Hello ladies, gentlemen and non-binary individuals! Tis’ I, Joseph Sewell, and I will be discussing something that—something that actually irks me a bit, not just in men’s fashion, but about fashion in general. In case you didn’t read the title, I’ll be chatting about the whole “white after Labor Day” rule. Chances are in your life (I’m assuming the majority of you are at least 18), you’ve heard someone say that you aren’t supposed to wear white after Labor Day. Let me explain to you why that’s…well, crap.
1) Do you know how hard it is to not wear white?!
Everything has white. At least, it feels like everything has white. The belt I use most with almost every outfit is white. Chances are you have a pair of shoes with a white sole. Check. Do it. I bet you at least one pair of shoes in your closet has a white sole. Your favorite shirt probably has white somewhere on it. Business attire will probably have white somewhere, whether it is a pocket square, a tie or a shirt.
2) Winter in Columbia isn’t really winter…
White is a spring color. Everything is coming back to life from the dead cold of winter and white just looks nice. I’m not disputing that. However, what I am disputing is following this “rule” specifically in the “famously hot” city of Columbia, S.C. It doesn’t snow here regularly. It doesn’t even get cold here, and that is subjective until January. I know from personal experience I didn’t need my coat and scarf until January last school year. I’m not even going to bring it to school until January. Even then, I may not need it. My point is you’re not going to get lost in a snowstorm if you wear a white shirt.
3) Who cares?!
This is my third and probably my most important point: who cares? Does it matter? No, it does not. I’ll be honest: the fact that this is even a thing to begin with makes me upset. It’s such a stupid notion. Do you like white? Then wear white! Wear all the white you want!