How to Choose the Right Cufflinks for Formal and Semi-Formal Events
Cufflinks are one of those details that can separate a good outfit from a great one. Small, subtle and seriously stylish, they polish up your shirt and add a sense of purpose to your outfit.
Whether you’re attending a wedding, work event, gala dinner or just a special date night, the right cufflinks mean a lot — and don’t need to shout. At Buckle, we offer a selection of cufflinks that suit any level of formality. Here’s how to choose the pair to match your outfit and the occasion.
1. Choose Your Level of Formality
First, get a sense of the room — or more accurately, the dress code.
Black Tie / Tuxedos:
Stick to clean, classic designs — polished silver-tone, black enamel or mother-of-pearl. The cufflinks should enhance your image, not take away from it.
Style note: Best worn with a French cuff white shirt and satin bow tie. Sleek and timeless.
Formal Business or Evening Wear:
You’ve got more room to move. Go with brushed metals, clean lines or simple geometric shapes. These are refined without being overdone.
Smart-Casual / Semi-Formal Events:
This is where you can add some personality. Think colourful enamel, subtle patterns or vintage-inspired styles. Keep them tasteful, but don’t shy away from a bit of flair.
2. Select the Appropriate Finish: Matte, Silver or Gold
The finish you choose depends on the tone of your look — and how you like to wear your jewellery.
- Silver-tone cufflinks are the most versatile. They’re clean, modern, and go with just about anything — especially navy or grey suits.
- Gold-tone cufflinks are warmer and more traditional. Best suited to suits and accessories in tan, brown or deeper tones.
- Matte or brushed finishes give off a more modern, subtle vibe — ideal for minimalists or those dressing outside of traditional black-tie territory.
Note on Buckle: If you’re wearing a watch, belt buckle or tie clip, match your cufflink finish to those pieces. It creates a unified, deliberate look.
3. Let the Shirt Be Your Guide
Not every shirt will take cufflinks — you’ll need a French cuff or double cuff shirt. These shirts don’t have buttons at the cuff, just slots for cufflinks to fasten through.
If your shirt is made for it, your cufflinks should slide in easily and sit flush. Avoid overly bulky or oversized designs — you want them to sit nicely beneath your jacket sleeve without catching.
4. Consider Colour and Contrast
For formal occasions, keep your cufflinks tonal — silver with white or light blue shirts, black with monochrome looks.
In more relaxed settings, feel free to add a touch of colour. Navy, burgundy or forest green enamel adds personality while still looking sharp.
If your tie or pocket square features a colour or metallic accent, you can echo that in your cufflinks — just don’t go too matchy-matchy.
5. Do Keep It Personal — But Don’t Get Gimmicky
Cufflinks should show a bit of personality — but keep it classy.
Initials, heritage details or vintage-inspired shapes bring a uniqueness that doesn’t stray into novelty territory. Leave the joke cufflinks for bucks nights — not weddings or meetings.
At Buckle, our range focuses on wearable elegance — details that get noticed without trying too hard.
Final Word
The right cufflinks are the finishing touch that ties a sharp look together — and once you’ve worn them, you’ll never want to go back to plain buttons. Whether you’re keeping it traditional or pushing things just outside the box, Buckle’s range has you sorted for every level of formality.