There are two common contexts to the question "When can you start wearing white again?"—one relates to traditional mourning periods after a death, and the other relates to seasonal fashion rules.
- Mourning context:
- Traditionally, during mourning after a death, black is worn for an initial period followed by half-mourning, when touches of white and lighter colors are gradually introduced. For example, in Victorian mourning customs, full black mourning could last several months (e.g., 3-12 months depending on the relationship to the deceased), then white could be introduced after partial mourning phases, often starting around 2-6 months into mourning. The full lifting of mourning and return to normal dress including white could be after about a year or more.
* Specific periods vary by relationship to the deceased (e.g., widow, parent, sibling) and customs. White signifies a transition out of intense mourning or is part of half-mourning dress.
- Fashion and seasonal context:
- The traditional fashion "rule" was that white clothing was worn only between Memorial Day (late May) and Labor Day (early September) in the US, effectively during summer.
- In modern times, this rule is widely considered outdated. Fashion experts now say you can wear white all year round, as long as the fabric and style fit the season (e.g., heavier fabrics like wool or cashmere for cooler months).
* Some still observe the rule socially or culturally out of habit, but many people disregard it without issue.
* The "official start" to wearing white traditionally was Memorial Day in the US or Easter in other places, but again this is flexible now.
In summary:
- If referring to mourning, white can start to be worn in the half-mourning phase, usually after about 2-6 months, with normal white attire resuming about a year later.
- If referring to seasonal fashion, you can wear white anytime now, though historically white was traditionally worn between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
If you want guidance for a specific context, please clarify whether you mean the mourning tradition or seasonal fashion rules.
