There are two rules for wearing these gloves: One you can break, and one you can’t

What gloves should I wear this winter?

My practical fashion-editor side suggests a sensible pair of cashmere gloves that still allow you to use your smartphone – but don’t listen to him. You want to hear from my flamboyant fashion-editor side – which is, coincidentally, my good side – and he is in favour of ... opera gloves. Go big or go home.

Thanks to runway outings at Prada, Boss and MaxMara, opera gloves are no longer limited to formal evening outings to see Don Giovanni and can even sing on your daily morning commute. A pair of black leather opera gloves emerging from the pushed-up sleeves of a grey or bold-red jumper – or from a shawl or camel coat – bring diva energy to daytime dressing.

There are two major rules surrounding opera gloves – one that you can break and one that you must observe, says glove designer Kathryn Eisman from Australian label High Heel Jungle. “Wearing jewellery on top of gloves was once forbidden, but a statement bracelet or cocktail ring in the evening or watch in the day makes an impact,” she says. “Put some thought into your choice, though, because the real attraction of wearing long gloves is the elegant, uninterrupted line they create.”

The one non-negotiable is removing your gloves at a table before a meal; simply fold them and place them beneath your napkin on your lap. “You never want to be seen holding a knife and fork in gloves,” she adds.

Got a style conundrum? Email damien.woolnough@nine.com.au

Get the best of Good Weekend delivered to your inbox every Saturday morning. Sign up for our newsletter.

Read more from fashion editor Damien Woolnough:

• Remember these rules if you want to wear a T-shirt to the office
• How to layer knits like a pro: The secret to staying warm without the bulk
• The finance boss shaking up Australian fashion