Gloves

While gloves may no longer be required for the well-dressed lady, a great pair of gloves can turn an outfit from frumpy into fun and fabulous.  Gloves add the perfect finishing touch to a vintage or vintage-inspired outfit from the 40s, 50s, early 60s and the 80s!  So how do you go about choosing the right pair of gloves to complete a great retro look?  There are many glove options to consider depending on your clothing choice. 

The first thing to consider in choosing a glove is the color.  A well-matched glove will blend seamlessly with your outfit, lengthening the arm.  A contrasting glove in an accent color can provide "pop" to an otherwise boring look.  The choice is yours.  If choosing an accent color for your glove, keep your shoe color neutral.  Otherwise the look is too scattered and confused.  You will have the most options if you choose a black, white or other neutral colored gloves, as these are the most widely available.  However, a white cotton or leather glove can be dyed to match any outfit.  Any plain glove can be accented with a bow or cuff in a fabric that matches your outfit, adding an extra special splash. 

A second consideration in choosing fashion gloves is the fabric.  The more formal your attire, the more formal your glove fabric should be.  Cotton and leather are classic and versatile, though the microfiber gloves available today are a great option that wasn't available years ago.  The best quality gloves are French or Italian leather and are available in a wide variety of colors..  Velvet or velour are beautiful winter options that also offer a great deal of variety in color and pattern.  A satin suit or gown calls for a perfectly matched satin glove.  A dress or blouse of sheer or delicate fabric would call for an equally delicate glove.  Fingerless lace gloves were popular in the 1980s, with Madonna setting the trend.  Fingerless gloves can go from dance club to dressy. 

The final option in gloves is the length.  Gloves come in 3 basic lengths.  In the past, fashion rules were rather rigid about proper glove length, but today things are more flexible.  Mid-length gloves (between the wrist and elbow) work best with long sleeved suits or dresses.  Short sleeved outfits call for matinee (wrist-length) gloves.  Longer gloves shorten the look of the arm when worn with a short sleeve.  The opera glove, also known as full-length (over the elbow), was traditionally worn with a strapless or sleeveless dress.  This timeless option is still a great choice.  It can convey an Audrey Hepburn grace and elegance or a Marilyn Monroe allure.  Opera length is considered to be the most formal.  A more modern and funky option with a sleeveless dress is the wrist-length glove.  This was a popular look in the 1980s, especially with the fingerless lace gloves. 

Don't save your glove wearing for dreary, wintry days.  Fashion gloves are a great way to add your own unique style and flair to your wardrobe.  Gloves are the overlooked accessory that can turn heads on any occasion.