Everyone knows the old saying that you're not supposed to wear white after Labor Day. But in an age where professional golfers are wearing everything from dress shirts to high-top sneakers on the course, the rule seems a little outdated. At least to us. White is a great, versatile color to elevate style all year long. Though the weather might get in the way of wearing the shade in the muddiest months, antiquated fashion rituals should not.
Here are some rule-breaking whites to put into rotation any time of the year.
White pants are the main faux pas when it comes to post-Labor Day fashion rules, but there are much bigger mistakes to be made with this style choice. It's difficult to keep white pants clean from mud splatters, dirty golf cart seats or that hot dog at the turn. It only takes one stain to totally ruin the classic look that white pants create. Check the weather and be mindful of potential stain-hazards. Since white trousers make a louder statement than most solid bottoms, be sure to keep the rest of your outfit simple. Pair with a dark solid top, white accessories and a classic shoe for the best look. These Bonobos Pants (starting at $54) have adjustable hems to ensure the pant leg falls just above your shoe and a shirt gripper at the waist to keep your shirt tucked in, pulling together the entire look.
While most opt for darker colors in rain-gear, if the seams are sealed and the waterproof technology is strong, it should keep clean on its own. This FootJoy Short Sleeve Rain Shirt ($155) has all that while providing a great range of motion and a fun side-body pattern. It'll layer well over a golf shirt and match with just about any pant, we just wouldn't recommend a white pant with this shirt or on any potentially rainy day.
A clean, white golf shirt will be on-trend all year long, but that doesn't mean you should keep the same, white golf shirt in your rotation all year long. Be mindful as the white fades or gets dingy. Your shirt should be replaced if the armpits start to yellow, if stains remain visible after going through the laundry or the brilliance of the white starts to resemble a gray mush. This Nike Dry Momentum Golf Polo ($55) should last a while because the moisture-management in the fabric is top-notch. It draws sweat away from your skin to keep you dry and your shirt in good condition.
Ladies, you can also ignore white-after-Labor-Day rules and this Adidas Golf Jacket ($65) is a good place to start. It's got a textured stripe design in the fabric that gives the otherwise simple jacket an extra element of style. While wearing plain white can create a classic look, it also can lack personality and depth for an ensemble. This full-zip jacket has character, is ultra-warm and will look great with almost any outfit.
Layering pieces are the easiest way to incorporate stark whites into your on-course apparel. This water-repellent Under Armour half zip ($75) is soft, comfortable and perfect for layering. It tightens at the forearm into a compression sleeve that is ideal for golf. This jacket will look great over a bold color pant or classic navy. When it comes to solid white tops, it's best to stick with darker shades on bottom, but don't be afraid to have a little fun with fall colors.
Wearing white leggings is a risky move in any venue, but these Puma Women's Pants ($80) fix that problem by looking like traditional pants while feeling like leggings. Your wariness of dirt will be the only thing to limit what you can do in these pants, they're so comfortable and stretchy. The PWRSHAPE waistband creates a flattering, slimming fit and the moisture-wicking fabric offers superior temperature-control.
There will be not question of if this golf shirt is appropriate after Labor Day, especially because it supports USA Golf. This Adidas Ultimate 365 USA Golf Polo ($70). It's also got great sweat-wicking technology, UPF 50+ protection and four-way stretch for extra mobility.
Greg Norman Contemporary 1/4-Zip Mock
This white quarter-zip sweater ($79) will look great this fall over a dark navy, forest green or vibrant maroon pant. The cotton-poly blend looks and feels like a luxe sweater, while the stretch will perform great on the course. Pair with a dark golf shirt and classic leather golf shoes for an old-school-yet-on-trend look.
The subtle Hawaiian print on this golf shirt will give you warm thoughts as the temperatures drop. The pocket and inner collar print give the simple shirt a little excitement and it will pair well with navy slacks. Don't go overboard trying to match your accessories with the blue print. With navy pants, a navy belt, white shoes and a blue hat of almost any shade should work perfectly to create an effortlessly classic ensemble.
This golf skirt ($70) has a tennis-style that will look great on the golf course. The texture gives the otherwise plain skirt a little more bounce, a flattering silhouette and it will pair well with simple solid tops. The HeatGear fabric is great as the seasons change and the knit construction adds comfort.
Nike Women's Short Sleeve Dry Golf Dress
You can't go wrong with a white golf dress. This Nike dress ($70) is sporty, girly and extremely comfortable to play in. The drop tail hem provides a little more coverage in the back and the crew-neck makes it feel like your favorite t-shirt. The simple design makes layering effortless, throw a colorful jacket or sweater on top for a seamless and stylish color-block look.
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