Best all-white outfit ideas and style inspiration

As the end of summer nears, some people may feel the urge to stow away their white clothing items until the following year, the “no white after Labor Day” idea niggling at the back of their head.

According to a video from TIME, this “rule” may have originated in the early 20th century out of necessity: Before people had air conditioning, they wore white during the hot summer months in order to stay cool. However, with the start of rainy fall weather, wearing white outfits was no longer practical — so white became an out-of-season color, and swapping light shades with darker-colored ensembles was a sign of re-entering the workplace or school.

However, celebrity fashion stylist and co-founder/style director of Athleisure Mag, Kimmie Smith previously told Insider that this is an outdated concept today. “The biggest fashion myth that I don’t agree with is this imaginary rule of not being able to wear white after Labor Day,” she said. “White is a neutral and can be worn at any time. It gives most skin tones a natural glow and shouldn’t be relegated to a certain time of year.”

Read more: 11 style rules that are now OK to break

Stacy London, a stylist and former host of TLC’s “What Not to Wear” agrees, telling The Baltimore Sun, “There is no such thing as rules. Rules like ‘don’t wear white after Labor Day’ or ‘shoes matching the handbag’ are antiquated. Modern women should feel free to experiment.”

Here are 17 ensembles that will inspire you to put your white clothes to good use, no matter the time of year.