How Do you Match Cufflinks to a Tie?

Accessories can be a bit of a conundrum. They’re often an afterthought once the rest of your ensemble has been decided, such as your tie and jacket. Although they’re a small detail in the grand scheme of things, they add that finishing touch of elegance that makes your whole outfit look more finessed. They're definitely worth the effort. As Gustav Mahler once said, “all that is not perfect down to the smallest detail is doomed to perish”. Whilst it’s a bit dramatic, we wholeheartedly agree. But how do you match cufflinks to a tie? 

Matching cufflinks to your tie, and your suit, can be a little bit trickier than you think. There’s more factors to consider than just colour. You must consider finish, shape and detail if you want to draw the most sophistication out of your suit.

When it comes to selecting the right pair of cufflinks for your suit, it's important to go for ones that create balance with your tie. If you’re wearing a statement necktie, make sure your cufflinks aren’t too bold. Similarly, it's important that your cufflinks aren't too subtle if your tie is plain. Life is all about embracing the ying and the yang. Cufflinks that will complement your tie without striking it out completely is what you are aiming for. 

The biggest decision you have to consider is whether you will wear silver or gold cufflinks. This can be the make or break moment for many outfits. Beyond your tie, think about the other small details of your suit. Are your jacket buttons warm or cool toned? Are you wearing a belt? What colour is the buckle? These small details will greatly impact your decision. There's no room for mixing and matching gold and silver accessories, especially if you're just starting out. 

If your tie is patterned, it might be worth picking up one of those colours in your cufflinks. Warm features are definitely a great pairing with gold, rose gold, copper and brass cufflinks. But if your tie is overall cool in tone, it will be preferable to go for a pair of cufflinks that complements. Silvers and blacks will always be an exquisite pairing. 

Lastly, shape is a big one. If you're looking to purchase a pair of cufflinks that can translate effortlessly from corporate wear to black tie events, then your most traditional option will be a round or rectangular pair of cufflinks. These are elegant, simplistic and faultless. 

However, in today's fashion landscape, it isn't unacceptable to wear a novelty pair of cufflinks to work. Although you may not get away with wearing an outlandish tie, you can certainly wear a pair of sports themed or animal themed cufflinks to the office. They'll give you a hint of personality without relinquishing any sense of class.