8 Labor Day Outfits So Good, You’ll Forget Summer Is Over

Ah, Labor Day. The unceremonious end of a few of our favorite pastimes: hitting the beach, signing off work early on Fridays, and enjoying happy hours outdoors — even better if there’s a rooftop involved. And with each summertime activity, there’s the perfect outfit to go with it. But what do you wear on the first Monday of September, not to mention, the weekend that precedes it?

With so many different summer outfits to show off, there still may be a few that you haven’t tried out yet. The long weekend is the perfect opportunity to pull out pieces that have been tucked away in your closet all season while incorporating key transitional items that’ll take you through the next few months. We’ve been experimenting with trends like floppy hats and babydoll shoes, and we’ll continue doing so once the weather cools down.

As far as color palettes go, white is a popular choice if you’re leaning toward a classic aesthetic. However, bright and bold hues will suit those who want to send off summer with pizzazz. Honestly, the options are endless when it comes to getting you through the end-of-summer blues — but it can also make finding the right look hard to narrow down.

Whether you’re celebrating at a backyard barbecue or at the beach, here’s what to wear on Labor Day.

All-White

Wearing white after Labor Day is not only acceptable, it’s encouraged. The color scheme is a great choice for the holiday, too. So go ahead and wear a full white outfit without worrying about spilling on yourself. To modernize this look, consider incorporating a bit of contrasting color and pattern, like the black polka-dotted pants seen here. The result will feel classic, yet original.

A Scarf-Style Top

This ’90s shirt trend is back in a major way thanks to a few TikTok teens, and it’s a fun one to try for summer’s last hurrah. Wrapping an extra-large scarf around your body (or faking it by tucking it into a bandeau) will be a welcome update to the array of basic tees and tanks sitting in your room right now.

Printed Separates

If you’re still getting used to actually planning out a look before you wear it, consider a coordinated two-piece set. It will seem like you put in a ton of effort without having to do anything at all. Pull out your chunky sandals from the back of your closet and you’ll be back to your old ways in no time.

An Oversized Button-Down

The tried and true button-down is a wardrobe staple. Whether you choose to go with classic white or a vibrant shade instead, this shirt is incredibly versatile. If you’re heading to the beach for a day in the sun, try wearing an oversized version over your bikini. Or dress up your button-down by combining it with statement shorts and jewelry, as seen here.

A Playful Dress With Sneakers

Not only is this outfit striking and playful but it can also easily transition from day to night. A dress with a bright color, pattern, sequins — or all of the above — is as celebratory as ever, while white sneakers lend a casual spin.

A Pleated Skirt

Pleated skirts might bring back memories of your high school uniform days, but don’t let that scare you away from wearing one on Labor Day. Consider pairing it with a crop top of the same color family for a coordinated, yet flirty, look.

Head-to-Toe Denim

While we love a good monochromatic look, this denim rendition has got us in a tizzy. Not only is denim the perfect fabric for a festive Labor Day, but the maxi dress version seen here is stylish and cool. The darker hue works to herald in fall, however, you can play with lighter shades and even combine denim separates to customize your outfit.

A Sweater Vest

Sweater vests are still going strong — and for good reason. Apart from being great for layering in the cool, end-of-summer air, they’re also an eye-catching, less bundled-up alternative to your favorite sweatshirt. A slightly oversized option is great for a more relaxed feel, while a cropped design will amp up tailored pieces.