Before they went out of style in the 1960s, gloves were an essential part of women’s wardrobes for centuries, hitting their most decadent era during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, who, like Dominic, loved her gloves embellished to an inch of their existence. Politically speaking, it’s impossible not to consider gloves as an archaic piece for a reason, an item that is connected to the disparity in the workforce and women being seen as just decorative. Yet as we’ve seen with younger generations embracing corsets and towering heels, there are opportunities to reclaim these old rules and celebrate them in a new, positive way.
In order to bring gloves back to everyday lives, let’s start by figuring out some style commandments of glove-wearing, according to some of our favourite celebrity and catwalk looks:
1. Match the gloves to the rest of your outfit
Celebrities like Rihanna, Anya Taylor-Joy, Pamela Anderson and Ariana Grande are experts at this trick, having showcased the levels of drama a pair of gloves can bring to a red carpet look. This approach will create an elongated silhouette and a decidedly contemporary look – matching patterns or bold colours always have that effect, as seen on catwalks from brands like Richard Quinn and Marine Serre.
2. A contrasting glove adds unprecedented elegance
Just like matching colours and prints achieves a sense of modernity, a contrasting glove instantly transports you back to the era of 1980s power dressing, pointing to iconic references like Yves Saint Laurent. Recently, designer Anthony Vaccarello brought these pieces back for his AW25/26 collection at YSL, with loose leather gloves in shades that fought with those of the oversized outerwear. Similarly, Pierpaolo Piccioli’s new, pre-fall collection at Balenciaga captured a balance between formality and casual sophistication; think workout gear with opera-length gloves. Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons agree, as evident in one of their key looks for SS26 – a chartreuse 1950s-style dress with a soft lilac glove.
3. Bold shapes and embellishments get bonus points
Berlin-based designer Naomi Tarazi creates voluminous silhouettes, with gloves being an essential part of the story. “While designing, I imagine them as an extension of the whole look because it just makes it more complete,” she says, referencing the 3D effect achieved with her signature, circular boning technique. Meanwhile, Dutch designer Jeanne Hermans is one of the leading artisans with her label C’est Jeanne, creating custom couture pieces that veer into the territory of wearable sculpture. “The reason gloves are so special to me is the technical skill required to create this accessory. I started glove making to fully understand this mysterious garment,” Hermans says.
C’est Jeanne Sofia Black Bow Gloves
4. Tulle, mesh and lace for a softer look
One designer who happens to be a master of recreating a vintage vibe is Alessandro Michele, whose SS26 collection at Valentino showed the most delicate pair of gloves in the form of wrist-length purple lace, reminiscent of 1950s housewives. Transparent materials like nylons, tulle and lace are a great way to dip into the gloved experience, both practically and stylistically. The delicate texture subtly reveals the skin underneath and allows you to actually feel what you are touching.
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5. One step up from lingerie
It’s no surprise that lingerie and hosiery brands have the expertise needed to craft these pieces. British designer Lauren Perrin and Ukrainian label Zhilyova are both indie brands that create incredible gloves, in prints and unexpected silhouettes, which totally reinterpret vintage ideas. Tatiana Tolstikova of Zhilyova statesthat gloves deserve a return to the mainstream because they “bring intention back into dressing. In a world of fast fashion, gloves invite a more thoughtful, expressive approach to style.”
6. Black gloves forever
Finally, a classic is a classic for a reason. A pair of black gloves should be the 2026 version of the LBD; a piece everyone should have in their wardrobes. According to Naomi Tarazi, style icons like Marlene Dietrich and Aubrey Hepburn created the prototype of modern glove styling, and their choice was (mostly) a simple black glove. Short, mid-length or covering most of the upper arm, see-through or solid, a black glove is a perfect addition to your wardrobe. For bonus decadence points, choose a latex pair – yes, ones from a sex shop will do, too. Instantly, your look will reach new heights.
Let’s leave absolute practicality in 2025 and take this year as an opportunity to showcase the most opulent version of ourselves. It doesn’t really matter whether you’re getting your pair on the high street, from a heritage glove brand like Dents or a luxury brand – just rust me, it’s much easier to handle that 9 am meeting when you’re wearing a pair of gloves.
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