To many, cufflinks appear as an insignificant part of the outfit or an old-fashioned add-on that goes unnoticed. However, some would consider cufflinks an incredibly important part of any outfit, an addition that, when used correctly, can add personality and sophistication and make a statement.
These centuries-old accessories bring style, elegance, and class to even the simplest of shirts, and the sheer vastness of options means you can express personality and individuality, even with the smallest accessory.
We explore vintage and contemporary cufflink styles and highlight exquisite pieces from well-known names.
Follow this guide to choose the perfect piece for your outfit and discover how versatile they are as accessories.
The Timeless Appeal of Cufflinks
In the 1600s, men tied the cuffs of their shirt sleeves with ribbon or string, and the upper classes developed ‘boutons de manchettes’ or ‘sleeve buttons’, which were made by French jewellers and consisted of two metal buttons attached by silver or gold chains for those who could afford such luxuries.
From here, precious stones were added, family crests were stamped, personal designs were created, and soon the cufflink appeared. King Charles II, a man recognised for his style, popularised cufflinks by wearing them in public, and they caught on like wildfire; every shirt-wearing man needed to be seen sporting them.
The gentry, aristocrats and royalty would wear glamorous and elaborate cufflinks at special events to complement extravagant outfits, but it was not until the 19th century when a German man by the name of George Krementz who, inspired by the methods used to create bullets found a way to produce beautiful cufflinks at an affordable price and on a large scale.
Excited to wear these metal ‘buttons’ reserved for society's elite, the common man made the cufflink a permanent part of his outfit.
The paradigm shift from a functional piece of string or metal that stopped sleeves from opening to a gorgeous fashion statement was complete; cufflinks became an intrinsic part of elegant attire, a personal addition to an outfit, and items many people treasure today.
Vintage and Contemporary: How to Choose
There is no right or wrong combination, so do what feels right for you. We will compare a vintage cufflink to a more contemporary style, but remember, borders can be blurred and improved upon by simply following your style preferences.
It’s important to remember that vintage does not necessarily mean secondhand and old-fashioned, just as contemporary is not indicative of hypermodernism. The delegations are more subtle.
I) Vintage Cufflinks
Vintage cufflinks are all about elegance and style. Although they may well be eye-catching, they won’t steal attention from the outfit; instead, they will complement and enhance it.
You can go from super simple designs that show off their metal, engraved pieces, shaped designs and intricate patterns to beautiful antique pieces; the key is that they look like they have a story to tell. They are timeless, elegant, and suitable for traditional and non-traditional outfits, with as much eccentricity as you like.
Vintage cufflinks include some of the styles below:
Art Deco:
Features: Geometric shapes, bold lines, and symmetrical patterns. A sleek and elegant look characterises Art Deco.
Materials: Platinum, white gold, and silver, frequently inlaid with onyx, mother-of-pearl, or gemstones like sapphires and rubies.
Style Tips: Ideal for formal events and black-tie affairs, Art Deco cufflinks add a touch of vintage glamour and sophistication to any smart attire. Pair them with a classic tuxedo or a sharp, tailored suit.
These Art-Deco cufflinks are understated but beautiful enough to add a splash of colour and elegance to a one-tone suit.
Victorian Era:
Features: Ornate and elaborate designs with intricate detailing. Common motifs include floral patterns, scrollwork, and romantic symbols.
Materials: Gold, silver, and occasionally enamel or micromosaic. Pearls and gemstones like garnets and amethysts are also popular.
Style Tips: Perfect for formal occasions, Victorian cufflinks bring a sense of history and elegance. They pair well with vintage-inspired or period-appropriate attire, adding a touch of old-world charm, and they can add a dramatic touch.
Mid-century Modern:
Features: Clean lines, minimalist designs, and an emphasis on form and function. Often embodying the pared-back, futuristic aesthetic of the 1950s and 1960s.
Materials: Gold, silver, and sometimes unconventional materials like lucite or stainless steel. Designs may include simple geometric shapes or abstract forms.
Style Tips: Mid-century modern cufflinks are versatile and stylish, suitable for both formal and casual settings. They complement contemporary suits and can add a retro flair to modern business attire.
Edwardian:
Features: Often crafted with intricate filigree work, lace-like patterns, and delicate details.
Materials: Platinum, white gold, sometimes adorned with small diamonds or gemstones.
Style Tips: Ideal for formal occasions, these cufflinks add a touch of refined elegance and go extremely well with dinner suits.
The following example showcases intricate and delicate details with a luxurious effect that would be well suited to formal dinners.
2) Contemporary Cufflinks
First impressions can count, and achieving a stylish look that speaks to modern fashion trends, remains professional and meets the requirements of your day-to-day life is no easy task.
There are several styles to consider, so take a look:
Geometric:
Features: The majority of pieces feature bold shapes such as squares, circles, hexagons, and triangles. Designs often incorporate modern art influences with sharp lines and angles.
Materials: Frequently crafted from metals like gold, silver, and stainless steel. Some designs include enamel or gemstone accents.
Style Tips: Suitable for adding a contemporary edge to formalwear. Geometric cufflinks can be paired with modern, tailored suits to make a subtle yet stylish statement.
Customisable:
Features: Designs that can be personalised with initials, dates, or custom images. Often include monograms or engraved messages.
Materials: Typically made from precious metals like gold, silver, or platinum. Sometimes, incorporate gemstones or enamel for added flair.
Style Tips: Cufflinks are ideal for special occasions such as weddings, anniversaries, or corporate events. Customisable cufflinks add a personal touch and make thoughtful gifts for memorable events.
Minimalist:
Features: Simple and sleek designs with clean lines and minimal ornamentation, focusing on functionality and elegance.
Materials: Often made from polished metals like silver, stainless steel, or titanium. Occasionally feature subtle inlays of mother-of-pearl or onyx.
Style Tips: Perfect for formal and business attire, minimalist cufflinks add a touch of sophistication without overpowering the outfit. They are ideal for those who prefer a clean and understated look and can be worn in many different settings.
A perfect example of minimalist, polished silver cufflinks with armfuls of style.
Eccentric:
Features: Bold, unconventional designs that stand out and make a statement. Often include quirky shapes, vibrant colours, and unexpected motifs.
Materials: Crafted from various materials, including precious metals, enamel, gemstones, and sometimes unusual materials like wood, glass, or even miniature sculptures.
Style Tips: Ideal for those who want to showcase their unique personality and style. Eccentric cufflinks can be a focal point of your outfit, so they work best with simpler, understated clothing that allows the cufflinks to shine. Perfect for creative industries, themed events, or making a memorable impression at social gatherings.
The perfect balance of eccentric style and stunning detail- classic Theo Fennell
Choosing the Right Cufflinks for Every Occasion
Selecting the right cufflinks is much more impactful than many may think. Cufflinks have a long and prestigious history and have worked their way through our fashion history, spanning every class level, enduring every evolving trend, and remaining a crucial element in a fantastic outfit.
Cufflinks can encompass pretty much any design and add personality, class, elegance and eccentric twists to outfits that need an update. Use this guide to ensure that your choice of cufflinks matches your character, brings colour to your style, adds to your story and improves your aesthetic. They are rooted in history and have transcended time for a reason, so make the most of your cufflink options.
