Can Men Wear Light-Colored Top Coats Over Their Suits After Labor Day?

Making the right fashion decision is often difficult.

Wearing light colors after Labor Day is a rule that is no longer followed to the extremes that it once was. It is acceptable for men to wear a light-colored coat over their suit as long as they follow a few rules.

Fabrics

Once fall weather comes around, it is no longer appropriate to wear summer fabrics such as linen. Wearing a light-colored wool pea coat or a tan trench coat made of lined and finished cotton or polyester is acceptable.

Cut

The cut, or shape, of the coat is also important when wearing light colors after Labor Day. The coat should be longer than a jacket, reaching at least mid-thigh. Fall coats are often double-breasted to provide more style and warmth.

History

This tradition stems from the logic that white clothes are cooler and darker clothes are more suitable for colder weather. This fashion trend began in the 1920's when it was considered chic to wear summer whites and then change back to darker clothing in the fall. In the 1950's this rule became set in stone as the middle class expanded.

References

• Today Fashion and Beauty: Want to Wear White After Labor Day? Go For It!
• GQ: Daytime Wedding After Labor Day
• Time Magazine: Why We Can't Wear White After Labor Day Read