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Try as we might to slow down the season, the dog days of summer have officially arrived, and Labor Day weekend is just around the corner. Trust us, we're not trying to rush it -- but plans for those end-of-season send-offs are now in full motion. Soon, you'll be firing up the grill for your last cookout of the season while preparing for all things autumn.

But before you attend your final pool parties and usher in the first day of fall, we've got some inside tips to keep you ahead of next season's fashion curve. That's because the federal holiday that celebrates American employees unofficially marks the end of summer, and is also known as the date to put away whites until next season.

We've all been warned about the fashion faux pas of wearing white after Labor Day. Well, we're here to tell you that some rules are meant to be broken. Yep, don't go saying goodbye to those light linen dresses just yet. Seriously, it's a thing of the past! Take it from the Pioneer Woman herself: "I'm not big on seasonal fashion rules ('no white after Labor Day,' for example)," Ree Drummond says. So, if you're not looking forward to packing away your white button-down shirts, read on for all the reasons why you don't actually have to!

So, what's the history behind this out-of-date decree? It's actually more interesting than you'd think. According to the Farmer's Almanac, the concept of not wearing white after Labor Day started in the 19th century as a way for the upper class to separate themselves from the working class. Some historians say lighter and brighter clothing was worn by affluent groups who could afford to leave town for a summer holiday and not worry about staining clothes.

Back in the Gilded Age, city streets were made of dirt, so if you walked out of your home in white, it's almost guaranteed you'd come back covered in grime. So, those who could vacation away from the city would pack up their whites to wear through the summer. White clothing also masked sweat, which at the time, was improper to show. Meanwhile, laborers typically wore dark clothing to hide the dirty evidence of a hard day's work.

Additionally, wearing white helped people to stay cool in hot summer months, as the color is typically associated with thinner fabrics. Regardless of the origins, by the mid-20th century, not wearing white after Labor Day became a custom among the wealthy. This is especially true of those with "old money," as the "new money" types weren't always well-versed in rules of etiquette. In fact, those who adhered to the rule were regarded more favorably and had an easier time climbing the social ladder.

Despite this, many well-respected people in the high fashion world were known to resist the rule. In the 1920s, French fashion designer Coco Chanel made white a permanent staple in her wardrobe, wearing the color all year-round. Then following the mass production of Henry Ford's Model T and the development of yellow cabs, townspeople could get around the city without worry of dirtying their whites. It also became commonplace for sanitation workers to don white uniforms to show a medical-like authority. So, the reasons for not wearing white began to slowly fade away.

Nowadays, since Labor Day has come to signal the end of summer, some have just taken that old tradition and reimagined it to mean it's time to switch out lighter fabrics and white hues with thicker materials and darker tones ahead of the cooler weather that comes with fall.

Long story short, this arbitrary fashion no-no is now a go! So, instead of wondering if you can wear white after Labor Day, start asking how you can style your white pieces through the seasons. That's right! You don't have to retire those whites when the temperatures start to drop. Just embrace them! Here's how to do it in style:

As much as we love a breezy linen piece, it's just not practical for those cooler months. When wearing white in winter, you'll want to stick to thicker fabrics like cashmere and knits. Think: all the sweater dresses! And one of the best ways to wear white throughout the year? Denim outfits! A pair of white jeans is a summer classic but can easily be styled with boots for the fall. Mix-and-match your fabrics in similar shades for a chic monochromatic ensemble.

Speaking of shades, white doesn't have to be, well, plain white! As autumn settles in, neutrals will become your best friend. Instead of sticking to a stark white palette, add beige, cream, and ivory to your outfits for a warmer, cozier look. And don't be afraid of a pop of color! For example, a bright red scarf or rich purple hat can transition your white outfit from summer to fall.

Speaking of outerwear, try donning white in jean jackets, sweaters, and cozy cardigans. Layering isn't only functional, it's also fashion-forward! So if you're looking for the simplest way to make your ensemble a bit more seasonably appropriate, this is it. Extend some of your summer favorites, like a white tank or shirt, by adding a blazer or coat on top. You can even throw on a plaid flannel shirt for a cozy fall feel!

The number one rule of wearing white after Labor Day is to have fun with it! You look your best when you wear what makes you happy -- that's The Pioneer Woman way! While you're here, check out these items from Ree's clothing line that you can wear season after season.