Opera Gloves to Elevate Your Formal Attire a la Kate Middleton at the BAFTAs

Debutantes and heiresses were probably the first thing to come to mind, when thinking of opera-length gloves prior to 2022. The style was very much associated with aristocratic women from days past. Perhaps you even think of that iconic black tie image of Carolyn Bessette Kennedy from the '90s. But in the past year long and elegant formal glove has recently started to make a comeback, most recently on the red carpet for the 2023 Grammy Awards. Case in point: the accessory has had a revivale—and we remain enthusiastically on board. It's the perfect way to add unexpected element of sophistication to formal wear, or even a cocktail look. And surely in 2023, fashionistas will find new and creative ways to add the opera glove into their looks.

Director of the Museum at FIT and fashion historian Dr. Valerie Steele explains "from the Gilded Age and late 19th century, opera gloves were part of a long history of glove-wearing as a status symbol for elite people—both male and female (but by the late 19th century, mostly female)." And that's where things get a little bit more sultry. "The hand being the organ of touch was eroticized, so we came to cover it up. And that led to all sorts of connotations. But there was also a class thing—middle and upper class women always wore gloves outside to keep their skin pristine and soft." And this of course has led to a sexy and formal connotation which has taken the forefront more recently. "It's no longer the marker of class, but it is the marker of an exclusive occasion," says Dr. Steele.

So why not kick up your heels and add a pair of opera gloves to your next big night out—we know you're only going to the very best parties. Here, 15 opera length gloves to wear at your next big social occasion.

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