Think of the last time you went shopping: you likely bought a few new tops or stocked up on appropriate bottoms for the change of seasons.
But, when was the last time you invested in new accessories? Accessories are essential to make an outfit come together. They could be anything from stand-out socks and the right tie to the perfect mix of earrings, necklaces, and bracelets.
The best way to mix and match such items is usually to choose one or two statement pieces, rather than trying to pile everything on. But, there is one thing you should never leave the house without – a wrist watch.
Watches come in all shapes and sizes, and serve a much bigger purpose than just telling time. They are the ultimate accessory for any look.
Here’s everything you need to know about choosing and styling a wrist watch.
How to Find the Right Wrist Watch
There are some things worth spending a significant amount of time shopping for. Maybe you’ve spent hours trying to find the right pair of jeans or more time than you’d like to admit in the shoe section.
Finding the right wrist watch is a similar process.
You have to consider everything from the kind of watch you want to the brand you’d like to buy from and the events you plan to wear your watch to. Such details help determine the style, fit, and even the price.
This site can help you see just how wide of a range watches come in. There, you can explore watches for men and ladies, vintage watches, and even sign up for new stock alerts or find a watch from your birth year!
Before you start shopping, though, there are some fundamental wrist watch details to consider, listed below.
Automatic versus Mechanical Watches
Aside from making the right fashion statement, the purpose of a wrist watch is to tell time and help you manage your day. There are two main systems that help a watch do this: automatic and mechanical.
An automatic watch is basically self-winding. It is built with a mainspring and a handful of gears powered by this spring. The spring has to be wound to work, but, the natural movement of your arm does the winding – hence the “self-winding” term and the low maintenance associated with this kind of watch.
There is no battery necessary for an automatic watch, and you’ll never have to wind it as you would with other watch systems. You will have to store it in a watch winder when not wearing an automatic watch, though.
Mechanical watches also have a mainspring and a set of gears to keep the face of the watch working. But, this watch has to be wound. For some, this may sound like a hassle, while other watch owners will find a certain charm and appreciation of the craftsmanship that keeps such watches working.
Pay special attention to the wrist watch you may already have your eye on. The last thing you want to do is mistake an automatic for a mechanical watch, or vice versa.
Dress Watches, Field Watches, Diving Watches, and More
Once you’ve chosen the kind of system you want for your new wrist watch, think about the style. There’s a big difference between buying a beautiful dress watch and a sportier or simpler alternative.
Check out the following common wrist watch styles to help you understand the options you’re working with. First up is the dress watch, a style made to impress.
It’s all about looking sleek and sophisticated, typically made with a thin leather band, but some will come with a metal band. The face often has precious metal detailing, and the hours/minutes have a simple display.
Next is the field watch look, which tends to be a bit smaller than a dress watch.
This style is all about providing function. The face is set with standard numbers (rather than Roman), and the leather/canvas strap is meant for longevity and flexible usage. You can wear a field watch with a casual look or dress it up a bit, trusting it will keep up with your lifestyle and activities every step of the way.
Another option to consider is the dive watch, mainly known for being water resistant. Dive watches are medium in size, detailed in the face, and suitable for any occasion. The best way to recognize this style is the bezel, though, which only rotates counter-clockwise.
In addition to the styles mentioned above, a wrist watch may come in an aviator or racing form. Others will be made purely for looks – donning diamonds or precious gems, or a more simple design to complement the rest of an outfit. Athleisure and electric watches, like Apple watches or FitBits, are becoming more and more common, too.
Many styles are made for both men and women.
Luxury Brands versus Up-and-Coming Designers
If you know a thing or two about watches, some brands may have come to mind while reading the styles mentioned above.
A Rolex or a Cartier, for example, are well-known dive watch options. Misfit, on the other hand, is one of the many popular brands disrupting the athleisure wrist watch market. These are just a few brands operating in the entire watch market.
There are many more high-end and affordable options to choose from, and as such, it pays to look into big brands as well as rising watch stars. You never know, an undiscovered watch you like now may be the next big trend in the near future.
Sizing and Fitting
No matter how much you like the way a wrist watch looks, always consider the sizing. Know the width of your wrist and the matching watch band length you need.
More so, consider how the face size and the band’s width look in relation to your hand. You don’t want the watch to offset your body’s shape, or to look small against your build.
Pay close attention to sizing charts online, and give yourself an extra minute or two to try on your top choices in the store. While shopping in person, consider the weight of a watch on your wrist and if it shifts when you move your hand, too.
Also, just when you think you’ve found the perfect watch for you, think of your personal style and what you need a watch for.
We’ve broken this down into men’s and women’s fashion.
Styling a Watch for Men
There are high-level executives who love to sport fancy dress watches, and recent college graduates who just want something to look a little nicer for work. Then, there are outdoor enthusiasts and men who love to dress casually, too.
Plenty of wrist watches are made for each kind of man.
Suiting Up
Matching your watch to your suit is not about spending all the money you can. While big-name dress brands look nice in the store, they won’t look right on you if you don’t know how to put a nice outfit together.
Think about the color of the watch’s band and the face in relation to your suit color. It’s pretty easy to match a silver or gold watch to black, blue, or grey suit.
But, you also have to consider the color of your shoes and shirt and tie. If you’re wearing brown shoes, for example, a black watch may clash.
Dressing Down
As much as every detail matters to make you look put-together, there are a few rules to follow for casual watch wear, too.
If you’re wearing sneakers, you may be able to pull off a dress watch or fancy dive watch. These can spice up an everyday look or make you stand out in a crowd on a day outing. Or, it might be best to put on a field watch.
In addition to footwear, think about whether you’re wearing jeans or shorts, a sports coat or a t-shirt, and be aware of your casual-wear colors as well.
Styling a Watch for Women
Most ladies have a set of go-to accessories they can wear with practically anything.
Then, there are times when a woman will stand in front of a mirror trying on a handful of earring or necklace options. With a watch, it’s no different. But, there are a few rules to help make outfit decisions easier.
Professional and Proper
When you’re going to the office or a cocktail hour, classic is the best way to go.
Find a wrist watch with a simple, small band that comes in a neutral color. This way, you can match with anything and head out the door in style. Pay attention to the kind of heels or flats you’re wearing and the color of your purse.
Your purse should match your shoes, and the shoes should match your watch.
Fun and Fashionable
For a bit of a bolder approach, opt for a second watch that is all about making a statement.
Find a band that comes in blue, pink, or a seasonal color – like a deep fall green or a bright summer yellow. Various face designs can also upgrade the look you’re going for.
Don’t forget about any bracelets or rings you plan to wear. The watch should be your main piece of arm candy, but that doesn’t mean you can’t throw on a few additional accessories.
More Accessorizing Tips and Tricks
Whether you’re a man or a woman, a huge fashion enthusiast or just someone trying to step up your style, you’ve come to the right place. Styles Wardrobe is here to give you all the advice needed to take your wardrobe from boring to bold.
Creating the right look isn’t always about the brands you buy or stocking up on all the essentials. It’s about knowing how to make every piece of an outfit come together, from the wrist watch you choose to the fit of your shirt and even your hairstyle.
For more insights on shopping for and styling accessories, click here.
