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You probably saw a woman donning these magical shirt cuffs when you were younger and fell into absolute rapture. Unlike a classic shirt cuff that peeks out from beneath a sweater sleeve, that French cuff folds back into full-view, squared-off, geometric bliss ... unless, of course, you ditch the cuff links and opt for a triangular "points-out" aesthetic. If French cuffs immediately make you think "work wear," you'll be surprised -- they're super adaptable to more than just the office, though the office is a good place to start.
For a Presentation
Sometimes a girl's gotta make a presentation. Maybe you're starting up a business and need some investors, or you have something important to say at a town hall meeting. Whatever you're presenting, your outfit is certainly a part of it. Look polished and put-together without losing your fashionable edge by opting for French cuffs. Start with a white, French-cuffed blouse under a neutral cardigan. Add a pair of black trousers and slip into black pumps. You'll feel confident and ready for anything.
For a Night Out
When you want a chic ensemble for a night out without sacrificing comfort, stick to a classic. Find a feminine, tunic-length blouse with French cuffs. Pull on a pair of black leggings or your favorite skinny jeans and cinch the waist to add a girlie touch to a shirt that might otherwise look like your hubby's dress shirt. Slide your feet into sandals with a stiletto or wedge heel, and you're almost done. A few bracelets will draw onlookers' eyes to your chic cuffs, so go ahead ... stack 'em up.
To the Office
Going to work day after day in button-front blouses can leave you yearning for a way to change up your professional garb. Grab a shirt with French cuffs and get busy changing things up just enough that you'll feel pretty instead of plain. Think white shirt, black pencil skirt and leopard-print pumps. Instead of ignoring your cuffs, add some DIY cuff link fun. Do some vintage thrift shopping for quirky cuff links or buy decorative ribbon and tie a bow through your cuffs. It's those personalized touches that will keep you smiling through the end of the day.
When You're Channeling '60s Chic
Maybe you've been on a '60s kick, watching Brigitte Bardot films and practicing your best French accent. Go ahead and channel your favorite '60s bombshell icons without pulling out the polyester. Think crisp, white, French-cuffed blouse under a black, long-sleeve sweater dress. Pull the cuffs out sans cuff links and make sure the collar is in full view. Go with retro cat-eye eyeliner and a pair of black, high-heel Mary Janes. So '60s pretty.
