Style Setter: Opera Gloves

Traditionally, opera gloves should not be put on in public, but should be donned in the privacy of one's home before going out.

The basic rule as to length of gloves may be defined as follows: the shorter the sleeve, the longer the glove. Opera gloves are, therefore, properly worn with sleeveless or short-sleeved dresses or strapless, sleeveless (with straps) or short-sleeved evening gowns.

White and its various shades, including ivory, beige and taupe, are the traditional colors for opera gloves and are appropriate for virtually any occasion on which opera gloves are worn.

Black opera gloves should not be worn with white or light-colored dresses or gowns, but can be worn with black, dark-colored or bright-colored clothing.

Opera gloves of other colors generally should be worn only in coordination with the color scheme of the dress or gown you are wearing.