Kaelyn writes: Are cufflinks formal? If so, when can they be worn? And further, where can someone find a well-made, fair priced pair of them?
Cufflinks are indeed general more formal. Or, to be more accurate, French or double cuffed shirts are more formal than barrel (button) cuffed shirts. A good general rule is that double-cuff shirts shouldn’t be worn with anything less formal than a suit.
In some offices or contexts, a linked cuff might be seen as flashy. Of course, this depends in part on what style of cufflinks we’re talking about. The simplest, like a silk knot, are much less flashy than a big fat diamond. A plain shirt with silk knots is appropriate pretty much anywhere a suit is appropriate.
Cufflinks are one of a couple of things that I really think are best bought second-hand. They’re plentiful on the vintage market, and much less expensive as well. Check out this previous post on cuff links for more details. I like mother of pearl for utility.