Labor Day and the Age of Followers: Fashion’s Rules of the Past (1920s–1960s)
Labor Day & the Age of Followers: Fashion’s Ridiculous Rules of the Past (1920s–1960s)
The Bungalow Edit — September 1, 2025
Every September, as summer slides into fall, you might hear the old refrain: “No white after Labor Day.” Once taken seriously by certain social circles, it now sounds almost laughable—tying your wardrobe to a single holiday seems absurd—but for style-conscious socialites of the 1920s through the 1960s, it was just the tip of the iceberg. Fashion rules of the era extended far beyond color, dictating fabrics, shoes, accessories, and even how your outfit signaled social standing.
The Color Rules
Once upon a time, wearing white past Labor Day could brand you a social criminal in the absurd, rule-obsessed world of fashion. The era’s most famous guideline—no white after Labor Day—was taken seriously by socialites who treated color as a strict seasonal signal. White symbolized leisure, summer vacations, and time by the beach. After Labor Day, darker, richer colors took over: navy, burgundy, forest green, and camel dominated wardrobes. Pastels were strictly summer territory, while black was reserved for formal fall and winter occasions.
How it’s changed: Today, color is about mood and style, not a calendar. Winter whites are iconic in fashion-forward closets, pastels appear on fall runways, and bold colors like electric blue or fuchsia can shine any time of year. Designers have turned “no white after Labor Day” into a challenge, creating chic all-season looks that make white feel as cozy in December as it does in July.
Fabric Etiquette
Lightweight fabrics—linen, seersucker, cotton eyelet—were summer staples. Once September hit, these airy materials were “out,” replaced by heavier wools, tweeds, corduroys, and knits that kept you cozy as temperatures dropped. Wearing linen in October might earn a polite raised eyebrow.
How it’s changed: Fabric rules now exist only in your imagination. Linen jackets layered over sweaters? Totally a thing. Summer silks paired with autumn boots? Absolutely. Seasonal fabrics are no longer dictated by etiquette; clever styling turns “summer-only” fabrics into bold fall statements. Comfort and creativity win over tradition every time.
Shoes, Hosiery, and Accessories
Shoes were not just about style—they were about seasonality. Closed-toe shoes were the norm for fall, while sandals and open-toe styles were strictly summer. Boots, for instance, were considered strictly a winter staple, rarely seen in summer ensembles. Hosiery became darker and more formal, with opaque tights or stockings replacing sheer summer versions. Straw hats, wicker handbags, and light summer accessories were swapped for leather bags, structured hats, and gloves. Even jewelry followed subtle seasonal cues: golds and warm tones for fall, lighter silvers and pastels for summer.
How it’s changed: Today, shoes and accessories are playgrounds for self-expression at any time of the year. Summer sandals layered over socks, oversized hats, pastel boots—they’re all part of a fashion-forward approach that embraces fun over rules. And let’s be honest: wearing boots year-round is undeniably cool. Pairing them with shorts? Instant edge, effortless style, and proof that fashion rules are meant to be broken. Hosiery is optional; mix patterns, textures, and metallics to make your outfit feel fresh, not restricted. Accessories are now a tool for personal storytelling, not etiquette compliance.
The Social Context
These rules were never just about practicality—they were a form of social signaling. Once upon a time, following them could brand you as “in the know,” fluent in the imaginary, highly secretive language of fashion. The masses obeyed, swapping whites for navys and pastels for plaids, proving that when it came to fashion, being a follower was safer than being interesting.
How it’s changed: Today, we set the trends instead of following them. Social status no longer dictates what we wear; creativity does. Wearing whites in winter, linen in fall, or sneakers with a gown sends a bold, personal message: you’re confident, playful, and unapologetically yourself. Fashion has become less about rules and more about personality.
The Modern Take
Rules? What rules? These old-fashioned guidelines are long gone. Today, you can wear white sweaters in December, linen pants in October, or pastel boots in February without a second thought. Designers now take a fashion-forward approach, showing that personal style matters more than tradition. Wearing “summer” fabrics in the fall can feel bold and chic, especially when paired with seasonal staples.
Think of the old rules as fashion history—a time when the masses followed, and now, we’re trailblazers. Labor Day may mark the calendar shift from summer to fall, but it doesn’t have to limit your creativity. Wear what you love, when you love it, and let style be yours—not a rulebook’s:-)