Long for Formal White Gloves? Join the Bunch

The stores that sell and rent formal gowns are noticing more looky-loos. With holiday and corporate parties closing in, women are checking out formals to see which work for them.

The sleeveless, off-the-shoulder style is a perennial favorite that looks great with a pair of long, elegant gloves. However, many women fail to wear their gloves the right way.

“You often see women pull the gloves so they’re all the way past their elbows,” says Pamela Nathan of In the Event Fancy Formal Rentals in Orange. “The correct way to wear them is to have them bunched up around the forearms.”

No matter what gown or dress you’re wearing, don’t make the mistake of taking a short pair of gloves to an evening formal event. The short white gloves are for daytime affairs where you’ll be wearing long sleeves (or, of course, to check the top of the refrigerator for dust).

Guys and beads: They’re hip and happening, the symbol of the caring-yet-macho, end-of-the-century guy: love beads.

Beads, the gold chains of the ‘90s, are making a comeback on men, strung around guys in nice-casual outfits with a T-shirt and unconstructed jacket, as well as in kick-back jeans and a flannel shirt. But some guys appear to be going a little overboard with the retro-peacenik look, dangling five or six strands from their necks.

“A single strand is enough to make a statement,” says fashion designer Blaine Keil of Laguna Beach. “And use colors that don’t clash with what you’re wearing.”

And remember that the hot bead colors this fall are dark red and black. Stay away from the turquoise look; save it for next summer.

Granny’s footprints: More than 80 years ago, as society began to accept women’s shorter skirts, clunky, black lace-up boots gave way to more fashionable pumps and heels. Now, as if shoe designers have run out of ideas, they’ve pulled your grandmother’s boots off the dusty shelf and are making them in your size.

The granny boot goes well with peasant-style, long, lace dresses or casual slacks. But don’t be tempted to stomp into the office wearing them. “It’s a real young look, so if you wear them in a situation where you want to look respectable, you may get some second glances,” says personal shopper Doris Blake of Fullerton.

If you do take them to work, you may want to take advantage of the long skirts and dresses available this fall that won’t make them so conspicuous. When worn with slacks, the boots are strictly casual.