DEAR MISS MANNERS: I love seeing ladies in films wearing gloves, and despite current fashion, want to bring them into my daily wear. I feel femininity never goes out of style.
Aside from challenging a gentleman to a duel, when does a lady remove her gloves?
GENTLE READER: Actually it drives Miss Manners crazy to see gloved ladies in period films, plays and operas. They almost always keep them on while eating, drinking or even smoking. Eeeew.
The general rule was (and there is no need to repeal it, as most ladies have long since peeled off their gloves) that gloves were always worn outdoors and almost never indoors. As a result, ladies had to be adept in carrying their gloves while enjoying non-abstemious indoor activities.
The exceptions when gloves might be worn indoors included occasions such as getting married and/or dancing. And for safety's sake, Miss Manners advises wearing gauntlets for duels that are fought indoors.