Must cufflinks be worn with a french cuff shirt? Are they the only thing that is acceptable to hold the cuff together?

It is a fashon faux pas to not wear cuff links. There are many informal cuff links that you can by that are quite inexpensive.

I think if you go to the trouble of wearing a nice shirt, you should wear nice cuff links also. You would be dressing down a nice shirt, and you would probably feel more conspicuous. Besides, wearing nice "links" will let you show a little attitude....have fun.

If you can't afford nice cufflinks, buy some silk knots. They're perfectly acceptable, and you can use them to subtly match the colors in a tie, a pocket square or socks. They sell them in sets of three for around 12 bucks (Amazon.com, Charles Tyrwhitt, etc.)

Ahh, I think that's what I was thinking about- silk knots. I suppose these are different from the things that come with the shirt. Thank you. I do have one very nice pair of cufflinks, but I feel strange wearing them unless it's a very formal event. No, I think dressing down a nice shirt is exactly what I want to do, but thank you for the suggestion. Silk knots it is.