Contrary to popular belief, smartphones have not replaced the classic wristwatch.
Watches may seem a bit outdated considering all they do is tell time. But, these old-fashioned devices have evolved from an essential tool to an accessory that borders on being a luxury.
And while the nature of watches has shifted, the way we wear them hasn’t.
If you’re interested in taking your accessorizing game to the next level with a watch but aren’t sure how to mix them into your wardrobe, we can help.
Here’s everything you need to know about how to wear a watch.
Match to the Occasion
If your watch is an antique heirloom, then it’s probably not appropriate for all occasions.
There are dozens of different styles of watches, from ultra modern dive watches to a classic leather strapped dress watch. And, all these different styles come with a set of unwritten rules on when it’s appropriate to wear them.
The key is in the watch’s band. Leather or more sleek watchbands are usually ok for a formal or professional occasion. Heavier plastic or metal link straps are for more casual situations.
These same rules can also apply to smartwatches with interchangeable bands.
While these old-timy rules are great as a guideline when choosing a watch, it’s essential to take current trends into account. A sporty, digital watch may not seem formal on paper, but it can lend a modern air to any outfit.
Accent Time!
We live in a world where kicks are standard on red carpets — and that’s a good thing. The blending of formal and casual attire will forever be a driving force in fashion.
Watches are accessories, which means you should use them to add a little pop to any outfit. Use a timepiece to highlight an accent color or as a contrast piece against a monochromatic look.
A watch can also make for a fantastic interest piece for an outfit. And, when worn correctly, can be the perfect touch to tie a look together.
Leather to Leather, Metal to Metal
Like the “occasion” rule, the “matching” rule serves as a guideline, not the end-all-be-all.
When wearing a leather-strapped watch with another leather piece, you should always try to make sure those leathers match. While the pairing doesn’t need to be exact, you should never wear a black watch with brown shoes or vice versa.
The same goes for metal. If you’re wearing another metal accessory, like cufflinks, you should try to have the frame of your watch match everything else.
So, for example, if you’re wearing something like a Rolex Explorer II, you shouldn’t try to match it with a gold belt buckle. You should note that this rule does not apply to accessories like wedding rings.
Make It a Focal Point
As we said before, a watch is something of a luxury item these days. So, why not try to draw a little attention to it?
Rather than pick a timepiece based on your outfit, try to style your look around a particular watch.
Also, if you’re going to wear a watch, make sure people can see it. Hiding a watch under an oversized sweater is like covering up a necklace with a scarf.
If you’re not going to use it to accent your outfit, it’s best to make like Coco Chanel and leave it at home.
How to Wear a Watch
Wearing a watch may seem unnecessary in a world run by smartphones. But, while you may not use it to tell time, a timepiece can make for an excellent accessory that can tie an entire outfit together.
Now that you know how to wear a watch, it’s time to get styling!
Are you looking for a little more advice on how to take your wardrobe to the next level? We can help.
We have dozens of articles to help you transform your look. Check them out today!
