Labor-less Labor Day Fashion

September 4, 2009 10:16 AM
by Kelsey Pieper

The longstanding dilemma of when, where and how to wear white rears its ugly head at the beginning of every fall season. Fashion forwards claim that the traditional rule of wearing white outside of Memorial and Labor Days is not so much a yearly faux-pas, as it is a chance to lighten up the dark winter wardrobes of our ill-informed past. Still, this does not warrant dressing like the abominable snow-woman – everything in moderation, agreed?

Our mantra is, “Wear white, but wear it right.” We’ve selected a few fall items to transition your wardrobe in the right pre-to-post Labor Day direction.

First things first - white denim jeans: you’ve got ‘em, why not flaunt ‘em? While commonly considered a summertime accessory, white jeans have made their way into year-round wardrobes. This fall, skinny jeans with edgy, frayed embellishments are making waves in the world of denim and white denim is no exception. Citizens of Humanity’s Frayed Avedon Skinny Jeans are a perfect match - as well as Forever 21’s designer knock-offs.

White denim, when complimented by dark, neutral, gray or earth tones, can take on a sleek fall-ish look. Adding a blazer or leather jacket to an ensemble that includes white jeans is the perfect way to achieve a summered-down appearance. Adding a pair of tall boots or ankle boots will only better facilitate the cause.

Moving on – white shoes: tricky play? It doesn’t have to be. Buying a pair of light-colored shoes seems to be a risky purchase from the get go, as any trace of wear (or inclement weather) will show quite starkly. Luckily, most designers take that into consideration and address their lines accordingly. Instead of white-white leathers, designers opt for darker shades of beige, ivory, stone or gray in their fall/winter collections. These options are not only longer lasting and thus, a better investment, but they will also allude to a brighter appearance.

This is also true of many colorless accessories, namely handbags; with which designs are based largely on color and functionality. Handbags wear as easily as shoes - think about it: cranberry/vodka all over your brand new, pristine white well, anything - complete disaster. Again, we suggest going for a piece a bit more pallid in color. Marc by Marc Jacobs features a selection of muted options and Fendi’s Twins Satchel in Stone is a perfect option.

As far as your feet go, shy away from anything that exposes your toes, as nothing says mid-summer like a pair of white sandals – plus, your feet will be cold. Aim for smooth leather, round-toe pumps or a pair of boots.

And now, the white dress: for the timid? Absolutely! As long as you leave your Juicy Couture terry-cloth beach cover-up at home, that is. When choosing single pieces for the seasons, dresses in this case, it is best to consider the fabric with which the dress is made. For the cooler months, we think the more structured the fabric; the better. This D&G Tank Dress in White-Beige gives appearance of structure though made of cotton and silk - fabrics that breathe easily in the summer months.

This Ali Ro Patched Shift Dress and various dresses made of cotton and knit fabrics, give the illusion of bulk and warmth with its patterned texture. The texture makes for a great season-transitional piece to wear alone on warmer days or with leggings on the cooler.

Transitioning your look from the summer to winter months shouldn’t be difficult, as long as you are educated and sensible about your choices. When you take color combination, fabric option, shape and texture into consideration, there should be no cardinal rules to abide by. Wear what you want, when you want; as long as you can rock it.