Cufflinks and watches: two key pieces of men's style, valued as much for their elegance as for their practicality.
But did you know how much it matters to match them with care?
Let's explore together the art of pairing these two accessories for a refined, coherent result. You will find plenty of advice on choosing materials, the right colours and the styles that complement each other best. Ready to bring elegance to the smallest details of your look? Read on for all our tips.
Cufflinks and watch: how to match the materials
One of the most important things to consider when matching cufflinks and a watch is the material. The materials you choose largely set the tone of your outfit, so it is crucial to pick ones that work in harmony.
The materials most commonly used for cufflinks and watches include leather and denim, as well as a range of metals, precious or otherwise.
When choosing your cufflinks and watch, make sure they are made of the same or a similar material. For example, if you wear a watch on a leather strap, go for leather cufflinks too. Likewise, if your watch is stainless steel, make sure your cufflinks are metal as well.
If your watch features gemstone settings, you can choose cufflinks set with matching stones. Matching the materials creates visual continuity between the two accessories, and the effect is deeply satisfying.
Here are a few concrete examples of matching materials:
- If you wear a watch on a brown leather strap, choose leather cufflinks in the same or a similar shade. This creates harmony between the two accessories and underlines the refinement of your outfit.
- If you have a silver-tone stainless steel watch, opt for stainless steel or silver cufflinks.
- For a watch with a gem-set dial, choose cufflinks with matching stones.
Cufflinks and watch: how to keep the colours consistent
Beyond materials, consistent colour is another way to pair your cufflinks and watch successfully.
Choose colours thoughtfully to create an elegant contrast with your outfit. It is also crucial that the colour of the cufflinks echoes that of the watch. You can achieve this either by using the same material for both accessories or by making sure the colour is exactly the same.
A word of warning: two shades that are similar but not identical can be a real style faux pas. If the colours are not a true match, you are better off choosing something else.
For example, if you wear a watch on a black leather strap, make sure your cufflinks are black too. Similarly, if your watch has a blue dial, go for cufflinks in matching blue tones. This colour consistency brings visual harmony to your style and shows an eye for detail.
How to match the formality of your cufflinks and watch
To avoid unfortunate pairings, and looking faintly ridiculous, it is also important to consider how formal each accessory is when putting them together.
So never mix precious materials such as gold or gemstones with less formal ones such as plastic or braided trimming. Likewise, never pair a very luxurious, formal watch with cufflinks bearing light-hearted novelty motifs, such as superhero cufflinks or ones decorated with a football.
Our advice: if you are attending a formal event with a dress code that calls for smart attire, choose cufflinks in precious metals such as gold or silver, matched with a watch of similar quality. That way, everything is truly in step.
In a more relaxed setting, on the other hand, you can afford to be more creative with your cufflinks. More informal materials such as wood or enamel are excellent options, and can be paired with a casual watch whose colours and materials are in keeping.
Matching cufflinks and watch: FAQ
Can I pair wooden cufflinks with a stainless steel watch?
Yes, you can. It creates an interesting contrast between natural materials and the modern look of steel. Just make sure the colours work together for a balanced look.
Can colourful cufflinks go with a classic silver watch?
Yes, they can. However, make sure the colours of the cufflinks are not too bright or eccentric, so they do not clash with the restraint of the silver watch. Opt for subtle, harmonious colours instead.
What are the benefits of matching your cufflinks and watch?
There are several. First, it creates visual harmony in your outfit, showing your attention to detail and sense of style. Matching materials and colours also gives an impression of coherence and elegance, strengthening the overall impact of your appearance. Finally, it can help you project an image of confidence and professionalism, in formal and relaxed settings alike.
