The art of wearing cufflinks

[Ianiceman]

Originally Posted by gorgekko

Never thought twice about wearing them to work. No one has ever busted on me for wearing them and the few that noticed seemed to like them. Either way, I could seriously give a damn less if people have an issue with me wearing them...like someone who buys their shoes at Payless can even talk to me.

Nice summary tacobender, and while I generally concur with the sentiments in this post because my job is largely autonomous, remember that some people are unfortunate to have to work in places (poncey law firms? Banks?) where there is a hierarchy and 'know your place, newbie' attitude wherein sartorial flourishes like cuff links might be a career limiting choice.

 

[gorgekko]

Tacobender? Cute. Another for the ignore list.

If the scary men at the top don't like you wearing cuff links, don't wear them. Assuming they even know who you are.

 

[SkinnyGoomba]

I help to dress some very successful people who are still very conscious of how their peers will react to what they're wearing.

If you're really good at your job it's more likely that senior people will love it and think that you dress well because you take yourself seriously, but if you're in a role outside of sales I wouldn't wear cufflinks. As someone client facing it's often acceptable to overdress since you can always spin it in a positive light like that people take you more seriously when you dress well.

 

[MasterOfReality]

Jeez, after reading this thread I'm glad I live in a city where people don't bust your balls for wearing cufflinks or not.

 

[tacobender]

Originally Posted by Ianiceman

Nice summary tacobender, and while I generally concur with the sentiments in this post because my job is largely autonomous, remember that some people are unfortunate to have to work in places (poncey law firms? Banks?) where there is a hierarchy and 'know your place, newbie' attitude wherein sartorial flourishes like cuff links might be a career limiting choice.

You run that risk in nearly any job. I guess it boils down to:
Think about how much contact you are going to have with senior vps or higher ups. If the answer is none, unless your wearing a wild etro shirt, flower filled paul smith tie, and flip flops they wont notice.

I can assure you that a partner in a practice or senior vp who has a 15k JLC, Patek, AP on his wrist doesn't really care about a newbie wearing 15 dollar cufflinks from Macys.

Best case scenario is you are wearing some nice or interesting cufflinks and he give you a compliment. At least he notices you. Also best case scenario is you are good employee and he remembers you when it is time to look and see who is getting a promotion? Is it possible that someone scores a few more job prospects by dressing well or above their current level? Can't say its likely that you'd skip to the front of line and get some great gig after 6 months when the current waiting list is 6 years in the company. You never know what some people attribute success or failure to.

 

[Metlin]

Originally Posted by SkinnyGoomba

As someone client facing it's often acceptable to overdress since you can always spin it in a positive light like that people take you more seriously when you dress well.
Hmm, I've often observed it to be the opposite. Folks in client facing roles are often told that they dress a notch about the client, but not overtly so. For instance, if the client wears jeans and a polo shirt, you wear khakis and a dress shirt. Overdressing is often a strict no-no, sales or otherwise, since the client is going to think they're overpaying you to begin with. You can look good without being overdressed.

 

[tacobender]

Originally Posted by Metlin

Hmm, I've often observed it to be the opposite. Folks in client facing roles are often told that they dress a notch about the client, but not overtly so. For instance, if the client wears jeans and a polo shirt, you wear khakis and a dress shirt.

Overdressing is often a strict no-no, sales or otherwise, since the client is going to think they're overpaying you to begin with. You can look good without being overdressed.

I would largely say it depends on the skill/service you provide, how professional you are expected to be, what is the client paying and what is the going rate for the service.

Over dressing is a no-no when it doesn't benefit you or your company. The last thing you want to do is scare off a client by being overly intimidating. In the legal field an IP attorney is going to dress differently than a medical malpractice specialist who would dress differently than an ambulance chaser in a Hispanic neighborhood. You just have to know your clients expectations, and where you stand on the price scale. What would your expectations be of a person selling Hyundai's versus the sales person at the Mercedes dealer?

If you are in medical sales and suggest having a casual lunch at applebees with a client, I'd pass on wearing the Kiton or Brioni suit. Likewise I don't expect you to show up in Khakis and free giveaway polo from a .com company that went under 5 years ago if you are showing up to give me an IT consultation for my fortune 250 company.

 

[bowtielover]

As long as your wearing them correctly, with a decent french cuff shirt, showing off the perfect amount of cuff ect then I would say anyone can do it.

 

[Ianiceman]

Originally Posted by gorgekko

Tacobender? Cute. Another for the ignore list.

If the scary men at the top don't like you wearing cuff links, don't wear them. Assuming they even know who you are.

Yeah 'tacobender', i.e. the poster before you, who I was referring to in the first part of my post before agreeing with your comments. But you can't see this cos you're ignoring me!

 

[landshark]

Yeah 'tacobender', i.e. the poster before you, who I was referring to in the first part of my post before agreeing with your comments. But you can't see this cos you're ignoring me!

Quoting Ianiceman so that this may be resolved

 

[GBR]

This perceived restriction to upper tiers in management in the USA is quite ridiculous. Cuff links and both functional and a sign of being well dressed.

All should free to wear them with double cuff shirts ('french' to those in the USA) for business and pleasure.

 

[BlueHorseShoe]

Originally Posted by GBR

This perceived restriction to upper tiers in management in the USA is quite ridiculous. Cuff links and both functional and a sign of being well dressed.

All should free to wear them with double cuff shirts ('french' to those in the USA) for business and pleasure.

*Should* But, at least in the US, I think people should think it through.

That being said, there are a couple of situations in particular that I can think of that would lend themselves to being troublesome, most of which revolve around being young.

If you are an analyst at a bank, be prepared to catch **** from the older ones. Especially if you are channeling some dumb ass look from Wall Street or American Psycho.
Young traders will catch flak for anything, and cufflinks are asking for attention.
Anything else in which young people are in front of clients may not result in confrontation, but could send the wrong message (I'm thinking consulting here).

I think that double cuffs with silk knots could work, but I'm also not sure if it's worth having to think about. Personally as a young person in one of the aforementioned roles, I've decided that for everyday wear, I'm sticking to single cuffs, as there is no chance of offending anyone or appearing presumptuous.

 

[patrickBOOTH]

I think any large cufflinks that are in your face and flashy are tacky as hell regardless of what your job is, or how much money you have. I only wear French cuff shirts and the only thing I ever put in the button holes is small mother of pearl. I think the elegant appearance is all about the turnback and overall shape, not the jewelry you use to keep it closed. It should be functional and just as subdued as a button.

 

[Ianiceman]

Originally Posted by landshark

Quoting Ianiceman so that this may be resolved

Thank you sir Diplomat!