How opera gloves became the unusual stand-out accessory of 2022

Opera gloves have become the must-have accessory of the year, according to stylists – as Brooklyn Beckham‘s bride stepped out in a pair at their Florida wedding.

Nicola Peltz, 23, fulfilled her every fashion fantasy at the event yesterday, wearing a dreamy cloud of a bespoke Valentino gown with cap sleeves, a full veil of embroidered lace – and a pair of long white opera gloves.

It’s far from the first time a celebrity has been pictured in the unusual accessory over the last few months, with stars strutting their stuff on red carpets across the world wearing distinctive pairs.

Sienna Miller opted for a black lace pair for the Bafta’s this year, while Olivia Rodrigo, Millie Bobby Brown and Euphoria’s Sydney Sweeney have also been snapped in opera gloves on the red carpet.

TV and celebrity fashion expert Miranda Holder told FEMAIL the accessory has become an essential for any formal occasion.

She explained: ‘Old fashioned Hollywood glamour is the order of the day as celebrities clamour to be the ultimate icons of sophistication following the more sartorially barren two years of the pandemic.

‘Now it’s all about making a statement with panache and elegance – and nothing says this better than a pair of opera gloves.

Opera gloves have become the must-have accessory of the year, according to stylists – as Brooklyn Beckham’s bride stepped out in a pair at their Florida wedding (pictured, Sienna Miller and Millie Bobby Brown are among the celebrities who have walked the red carpet in the unusual accessory in the last few months)

‘Opera gloves add length to a look and automatically create a slender silhouette.

‘They are perfect with strapless dresses when the shoulders and decolletage are on display, serving as an interesting, eye-catching accessory.

‘They are a particularly savvy choice for those wanting to dress up an outfit without wearing a hat; they’re a bold fashion statement that give an outfit an interesting and confident dimension.’

She added; ‘In terms of wearing opera gloves, to keep the look contemporary, team them with clean, minimal lines and a more modern outfit to avoid looking outdated or like an 80s film extra.

Euphoria’s Sydney Sweeney wore a pair of matching opera gloves with a floor length co-ord to attend the season 2 photocall earlier this year

‘Opera gloves are the ultimate way to elevate a look and take it from evening to wow! Keep the rest of the outfit clean and simple though – too many frills and you will end up looking like a frilly doll toilet roll holder!’

Meanwhile stylist Rochelle White credited the rise in popularity with the success of period dramas, including Netflix’s runaway hit Bridgerton.

She said that, having watched the show, shoppers are yearning for a little nostalgia in their wardrobes.

She explained: ‘I feel that the opera glove look is a must have trend due to the popularity of Bridgerton.

‘The show has had an impact across fashion and gloves seem to be the next thing.

‘Many celebs and models have been spotted rocking lace or silk gloves on red carpets and events.

Meanwhile pop star Olivia Rodrigo stepped out in a pair at the Grammy’s (left) while actress Sarah Paulson has also been seen in a distinctive white pair of gloves (right)

‘When it comes to evening gloves, they have seen a resurgence in pop culture over the last few years, I feel it is because it adds some elegant style to most red carpets, not so much everyday.

‘Short gloves (especially leather) have always had a role within fashion and being a stylish accessory. But, these long gloves are having a real fashion moment.

‘These gloves are relatively affordable and can add a bit of glamour to any staple dress, bodysuit or evening dress.’

She added: ‘They can even be dressed up more with chunky rings and even bracelets to add that extraness.’

Opera gloves were most prevalent as a ladylike fashion accessory in the 1940s to 1960s.

They reach beyond the elbow and traditionally were reserved for formal occasions.

Gloves give main character energy, so it comes as no surprise that they have been trending with the Hollywood elite for some time.

Stylist Rochelle White credited the rise in popularity of opera gloves with period dramas like Bridgerton, where characters are often seen in the accessory (pictured)

For high-octane glamour, stars like Rihanna, Ariana Grande and Salma Hayek have been hitting the red carpet with opera gloves.

However in recent months, the hashtag Opera Gloves has been gaining traction on social media, with TikTokers going wild over the trend.

Clips on the social media platform with the hashtag #OperaGloves have over 515,000 TikTok views while Instagram has nearly 16,000 posts hinting at the trend.

In January, Sydney Sweeney showed off her sculpted midriff and a pair of over-the-top gloves as she led the stars at a photo-call for the second season of the HBO sensation drama Euphoria.

And it’s not just Hollywood’s finest who have been snapped in the glove! Adele wore a lengthy black pair for her Oh My God video

Pop star Dua Lipa has also made the gloves part of her staple tour wardrobe, opting to wear a set which perfectly coordinated with her neon yellow outfit on stage

Meanwhile Millie Bobby Brown wore black opera gloves to the EE British Academy Film Awards and

But it’s not just Hollywood’s A-listers who are opting for the unusual accessory, with singers and performers also donning opera gloves for recent appearances.

Olivia Rodrigo rocked her own pair at the Grammy’s, while Adele wore a set in her Oh My God video.

Meanwhile Dua Lipa has also been snapped wearing several different pairs of the colourful glove while on her current tour.

And emphasising the significance of the trend, Sarah Jessica Parker’s Carrie Bradshaw opted to wear a pair of colourful opera gloves during the new series of And Just Like That…