Answer Angel: Elegant or just silly?

Ellen Warren, Tribune News Service on Mar 10, 2026

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Dear Answer Angel Ellen: I inherited several pairs of long — past the elbow — gloves when my grandmother passed away.

I think they’re elegant but will people think I’m dressing like someone out of a fairy tale or just look silly? Or would this be a look that is way too avant-garde for a normal person like me?

--Lucy B.

Dear Lucy: Trust me, you will see women in “opera length” gloves at this year’s Oscars as well as at much less fancy, formal events. They are back in style, big time. Black, white, opaque, lacy, colors to match or seemingly clash with your outfit in leather, suede or fabric. If you’ve got 'em, wear ‘em.

I saw some on the Prada website (prada.com) in gorgeous shades of aqua, brilliant orange and eye-popping chartreuse (a color that is enjoying a comeback, by the way) for a whopping $1,470. Debutantes are wearing long gloves at chic balls and It Girls are styling them with short skirts and daytime dressing. Go for it!

And another fashion blast from the past…

Dear Answer Angel Ellen: I’ve always loved penny loafers — the real thing that you put an actual penny in a slot/cutout in the band that crosses the top of the shoe. I feel like I’m seeing more and more of them. Are they back?

--Phil P.

Dear Phil: Loafers, including penny loafers, never went out of style. They’re a classic. But they are enjoying a renewed popularity — the same phenomenon as the long gloves above.

And despite the fact that the U.S. Mint isn’t making pennies any more, you don’t need to worry about the supply drying up. There are literally billions of them out there. The latest iterations of the slip-on loafer have thicker, rubber lug soles available for under $100 to well over $1,000 for luxury brands like Hermes, Christian Louboutin and Gucci.

FYI: That band across the top of the shoe is called the saddle, which rests on the front part of the shoe, aka the vamp.

Dear Answer Angel Ellen: I am still angry/hurt. Instead of sending Christmas cards I decided to send Valentines to all of the people and families on my Christmas card list — figuring it was a novel way of sending greetings and wouldn’t just get dumped into the usual Christmas card pile. And then I waited. And I am still waiting. I didn’t get a single thank you from anybody. And not a soul sent me a Valentine (although I mailed mine out in plenty of time for friends and family to reciprocate). What’s wrong with people these days?

--Kristen M.

Dear Kristen: Your switching up Christmas cards and sending Valentines instead is a lovely idea. But, there’s nothing’s wrong with the people who didn’t respond like you hoped/expected them to. The problem is your expectation. Most people don’t say, “Thanks for the Christmas card.” Why would you think that you’d get a big thank you for switching up holiday greetings? The pleasure for you should be in the sending.

I’m always happy to get a piece of unexpected, personal mail—not a bill, not a solicitation for a donation or ads for ways to spend money. I’m betting that you brightened the day for the people who got those unexpected Valentines. Mission accomplished.

Dear Answer Angel Ellen: I get regular manicures and spend a fair amount of money on my nails. I am on a budget and looking for ways to cut back. Do you have any recommendations for savings on nail care other than doing it myself, which I’m not very good at.

--Emma P.

Dear Emma: Lucky for you, the nude nail is enjoying a renewed popularity. Shorter, natural-looking nails in clear or barely there shades were popular on the runway at the recent New York fashion shows. These non-colors are much less likely to show polish nicks and wear. This will enable you to go longer between manicures and, over time, could be a significant savings.

If you have favored French manicures — nude nails with the tips (often long) painted a contrasting color — a newly popular variation will be helpful. Now trending are very, very narrow bands of color at a very short tip where chips in the polish are not as noticeable and easier to repair at home.