Elegance & etiquette of shoulder-high leather gloves

Sensual, shoulder-high leather gloves can be seen on the runways year after year, representing a fashion staple. Even celebrities are wearing long leather gloves throughout the year, and not just as an accessory during an awards show. Long leather gloves are an amazingly elegant addition to a strapless or sleeveless dress, and are available in a wide array of colors. Before you slip into a pair, take a peek at the rules of etiquette to avoid any style slip-ups!

~ gloves are always carefully put on in the privacy of the home.

~ gloves need not be removing when shaking hands, in a receiving line, or when dancing.

~ though gloves may be worn while drinking, avoid spilling liquids and ruining the soft leather. Even partly removing your gloves is recommended to avoid catastrophe! If you do happen to catch a spill, feel free to check out my leather cleaning tips in an earlier post.

~ gloves are removed while eating dinner, but can be put back on immediately after.

~ when removing gloves, do not draw attention to yourself in an undue or seductive manner... unless that's your intention! Long gloves are very sensual, and removing them makes for a very tempting, seductive act! The elegance of Ines can also be captured when removing her unique gloves...

~ as a general fashion rule, the shorter the sleeve, the longer the glove. Shoulder-high leather gloves are ideally worn with a sleeveless, sexy, little black dress or evening gown.

~ to avoid a fashion faux-pas, black gloves should not be worn with light-colored clothes... black works best with dark, black, or bright colors.

~ when gloves are initially put on, the hand should be worked in from the wrist. The glove is then gradually smoothed up the arm, rather than pulled from the top. Again, this can make for a very sensual experience for both the glove wearer and the glove watcher!