Here Is Why Fashion Tradition Dictated No White After Labor Day
I recently had lunch with a couple of my oldest and dearest friends from Shelby, North Carolina. We chose one of our favorite lunch places in Charlotte and we all turned up in white jeans. And after labor day! Oh how our mothers would not have approved. Here is why fashion tradition dictated no white after labor day.
All my life I have heard the old adage that you are not supposed to wear white clothing or shoes after the Labor Day holiday. I heard that from my Mom and to this day I still wonder if “it’s ok”. The short answer is, yes it’s not breaking any fashion rules. Not anymore and it was never a rule for the middle class. My friend Renee from Gastonia, North Carolina suggested I look into this. And so I did.
The reason for the no white after labor day rule is incredibly elitist it turns out. According to Marie Claire,”During the late 19th century, society ladies were engaged in an invisible battle with the nouveau riche, a term used to describe people who’d recently become rich rather than having benefitted from generations of wealth. One of the subtle jabs that the old money crowd used to distinguish themselves from the nouveau riche was to make wearing white after Labor Day a fashion faux pas.” This is a qoute from the work of Marie Claire.
The director of the Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology says, “It was insiders trying to keep people out” “and outsiders trying to climb in” according to an article in Time magazine. Some people say the no white after labor day rule isn’t as classist as some people think.
The true reason could be more practical. After Labor day became a federal holiday in 1894, it was simply a matter of putting away your easy breezy summer vacation clothes typically white or light colors and pulling out the sweaters and heavier clothing. This is why fashion tradition dictated no white after Labor day according to Marie Claire. For more information, get details right here.
These Towns Are The Best To See Fall Leaves In (And Near) North Carolina
It may still be in the 90s but fall is closer than you think! College football returns in just one short week (I CANNOT WAIT), tickets to county and state fairs are on sale now, and we know Starbucks’ fall drink lineup. I can (almost feel the chill in the air). I mean I did wear a jacket this morning, mainly because it made my outfit and it was in the 70s for at least my drive in to work. It’s something, and I’m holding on to it. So while it may not feel like fall, it’s time to start planning for fall. Thanks to the aforementioned college football most of my weekends and booked up. But I am looking to plan a fall trip. This is why I was intrigued by Country Living’s list of the best places to see fall foliage. And two of the best places to see those gorgeous, red, orange, and yellow fall leaves- are right here in North Carolina.
Best Fall Leaves In North Carolina
The list contained 55 towns, many situated in New England, where the colors are breathtaking. I frequently visit Asheville during “leaf season” and it’s always packed with visitors. While I’m surprised it didn’t make the list, a neighboring town did. You’ll find the two places with the best fall leaves in North Carolina below. You will also find four other spots that are an easy driving distance from NC. All six of these towns are located in the mountains of their respective states. And the mountains are one of the best places to truly immerse yourself in the beauty of fall.
So browse this list, and start making plans. Soon enough you’ll be drinking a pumpkin spice latte, looking at the leaves fall out the window, with College GameDay on in the background. Take me there now! You can read the full Country Living list here.
Catherine Lane is the morning show co-host and midday host on Country 1037 in Charlotte, North Carolina. She has been with the station for the past 24 years and is a recipient of the Academy of Country Music Major Market Personality of the Year award. Catherine has been on air in both radio and television in the Queen City for 38 years. As a content creator for Country 1037, Catherine writes blogs on local events and restaurants. She also writes about great travel spots and out of the way places in the Carolinas. Anything outdoors, travel, food, animals or the many country artists from the Carolinas.