stains Immediately Whether it's a small splash of your latte or an entire pasta dinner, time is of the essence in treating these types of stains. If appropriate, take off your whites and use a stain pen or soda water to immediately dilute the spot. Wash ASAP! Immerse garments in an oxygen-based bleach, hydrogen peroxide, or even a cup of lemon juice, for at least 30 minutes before machine washing.
- For Brighter Whites, Longer Remember to always separate and wash whites alone and with a half cup of baking soda, every load. This keep colors and whites bright for longer. Also, the cardinal rule of washing whites: hot, hot water. Obviously, read the care instructions on each garment you’re treating to ensure shrinkage isn't a concern (think wool, cashmere, organic cotton). In those cases, use warm water and hand wash vs. relying on the spin cycle on your machine— this will reduce the impact on natural fibers.
- Sun Really is the Best Disinfectant Outside of saving energy and reducing environmental impact, ultraviolet light from sunshine actually helps bleach out any residual staining on your favorite whites. Hang your clothes in the sun for as long as humanly possible for maximum effect.
- Be Prepared Invest in a stain pen or spot-shot solution to tackle spills and messes STAT. We personally love Celcious Celcious WunderBar Stain Stick for on the go, and The Laundress Stain Solution at home. Both are eco-friendly options for when things go sideways.
- Dry Clean Judiciously Dry cleaners are the expert in removing tricky stains. But did you know that the chemicals in traditional dry cleaning practices tend to break down your clothing over time. So, when you do, find a dry cleaner that specializes in environmentally sustainable practices. But also, when you want to avoid dry cleaning, look for gentle hand-washing methods or specialized detergents designed for delicate fabrics like wool and silk. You can also find at-home dry-cleaning kits or try using a steamer to freshen up your clothes without the harsh chemicals.
Again, the beauty of understanding why a rule is made, helps you to be able to break it— with aplomb.