The final word...

I don't think there's any doubt that the look you describe is perfectly stylish.  If a guy had to get by with only one variety of shirt collar, I think he might do well to choose spread collar.  I think virtually of my white dress shirts have spread collars.  These collars match up particularly well with french cuffs for a very elegant look.   And with the gold tie you describe, I think it's especially sharp.  Just yesterday I wore a white spread collar/french cuffed shirt with solid gold/yellowish tie and navy pinstripe suit to work, and to a deposition that I took.  That gold tie used to be my go-to tie when I was first interviewing for jobs (though not with a french cuffed shirt during the interview process), as I think it's a nice, power tie alternative (to, say, red). So in most cases where wearing a suit and tie is appropriate to begin with, I think the look you describe is great.

I agree, Jofaile, although I'm noy particularl fond of solid ties. Probably due to all the HIDEOUS ones I wore in the 70s.

Jofaile, I wore a white french-cuffed dress shirt with a gold tie and a blue 3-button suit to a Christmas party a few months ago and received tons of compliments. Go for it, and with the spread collar you'll look even more elegant. And hold on to the girlfriend. It's hard to find ones with style