How to Lure Men: Wear Gloves?

Continuing to share from the 1968 book  I Haven't a Thing to Wear by Judith Keith's, the chapter entitled Conversation Pieces beings with the wearing of gloves.

my haul from the flea market last March

Accessories, Keith suggests, should not be overused. Edit, edit, edit; and when in doubt--don't!

Gloves can be used to provide 'distinction'. Keith suggested short cotton gloves be worn with a simple cotton dress on a supermarket visit! "Snappy leather shorties perk up popped-out plaids, prints and suits." Pant suits were to be paired with pigskins, which were also great for driving, riding, and hiking. Wool and black leather in winter, and long white gloves with a gown, are still worn today.

In 1969 I wore long gloves to the school dance. And wings. Had to have those wings.

And, she contends, gloves can be conversations starters.

Take a simple pair of gloves. In fact take two simple pair of gloves in the most basic colors: one pair black, one pair white. Walk into any party or any place where people gather, wearing one white glove and one black glove! You will certainly create conversation!

Carry it off with e'lan and elegance. You will make many new friends. Strangers will ask, "Do you always do that?"

"Do what?" you smile.

"Don't you know you are wearing two different gloves?" they continue.

"The only thing I know for sure, is that I have another pair at home, just like these," you reply easily.

Once at a cocktail party in San Francisco a handsome distinguished gentleman came up to me and introduced himself stating, "I have always wanted to meet a woman who wouldn't let her right hand know what her left hand is doing." The next two days in San Francisco were just divine.

My mother and father's 1949 wedding. Mom and her sister in white gloves.