When our youngest daughter Caroline (in white) made her debut at The Infirmary Ball in New York City, it was a few days before Christmas. What a magical evening it was with family and friends who came from afar to celebrate with us! It was the perfect occasion to wear opera length gloves.
Yes indeed, long evening gloves still reign supreme for a few formal events!
You may think, ladies, that long, kid leather gloves are out of style, but at certain social events, they are timelessly traditional and de rigueur.
Evening gloves, also referred to as opera length gloves, reach over the elbow, and are the epitome of formal elegance. For formal and semi-formal events, ladies' gloves come in three lengths: wrist, elbow, and opera or full-length. Soft, buttery, kid leather evening gloves continue to be a refined, graceful wardrobe accessory… one which I adore wearing when the opportunity presents itself!
To decide the length of the glove to be worn, consider the arm length of your formal or cocktail dress. A sleeveless, strapless, or short sleeve dress is appropriate for an evening glove. Conversely, the longer the sleeve, the shorter the glove.
If you are attending a white tie or black tie function, a debutante ball, or the opening night of the Opera or the symphony, it is a good idea to make an inquiry in advance to your host, or the head of the event and confirm that evening gloves will be worn, if you are not sure.
White and ivory are the traditional color for evening gloves. Mummy shared with me that it is best never to deviate from these classic, time-honored colors. Evening gloves should only be in leather, never satin!
Should the occasion arise for you to wear a pair of evening gloves, (and you never know!) be advised that it takes several weeks to have a pair made. It is truly best to have them custom made so that they fit your hand and arm correctly. This company is the one I have ordered successfully from. They explain how to trace your hand and arm on paper to make a bespoke template.
Next week, I will discuss more “glove savvy” on the do’s and don'ts of evening glove etiquette!
(Can you eat, drink or shake hands in evening gloves?)
Addendum
In reference to my last newsletter about phone etiquette, I would like to mention that if one has an important reason then it is acceptable to have a phone readily available. Whether it's for medical reasons or anything else, a phone can discreetly be placed on your lap under your napkin, in a pocket, or, if need be, on the table facing down! I do believe that phone use for emergency purposes is always acceptable.