Can I wear white while I drink my pumpkin spice latte in 100-degree heat? Is it Ok to drink said pumpkin spice latte is if it is, “iced”? By the way, when did we start “icing” all our hot beverages? Which brings me to my real point, what does Labor Day mean to the modern person? Is it still a question of putting away the summer-white wardrobe? Or does it run deeper into our new social norms? Thank you, kind reader, for asking about a topic I truly enjoyed diving into!
To be succinct, there are those who have grown up with the belief that Labor Day symbolizes the start of fall. From that day forward to Memorial Day, one puts away their white-clothing, all linen dresses, tops, etc. including white shoes. Greater fashion minds than I have written extensively on this topic.
In 2022, ( https://www.marieclaire.com/fashion/news/a22483/white-after-labor-day/ ). Marie Claire published the article, “Why Can’t You Wear White After Labor Day? A History”, (September 01, 2022). The author takes a deep dive into the reasons behind the tradition of putting away your white-clothing after Labor Day. In short, the tradition is thought to originate from the practical idea that the fall season is starting, and it is time for heavier fabrics. There is also a lot written that the tradition of wearing white garments made of delicate fabrics was a commentary on society and a statement of affluence.
The Farmer’s Almanac ( https://www.farmersalmanac.com/wear-white-after-labor-day-35950#:~:text=In%20the%20early%201900s%2C%20those,just%2C%20well…%20showing%20off. ) (August 14, 2023) wrote that, “The “Don’t Wear White After Labor Day” rule may have stemmed from practicality”, when the world was not a place of centralized air-conditioning and one’s choice of fabric for their clothing impacted their ability to withstand the hot and humid summer months. I believe we can agree that a light linen shirt is much more comfortable than a wool sweater for your average July day. The article continues to speculate that, “…the rule came from the fashion practices of the wealthy…where wearing a light linen suit or breezy dress meant you were someone who had the means to have end-of-summer vacations.”
Both articles report that it became a Faux Pas or a sign of poor etiquette to wear white-clothing after Labor Day, because it was now time for Fall’s cooler temperatures and light weight wardrobes were no longer necessary. A USA Today article (https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/2022/08/12/white-after-labor-day-explained/10269739002/ ) (August 12, 2022) summarizes the situation as follows, “The interval is, like the rule it stems from, not too serious …, and fashionistas should feel free to cast it aside for their favorite white pieces year-round (as long as they’re weather appropriate).”
The Hopeful Hostess thoughts on the subject, it is nice to mark the seasons with a tradition. I like the process of saying goodbye to summer and packing away my lighter wardrobe from Labor Day to Memorial Day. But that does not mean I do not own a beautiful winter white sweater or elegant holiday dress in a crisp white satin. For me it is the weight and texture of the material a garment is made of more than the color of the piece. And yes, I realize I write this while it is 105 degrees outside here in Houston, Texas. Literally, 105 degrees at the end of August. Alas, my mind is ready for fall, but the weather is not conforming to tradition. It appears the only thing I can control is the of turn of my wardrobe, until the temperature agrees with the tradition of the calendar. Which brings me to my next point, when is Fall anyways?
My Google search states that Saturday, September 23 at 1:49 AM is the Autumn Equinox or first day of Fall. This appears to be in stark contrast to the retail world that has had Fall displays up since June. Popular coffee chains started offering pumpkin spice and everything Fall like beverages in the last week. I did mention that it is currently 105 degrees outside, correct? My daughter and I were out this weekend and I asked her what the new protocol is. Do we decorate for Fall with all the faux leaves, pumpkins, and cozy browns/orange décor, starting the first week of September (Labor Day weekend). Then in a month, at the first week of October, is it appropriate to add in the witches and goblins for those who choose to celebrate Halloween? Then the first week of November, remove the witches and goblins to then add in the Cornucopia and more Fall decor to celebrate Thanksgiving. Is Thanksgiving a thing anymore? Is it now just football palooza with all your family and a large meal. Or is the situation now that Santa appears like the Nightmare Before Christmas at the End of October, but the Elf on the Shelf arrives the first day of December. I feel as though that will be another article another day.
All of this brings me back to the question of Labor Day. Perhaps this weekend could be the mark of what is referred to in France as, “La Rentre’e”, ..”the return to school or work after a vacation (usually the summer break)”. (https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/rentrée#:~:text=rentrées%2C%20rentrez%2C%20rentrai-,Noun,%2C%20c%27est%20la%20rentrée). It is the start of the next phase or the year or the season of school. In this part of the world, Kindergarten through 12th grade have been back at school for a few weeks now. But they still have next Monday, Labor Day, as a holiday. One last summer focused weekend. It will then officially be Homecoming games, Fall Break excursions, and parents weekend visits to college campuses. You might take a trip back to your hometown to reconnect with your own personal history.
Next it will be time to plan your winter trip and budget for your cold weather gear. Let the pumpkin spice and cinnamon industry rejoice and be glad, “The Great Pumpkin” (Thank you Charlie Brown) is about to return and School is back in session.
Thank you for taking the time to read these words and for sending in your Etiquette and Communication questions. If you like what you are reading, please visit https://thehopefulhostess.com/blog/ and subscribe to receive direct notifications of upcoming workshops and events. If you have a question, you would like The Hopeful Hostess, Mona, to explore, you can submit it here: https://thehopefulhostess.com/contact/ . Have a wonderful holiday weekend, and I look forward to our next meeting, next Tuesday, because Monday is Labor Day, so apparently I will be decorating with pumpkins galore!
The Hopeful Hostess 