Have you ever heard of the phrase “you can tell a lot about a man by the way he dresses?” Well, at George Fox, we believe in just that. Today’s modern men look for a splash of luxury and personal touch in their suits. When it comes to adding that extra charm to an outfit, it’s all in the details and there’s nothing quite like a good pair of cufflinks to finish off your evening attire.

What many men have learnt the hard way is that there’s an artform to wearing and complimenting a designer suit. How and when to wear formal or semi-formal attire and the appropriate shoes to match with one’s tie is very much a gentleman’s secret weapon. But when it comes to cufflinks, too many seem to miss the mark.

Cufflinks, like any good Rolex watch or Tom Ford tie clip, add an air of sophistication and style to your look while providing the perfect opportunity to showcase your personality. Not only are a pair of quality cufflinks the perfect gift for a modern socialite or businessman, but they can come in a vast range of styles and colours.

Luckily, there’s no need to fear as our experts are here to give you everything you need to know so that you can wear cufflinks like a true gentleman.

What Are Cufflinks?

Cufflinks are a popular kind of men’s jewellery that can be seen worn on the sleeve of a shirt which helps symbolise status, sophistication and personality. Cufflinks also have a practical advantage and are used to fasten together the sides of shirt cuffs.

Cufflinks are usually seen at occasions where formal attire or fitted suits are required. Whilst they can come in a range of styles and finishes, cufflinks are typically made of two parts: the pin and the cufflink.

The majority of a cufflink and its pin are made from metal. It is often seen for jewellers to incorporate precious metals, or sometimes even coloured glass or jewels into the designs.

Although there are many types of cufflinks available, typical designs include single plate styles, which feature a small swivelling clasp, and linked studs. Now, what many don’t know is that there is a subtle yet important difference between a cufflink and a stud.

While both are worn for formal occasions such as business meetings and networking events, they serve two different purposes. Cufflinks are used to fasten the cuffs of a shirt, while studs are seen as more “decorative fasteners” and fit into the buttonholes on the front of a tuxedo shirt.

How and when to wear Cufflinks

Black Tie Events

If you are attending an event stipulating black tie attire, cufflinks will likely be an essential part of your outfit. In fact, if the event requires a dinner suit, a rich tone and plain cufflink adds refinement to your outfit and is often seen as an essential feature to your outfit.

To select the perfect pair to complete your look, we advise opting for a more formal style of cufflinks, such as a timeless silver or gold design which appears subtle and sophisticated. Stick to a single choice of metal, for example silver or gold. Paired back shapes and material authenticity will add a level of sophistication to your outfit. It is also easier to match your tie clip and belt buckle with a simple metal option.

A smart pair of metal cufflinks will keep your whole outfit classic at formal events, especially black tie. Just ensure that they aren’t too simplistic or you’ll run the risk of looking dull. The key is to strike a balance between stylish and understated.

White Tie Events

A white tie event is another type of dress code that will often require cufflinks. It is slightly more formal than black tie attire and is called upon for highly special events, such as galas and some socialite weddings. This is where an elegant pair of cufflinks come into play.

White or neutral coloured shirts are easier to match with cufflinks as any colour will go well with them. Avoid darker metal or gems as it risks clashing with the neutral tones of your outfit. When in doubt about which colour of cufflinks to wear, go with the monochromatic rule which means you should wear the same colour of cufflinks as your shirt, but in a different shade.

Cufflinks With a White Shirt

If you work in a formal business setting, you may be required to wear cufflinks as a part of your day-to-day uniform. However, that doesn’t mean you have to wear the same old boring pair every single day. If your dress shirt is white, you can wear cufflinks in pretty much any shade or metal.

As a white shirt appears neutral and understated, it’s easy to add a variety of different and exciting cufflink styles. Experiment with different colours, metals, and patterns to see what you like, so don’t be afraid to select a unique option that conveys your personality. But, be sure they also appear polished enough for meetings with the boss and clients. However, if you’re unsure or going to a formal setting, stick with silver cufflinks as these are a proven crowd favourite.

When it comes to shirts with colour, like a blue, pink, or even grey, tonal cufflinks are called for. Doing so will allow you to play with different shapes and designs without appearing inappropriately dressed or drawing attention away from the rest of your outfit. Alternatively, if you do want to wear a coloured pair, try opting for cufflinks in a shade of blue, pink or grey that contrasts your shirt.

Luxury Cufflinks for Men by George Fox

Cufflinks are a great gift idea for the men in your life. Whether you’re buying them for your partner, father, brother or best friend, cufflinks are the perfect pick. But what is even better than a stylish pair of cufflinks? A stylish pair of cufflinks made out of the best designer watches! At George Fox, we have been making beautifully designed watch cufflinks for over 10 years and have mastered the art of combining style with innovation.

We have a simple philosophy that is centred around freshness and originality of design. Each and every watch cufflink is handmade by our artisan team, which means we are knowledgeable about everything we sell. From Rolex to Tag Heuer, Patek Phillipe to Omega and many more leading watch brands, we craft every custom watch cufflink with care. We can also advise on the smallest details, from design and material to finish and delivery.

We pride ourselves on our customer service and attention to detail that extends through everything we do. If you have a question around our design process or would like to learn more about these perfect gifts, contact our team today.

You can also find excellent Coin Jewellery gifts including coin cufflinks at Heads and Tails Jewellery.