Wearing cufflinks with shirts can add a touch of sophistication and elegance to your attire, whether you’re attending a formal event or a business meeting. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to wear cufflinks with shirts correctly:
1. Choose the Right Shirt:
- French Cuff Shirt: Cufflinks are typically worn with shirts that have French cuffs, also known as double cuffs. These cuffs are longer and folded back to create a double layer, providing a perfect canvas for showcasing cufflinks.
2. Select Your Cufflinks:
- Match the Occasion: Choose cufflinks that are appropriate for the occasion and complement your outfit. Classic metal cufflinks are versatile and suitable for most formal settings, while novelty or themed cufflinks can add personality to your look.
- Coordinate with Other Accessories: Consider coordinating your cufflinks with other accessories such as your tie clip, watch, or belt buckle for a cohesive and polished appearance.
3. Prepare Your Shirt:
- Unbutton the Cuffs: Before putting on your shirt, unbutton the cuffs completely to allow for easy insertion of the cufflinks.
4. Insert the Cufflinks:
- Fold Back the Cuffs: Once the shirt is on, fold back the cuffs so that the buttonholes on each side align with each other, creating a straight edge.
- Insert the Cufflink: Insert one end of the cufflink through the buttonhole on one side of the cuff, ensuring that the decorative part of the cufflink faces outward.
- Secure the Cufflink: Once the cufflink is inserted, flip the shirt cuff back over the cufflink to hold it in place.
- Repeat for the Other Side: Repeat the process for the other cuff, ensuring that both cufflinks are inserted symmetrically.
5. Adjust and Fasten:
- Align the Cuffs: Make sure that both cuffs are aligned properly and sit comfortably on your wrists.
- Fasten the Cuffs: If your shirt has additional buttons or cufflink holes, fasten them to ensure that the cuffs stay in place and maintain their shape throughout the day.
6. Final Check:
- Double-Check Appearance: Before leaving, double-check your appearance in the mirror to ensure that your cufflinks are secure, symmetrical, and aligned with your outfit.
Tips:
- Practice: If you’re new to wearing cufflinks, practice inserting them into your shirt cuffs before wearing them for a formal occasion.
- Avoid Overly Bulky Cufflinks: Choose cufflinks that are proportionate to your shirt cuffs to prevent them from feeling too heavy or bulky.
- Mix and Match: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different styles, colors, and materials of cufflinks to add variety to your wardrobe.
By following these steps and tips, you can confidently wear cufflinks with shirts correctly, adding a touch of sophistication and style to your ensemble.