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A watch is not only a timepiece; it’s also a statement accessory. With so many options on the market, it can be hard to find the perfect one to match all your outfits. If you are on a budget, or just want to find the one perfect watch, we’ll help you in the selection process by offering some advice on the most popular women’s watches.
How To Style A Ladies Watch
Gold Watches
Gold is all the rage (although I’m more of a silver person myself), and they add a touch of class and a bit of flash to any outfit. For gold watches, adorning subtle pieces of jewelry or accessories of the same shade will catch the light. Minimalistic neutral outfits, such as all black, white, or grey, or even pastel colors, could do with a little flash of gold.
Diamond/Bejeweled Watches
Diamond watches, or ones encrusted with gems and crystals, are the flashiest option. For this, we would go on either side of the spectrum. You are either super flashy with your entire outfit (we’re talking about colorful clothing, flashy shoes, a daring bag, and outrageous accessories). Or you are super simple with neutral colors.
Everyday Watches
By ‘everyday watches,’ we mean ones that stand up to wear. These could be any shape with any color or material strap. Everyday watches are the best because they go with any outfit. Getting one with interchangeable straps can give you more options in terms of styling. One day you may be going for a simple yet formal look with a black leather strap, or you may want a sporty plastic one for a jog.
Smartwatches
Smartwatches are designed to be worn every day. They have the most options when it comes to straps with fabric, leather, and silicone options, enough to last you weeks without having to wear the same strap. If you’re sporty, we suggest going for a silicone strap but keep a leather one or two handles for classier occasions.
Things to Look for When Styling a Watch
No matter which style you are going for, there are a few rules of thumb to follow to make sure the watch is complementing your outfit and flattering your wrist.
Size Matters
In this case, size matters. For ladies, a delicate watch gives you an overall dainty look, which is sought after for some, but some other women who love the chunkier look. Glance through our watch size guide to find the right measurement of the watch face for your wrist. That’s not to say you cannot go for a larger or smaller face if that’s your preference. If you like the broader look, we’d suggest going for a thinner watch case, as to not overpower your wrist.
For the More Formal Look
If formal is what you are going for, classic and traditional pieces are your best option.
You want the watch to be subtle and not take away from your outfit. It’s an accessory, not the main show.
Thin leather straps or the traditional chain link options are both preferable. As for the color, that depends on your outfit.
Black, white, grey, and brown go with almost any outfit, but feel free to spice up your getup with a more colorful strap to add a splash of vibrancy.
Simple and Minimalistic
These two words do not equate to boring if pulled off right, and that means your watch needs to fall in line as well. Simple means there are fewer colors and designs, and borderlines on casual but elegant. Minimalistic outfits usually consist of only 1 or 2 colors. Make sure that your watch strap, and maybe even the metal, do not clash with the colors you choose.
Casual but Definitely not Boring
Here is where you have the most options. A casual outfit can easily be styled up or down with the right accessories. Looking at day-to-night outfit transitions online can give you somewhat of an idea. A casual outfit could have many colors or just a few, but a strap or watch face with flowers or strips or any other design sets the casual outfit apart from the simplistic.
Extra Tips
When styling your watch, there are a few things to watch out for. First of all, a watch plays a supporting role, and should only ever improve your outfit. Chances are, you pair your watch and outfit with other jewelry items such as rings, necklaces, and bracelets. While mixing metals is a new trend, we suggest matching the same metals for a more cohesive look. Different materials can also give an extra bit of style.
You can pair certain watches with a specific style of outfit to complete the look you are going for. For example, if you want a vintage bohemian look, look for a brown leather or maybe even braided watch.
It’s very easy to layer certain types of watches. We’re talking about metal watches that stack well with bracelets and other accessories.
For big watch faces, we find that an oversized sweater with a pair of skinny pants looks great. Nothing that will draw attention to the fact that your watch is oversized. Hidden under the layers of folded sleeves gives it a subtle yet noticeable style.
The shape is almost entirely dependent on your preference. Round is a classic and timeless shape, while a square or rectangular shape gives you more edge, similar to different diamond cuts.
Conclusion
Personal preference is the key factor when it comes to styling women’s watches. Round, square, oval, you name it, go for the one you like. Pairing the watch with a band that suits your lifestyle is also essential.
If you are often on the go and love to exercise, a silicone strap may fare better than a stainless steel option in terms of comfort. Your watch should only ever complement your outfit and add to it, never drawing focus or taking away from the overall look.
