Cuff Links

[JustCause]

Originally Posted by Jake B

Hi Folks,

Are these still in style? Where's a good place to shop for some.

Links in general seem to be timeless. Antique ones always de rigueur. Estate sales are a fine place to obtain these little treasures. The more unique the better.

[Roothead]

Worked on WS/Ibanking from late 80s thru 2010. Did the 3 piece, 2 piece, contrasting collar/French cuff thing, the braces thing (both leather and cloth), the wide chalk stripe/Seville row look, etc. looking back I laugh at it all now...

The only carryovers I continue with (in addition to top quality fabric, bespoke tailoring and well made shoes), are nice, understated cuff links and watches

[Jake B]

Again, thank you for all the suggestions everyone. I'm slowing amassing my collection thanks to y'alls advice

[Guest050216]

I am secretly working on adding to this collection. I would also like to find a classic pocket watch from the 1930's - 1950's era. Elegance is such a loss art today with all that casual dress code allowed in the work place. The B&W era nailed with regards to class.
And how hard is it to get your shoes shined!!!!!!!!

[GoAheadMkMyDay]

Originally Posted by Roothead

understated cuff links and watches

Understated and elegant will always be in style.

- Cufflinks. If they have bars they are not cuff LINKS. Simpler is better. When I wear them, which is not very often nowadays, I usually use a simple pair of yellow gold, oval links. Plain and very classy (helps to me that they were handmade for me as copies of my grandfathers). If I ever vary with cufflinks, I go with some unusual, very casual silk knot cufflinks (I like colors).
- Watches. Slim. Very Slim. Simple. Very Simple. Patek Phillippe, Jaeger LeCoutre. Modern big, chunky, heavy, complicated watches don't convey style. For a cheap (really good watches get VERY expensive) casual alternative I like Swatch "Skin" series or Skagen watches.

Of course, WALDT.

[SA Angel]

Originally Posted by GoAheadMkMyDay

Understated and elegant will always be in style.

Modern big, chunky, heavy, complicated watches don't convey style.

I completely agree. My biggest pet peeve is someone in a beautiful suit wearing a diver's watch. The same with women wearing large watches with evening wear....

[Madame X]

Perhaps I simply watched too many Bond movies when I was a little girl, but I actually happen to like the "I just may, at any moment find myself 200ft under water" look of a well equipped watch. I'm not so much into watches generally, but I am a free diver I love it when a man wears cufflinks, and have a little collection myself. My favorite are my pair of silver thermometer/compass cufflinks, which are actually quite handy since I often get lost and hate the cold, lol. My newest pair has an 8gb flash drive and wireless hotspot in them. What can I say - while many people would choose form over function, I don't really see why I have to compromise.

[Nicolet]

Georg Jensen cufflinks

[ftango4]

Goldman Sachs bankers wear cordovan loafers all over the globe and seem to get along ok. Goldman Macro traders wear flip flops and golf shorts, work remote and kill it. Oh and Rolex blows.Just go with the orange timex iron man plasic. Of course if you are trying to impress escorts, stap that rolex back on with the alligator belt etc for the evening. lol

[Whirlaway]

Yes they are still in style.

IMO every man should own at least one pair. (Hint here for the girls...they make a very nice gift to guy friends, especially guys who would never think to buy a set for themselves).

Before shopping for a pair; I would check "Dad's" drawer. He might have a nice pair he no longer uses, or is willing to loan you. Hand me downs bring uniqueness and add a touch of sentimental whimsy to the occasions when a set is required. I have a pair that are of the Delta Queen steamboat; obviously not expensive and kinda kitschy....but they belonged to someone I like to think of whenever i put them on. They are my go to links for almost all occasions.

Best place to shop for a set = pawn shop and estate sale ! They DON"T have to be expensive. Buy a set next time you are traveling, to remember that city or trip. I bought a pair in the Vatican that have an image of Pope John Paul II. As are the links I bought in NYC of the Statue of Liberty. They are fun to wear.

BTW, I am NOT a fan of the matching cuff link and shirt stud sets that some gentlemen wear with formal attire!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Originally Posted by Jake B

Hi Folks,

Are these still in style? Where's a good place to shop for some. What should they match? They should match your personality and style. Have fun wearing them. Let them express who you are. Don't be constrained by the aesthetic. What female accessory could be considered the counterpart of cuff links?

Thanks in advance,

Jake

[HelenaIriepalomino]

Oh my. One of the few things I notice these days about a man. I live in the very casual Tahoe so if I saw a man in a suit, tie AND cufflinks?! I'd be inclined to very unladylike behaivor.

The watch should be taken into consideration, when choosing style I presume...

[4karlos]

Just remember to pair your cuffs with a nice tie and a tailor made shirt or a quality shirt. Cheap shirt won't do it even if you have it monogrammed to look like the real thing.

[Rogue_Gent]

paulfrederick.com

[atlcomedy]

Originally Posted by 4karlos

Just remember to pair your cuffs with a nice tie and a tailor made shirt or a quality shirt. Cheap shirt won't do it even if you have it monogrammed to look like the real thing.

Everyone has their own sense of style as evidenced by this thread and that's great.

I very rarely wear ties. Style choice. Even with a suit. But I do wear cuff links several times a week. Now of course the shirts are custom made and of a nice cloth. I will pair a nice casual shirt & cuff links with jeans. Does everybody do it? No. Is it distinctive? Yes. Does it work? Yes. Do I really give a fuck if I've violated some style guide? Not in the least!

Overall I prefer links that are subtle. They should be enjoyed up close. From across the room the onlooker really shouldn't be able to tell what your link looks like, just that your clothing is fastened with one as opposed to a button.

Although the OP asked about cuff links, it seems there's been some drift onto other fashion topics offering advice. My number one piece of advice is your clothes should fit.