Gloves are everywhere this season and, after watching several models on the runway wearing them this past weekend, I wonder why they every went out of style. Regardless of whether they were paired with pants or a dress, they added a certain amount of style and elegance to each outfit. It is a sense of class and culture that has often been lacking in our present day ensembles, however, all of that is in the past. With the influence of period movies like Anna Karenina and The Great Gatsby, gloves are enjoying a rebirth in a totally modern way.
Which gloves (scroll to the bottom) do you like? Will you be adding gloves to your wardrobe as an accessory item this season?
GLOVE ETIQUETTE
General Glove Etiquette
- Do remove gloves before entering a building, except in the case of attending the theater, a formal reception or a ball.
- Do remove gloves at the table before eating and lay them across your lap. The napkin is placed on top of the gloves. Put the gloves back on when dinner is over.
- Do not smoke with gloves on.
- Do not wear jewelry over gloves. The only exception is bracelets.
- Do not wear short gloves for formal occasions.
- Do not wear the same gloves two days in a row.
- Do remove gloves at an informal gathering and place in your coat pocket.
Evening/Opera Glove Etiquette
- Remember: The shorter the sleeve, the longer the glove. Therefore, strapless, sleeveless or very short-sleeved evening gowns call for opera gloves.
- Do not put opera gloves on in public. If you must remove them, find a private place in which to put the glove back on.
- Do remove gloves discreetly before eating.
- Do remove gloves when the drinks and H’ordeuvres are served. Turn the gloves back at the wrist or remove one glove. (NOTE: You can partially remove your opera gloves in this fashion: unbutton the mousquetaire wrist opening and pull your hand out through the opening. The empty glove hand can then be rolled up neatly to wrist level, either tucked under the wrist or under your bracelet, if you are wearing one.)
- Do not remove gloves when shaking hands.
- Do keep gloves on while dancing.
THE LANGUAGE OF GLOVES
During the Victorian Period, gloves were used to convey a number of secret messages:
Biting the tips – “I wish to be rid of you very soon!”
Clenching them, rolled up in right hand – “No!”
Drawing half way on left hand – “Indifference”
Dropping both of them – “I love you”
Dropping one of them – “Yes”
Folding up carefully – “Get rid of your company”
Holding the tips downward – “I wish to be acquainted”
Holding them loose in the right hand – “I am content”
Holding them loose in the left hand – “I am satisfied”
Left hand with the naked thumb exposed – “Do you love me?”
Putting them away – “I am vexed!”
Right hand with the naked thumb exposed – “Kiss me”
Smoothing them out gently _ “I am displeased”
Striking them over the shoulder – “Follow me”
Tapping the chin – “I love another”
Tossing them up gently – “I am engaged”
Turning them inside out – “I hate you!”
Twisting them around the fingers – “Be careful, we are watched!”
Using them as a fan (open or closed) – “Introduce me to your company”.
GLOVES … GLOVES … GLOVES … GLOVES…GLOVES…GLOVES..
gloves counterclockwise:
ACHIRA Chain Detail Purple Leather Gloves
JOHN LEWIS Leopard Jersey Gloves
ANN TAYLOR Cashmere Lined Leather Gloves
AGNELLE Purple Lamb Skin Gloves
