The Winter White Style Guide: How to Rock White Menswear in the Cold Season

By: Ricci Lopez

Winter is the season for dark and heavy outerwear, right? Not necessarily. If you want to stand out and make a bold yet sophisticated statement, white clothing is a sleek and refreshing alternative. Although many men shy away from wearing white during winter, thinking it’s reserved for warmer months, this old-fashioned idea has lost relevance. Here’s how to stylishly incorporate white and ivory into your winter wardrobe, how to combine these tones for a clean and modern look, and why it’s time to abandon the outdated “no white after Labor Day” rule.

The Origins of the “No White After Labor Day” Rule

Before diving into winter whites, let’s address a longstanding fashion myth: the belief that white clothing is off-limits after Labor Day. The origins of this rule go back to the early 20th century, a time when fashion was a symbol of social status. During the summer months, the wealthy elite would escape to beachside resorts, where they embraced light, airy, white clothing to stay cool. When summer ended, and city life resumed, darker, more formal clothing made from heavier fabrics became the norm.

Labor Day, celebrated on the first Monday in September, marked the end of the summer social season. By that point, wearing white was seen as out of step with seasonal practicality and, more importantly, a way to distinguish the elite from those who couldn’t keep up with fast-evolving fashion norms. Fast forward to the present day, and this once-rigid rule has become irrelevant in the modern world of fashion, where personal style and expression take precedence over social class signals.

In today’s fashion landscape, men can—and should—feel free to wear white clothing all year long. Winter whites can add sophistication, brightness, and a crisp, clean look to your wardrobe, whether you’re dressing for the office, a casual outing, or a special occasion.

Why White Works in the Winter

White clothing in winter doesn’t just make a bold statement; it’s also incredibly stylish and versatile. Here’s why it works so well:

1. Brightens Dreary Days: As the days grow shorter and gray skies dominate, white and ivory tones can inject brightness into your look. These light shades stand out against winter’s typical darker backdrops, making your outfit look fresh and uplifting.
2. Reflects Luxury and Elegance: When done right, white clothing can look even more sophisticated in the winter. Imagine the refined appearance of a white wool overcoat or the polished look of ivory corduroy trousers—these pieces exude understated elegance.
3. A Great Canvas for Layering: Winter fashion is all about layering, and white clothing serves as a perfect base. It pairs well with various neutrals and textures, allowing for limitless outfit combinations.

How to Wear White Clothing During the Winter

If the idea of wearing white in the cold months still feels daunting, here are some tips to help you pull it off with style.

1. Choose Seasonally Appropriate Fabrics

The key to wearing white in winter is to opt for fabrics that are warm and substantial. Lightweight summer materials like linen are best left in the closet until spring, but heavy and luxurious fabrics look and feel seasonally appropriate. Consider these options:

• White Wool Overcoats: A tailored white or ivory wool overcoat makes a strong and sophisticated statement. Layer it over a turtleneck or a classic crewneck sweater for an effortlessly polished look.
• Chunky Knit Sweaters: A chunky white or ivory cable-knit sweater not only looks great but also keeps you warm. Pair it with dark denim or slim-fit chinos for a balanced, rugged style.
• Corduroy or Wool Trousers: White corduroy pants or ivory wool trousers add texture to your outfit while keeping you comfortable and stylish.

By sticking to heavier fabrics, you’ll be warm and well-dressed, proving that white can work perfectly in winter weather.

2. Mixing White and Ivory for Depth

Wearing an all-white outfit can feel stark, but incorporating shades of ivory and off-white creates a softer, more sophisticated look. Mixing these tones adds visual depth and interest to your ensemble. Here’s how to do it right:

• White and Ivory Outerwear: Pair an ivory turtleneck or sweater with a bright white overcoat. This combination creates subtle contrast while still looking cohesive.
• Layering with Neutrals: For a sleek yet relaxed look, wear a white shirt under an ivory crewneck sweater, and finish with a taupe or camel coat. The neutral tones complement each other beautifully and make for a refined winter outfit.
• Contrasting Accessories: If your outfit leans heavily into whites and ivories, consider grounding it with accessories in darker neutral tones, such as a dark brown belt, black boots, or a deep gray scarf.

Outfit Ideas for Winter Whites

Need some inspiration? Here are several outfit ideas that show how white and ivory can work seamlessly into your winter wardrobe:

1. The Business Casual Ensemble

• Start with a white oxford shirt and layer a gray or ivory cashmere sweater over it.
• Pair these with tailored ivory wool trousers and complete the look with a camel overcoat.
• Add a pair of brown leather loafers or boots and a leather belt for a professional yet approachable outfit.

2. The Weekend Look

• A chunky white turtleneck sweater with slim-fit, dark-wash jeans makes for a sharp yet relaxed weekend outfit.
• Layer on a white or ivory puffer jacket and opt for suede desert boots in taupe or light brown.
• Accessorize with a knitted beanie in a neutral shade to pull the look together.

3. The Evening Out Style

• An ivory crewneck sweater paired with crisp white chinos creates a striking evening look.
• Throw on a sleek black or navy peacoat for contrast, and finish with polished black leather Chelsea boots.
• For added sophistication, wear a minimalist watch with a black leather strap.

4. The Rugged Winter Outfit

• Wear a white thermal long-sleeve shirt under a heavy ivory flannel shirt, left unbuttoned for a relaxed vibe.
• Match this with white or off-white slim-fit corduroy pants and tan hiking boots.
• Top it off with a shearling-lined denim jacket for a warm, layered look.

Accessorizing Winter Whites

Accessories are an excellent way to enhance your winter white outfits while adding practicality and style:

• Scarves: An oversized scarf in a contrasting color, like charcoal gray or navy, adds warmth and a touch of sophistication.
• Hats: A wool beanie in a neutral or dark tone can frame your face while keeping you cozy.
• Gloves and Belts: Leather gloves and belts in rich brown or black shades provide a stylish contrast to a white or ivory outfit.

Breaking the Fashion Rules: Embrace Winter Whites

The myth that white shouldn’t be worn after Labor Day is just that—a myth. Fashion is about self-expression and experimenting with styles that suit your personality and environment. Winter whites have the power to elevate your look and bring light to the darker months, so don’t be afraid to embrace them.

So go ahead, break the rules, and let white make a statement in your winter wardrobe. With the right fabrics, layering techniques, and thoughtful accessories, you’ll be well-prepared to turn heads and redefine winter menswear.