When is it not appropriate to wear french cuffs?

[AutoX]

I've been on a french cuff trip lately, and really like the look of it. I've been pulling it off with no tie, top button undone. Is there a unwritten guide of appropriateness for wearing them? I.e. in the office, at dinner, etc.

What is typically the best accurtimonts (sp)for it? Slacks with no belt/belt loops, what type of slacks, shoes, etc.

 

[porcelain monkey]

You are going to get a lot of "Only wear French cuffs with a suit and tie" comments here, but I say wear them whenever you like - Tie or no tie, jacket no no jacket, trousers or jeans.

 

[rebel222]

I don't know about rules, but I have a personal opinion.

I think they look stupid without a suit and tie. They come across as formal. It's about as stupid as jeans paired with a coat and tie.

 

[Harold falcon]

I think they come off as too affected if not worn with a suit. I also wouldn't wear them to a job interview or a funeral as they might come across as too flashy.

 

[Twotone]

For me, it's never appropriate to wear French cuffs -- hate them.

 

[TheFoo]

It's not a matter of how your cuffs fasten. The appropriateness of a shirt has a lot more to do with its cloth, cut, and collar--and, if you're wearing French cuffs, the kind of cufflinks you're wearing. I have no problem wearing silk knots with casual outfits, even under sweaters.

 

[lee_44106]

well,

so far its 4 against and 1 for french cuffs.

So being the mindless drone follower:

DO NOT WEAR FRENCH CUFFS.

 

[Doc4]

Originally Posted by mafoofan

It's not a matter of how your cuffs fasten. The appropriateness of a shirt has a lot more to do with its cloth, cut, and collar--and, if you're wearing French cuffs, the kind of cufflinks you're wearing. I have no problem wearing silk knots with casual outfits, even under sweaters.

Wise words.

 

[SpallaCamiccia]

Originally Posted by rebel222

I don't know about rules, but I have a personal opinion.

I think they look stupid without a suit and tie. They come across as formal. It's about as stupid as jeans paired with a coat and tie.

I do all the time in Europe thanks for calling me stupid, me and thousands of people.

 

[TC (Houston)]

Originally Posted by mafoofan

It's not a matter of how your cuffs fasten. The appropriateness of a shirt has a lot more to do with its cloth, cut, and collar--and, if you're wearing French cuffs, the kind of cufflinks you're wearing. I have no problem wearing silk knots with casual outfits, even under sweaters.

+1, it's all about the balance of all of those elements of the shirt and how they integrate into your fit. I have several suits with which I won't wear french cuffs, and I'm not opposed to wearing french cuffs casually (sweater, SC) under certain circumstances.

 

[Ianiceman]

Originally Posted by lee_44106

well,

so far its 4 against and 1 for french cuffs.

So being the mindless drone follower:

DO NOT WEAR FRENCH CUFFS.

That's not exactly true though is it? With those kind of extrapolation skills you could work in government!

 

[Master-Classter]

I suspect this one has two answers... there's the "rules" and then there's the "style".


I believe the rules make FC's more formal, so they're only suit and tie.
I believe the style (Amercan only?) makes FC's flashy and fun, so they can be worn with a sportscoat or even just pants for a night out on the town.

 

[Cary Grant]

Originally Posted by TC (Houston)

+1, it's all about the balance of all of those elements of the shirt and how they integrate into your fit. I have several suits with which I won't wear french cuffs, and I'm not opposed to wearing french cuffs casually (sweater, SC) under certain circumstances.

If you're changing the oil on the Maser?

 

[Achilles_]

If I wasn't wearing a suit I would use silk knots, but I don't mind the look personally.

 

[RSS]

Originally Posted by mafoofan

I have no problem wearing silk knots with casual outfits, even under sweaters.
I did this Sunday ... and the cuff of the sweater looked rather ... uhhh ... "deformed."