Labour Day is coming fast. If you find yourself wondering whether to put away your summer whites, as past trends have dictated, you're not alone. Although Labour Day is considered the launch into fall, wearing dark colours in heavy fabrics on a sunny September day can feel a little uncomfortable. While white shirts and blouses have always been considered year around basics, white shoes, jackets, skirts, pants and outerwear are traditionally worn in the spring and summer months. In the past, these ?laws of fashion? were rigid, however in recent years the rules have relaxed. If you are having trouble making the transition into fall you may want to consider the following:

? Over the last few years, designers have been breaking the traditional rules in the world of fashion by introducing white into their fall and winter collections. This year is no exception. The secret is in the texture and fabric. Whites and pastels look fashionable and feel cozy during the cooler months when worn in heavier weight fabrics.

? If the sun is shining and it's too warm for wool, try wearing lighter weight fabrics in darker shades such as black, brown and navy to help ease the transition from warm to cool weather. As the weather changes, gradually add heavier weight fabrics to your wardrobe changing it from breezy to cozy.

? Although white sneakers are accepted year round, white sandals are not. Open toed shoes, sling-backs and mules in darker neutrals can take you from summer into fall. As the weather gets cooler or wetter (as it does here on the West Coast) introduce boots and classic winter shoe styles.

? Accessories reveal the time of year. When the calendar changes from summer to fall so should your accessories. Woven accessories in fibres such as in straw and jute say ?summer?. Fall demands accessories in materials like leather and metal that coordinate well with your clothing and shoes.

Some traditions are here to stay. But it's nice know that dressing for fall can be a slow transition rather than a formal event. Now that you know the rules for dressing after Labour Day it's up to you to decide how you want to apply them. Fashion statement or faux pas? It's wonderfully black and white.