Break the Rules of Styling Women's Watches This Winter
Women's watches are a closet staple, but this season, we're skirting tradition with some unexpected styling tricks.
Styling women's watches is an artful way to enhance a look with both fashion and functionality. But in today's fashion landscape where details do matter, there's so much to consider. You want a timepiece that complements your personal style, whether it's a classic leather strap for a timeless appeal, a metal bracelet for a sleek and modern look, or a delicate chain for a touch of femininity. Then, it's about selecting a watch face—size and color—to coordinate with your outfit, opting for bold contrasts or subtle complements. Some may stack bracelets on the opposite wrist for a trendy, layered effect, or let the watch stand alone as a statement piece; Others may forego the wrist altogether and find more creative ways to wear it.
Whether dressing up for a special occasion or adding a polished touch to your everyday attire, the right watch can effortlessly elevate your overall aesthetic. If you're in the market for some inspiration, consider this your guide to styling women's watches.
Traditional Watch Wearing
With a wide selection of women's watches on the market, there's something for everybody when it comes to traditional watch-wearing. A classic silver or gold watch makes for the perfect finishing touch to a business casual, while a simple AppleWatch or FitBit is ideal for the health-conscious crowd. And luckily, some of your favorite brands have opted in on the tech craze keeping track of your heart rate at Pilates doesn't have to mean sacrificing your style (see: Hermès AppleWatch bands).
Stacked Bracelets
Styling women's watches with stacked bracelets adds a dynamic and fashionable touch to any ensemble. Choose a watch with a versatile design that can easily harmonize with an array of bracelets. Consider mixing materials such as metal, beads, or leather to create an eclectic and textured look. Balance is key, so play with varying sizes and shapes to achieve a visually appealing composition. Whether you opt for a minimalist watch with delicate bracelets for a subtle elegance or a bold timepiece paired with chunky statement bracelets for a more eclectic vibe, stacking bracelets alongside a women's watch allows for endless possibilities in expressing your unique style.
Mini Watches
Like 2019's micro bag trend, the latest designs in women's watches are highlighting petite styles that pack a mighty punch. From Longines' Mini DolceVita to Cartier's Baignoire watch, these dainty timepieces are proving that less is more. Other benefits include versatility when it comes to coordinating with your ensemble and the appeal of having a watch that weighs around the same as a bracelet.
Anklets
Rihanna was recently spotted at the Formula 1 Race in Las Vegas wearing a custom Jacob & Co. watch, curated with diamonds of various cuts and valued at $400,000, as an anklet. While this is a unique, out-of-the-box way of thinking when it comes to styling a women's watch, we wouldn't expect anything less from Queen RiRi. Follow in her footsteps this winter and give women's watches a new home as an edgy accessory to your winter ensembles. Pair your favorite stilettos with a sheer pair of tights and an anklet watch for a glamorous, trendsetting look at your next holiday gathering.
Necklaces
Known for her eclectic style, Emma Chamberlain made waves during Paris Fashion Week when she arrived at the Miu Miu Spring/Summer 2024 show sporting a watch necklace. Styling the women's watch with a patterned blazer and collared top, her vintage style choker is a testament to her sophisticated, urban aesthetic and an inspiration to those who are looking to add some edge to their style this season with a watch.
Taylor Swift hit the Grammys red carpet wearing custom Schiaparelli, with a unique watch choker by Lorraine Schwartz layered with complementary necklaces. The Old Hollywood glamour aesthetic of Swift's outfit shows a touch of elegance with experimentation as we see watches as necklaces become increasingly popular.
Rings
Wearing a women's watch as a ring or incorporating watch-inspired rings into your accessory collection adds a distinctive and unconventional flair to your overall style. Opt for a petite and dainty watch that comfortably fits on your finger for a subtle yet eye-catching look. Alternatively, explore the world of watch rings, which are designed to mimic the elegance and functionality of traditional watches in a compact and chic form.
These unique accessories can be adorned with miniature dials, ornate detailing, and intricate bands, allowing you to make a bold statement with your jewelry. Whether worn alone as a conversation piece or stacked with a full set, change up your winter style with this personalized approach to accessorizing.
Watches as Garments
Since we're already experimenting with unconventional ways of wearing women's watches, why stop at accessories? Ellen Hodakova Larsson, the emerging Swedish designer behind HodaKova, incorporated timepieces into her brand's Fall/Winter 2022 collection as both tops and miniskirts. And if you can wear watches as a skirt, there's no limit to how you can style them. As a belt, earrings, maybe even shoes? This unconventional approach not only showcases innovation but also transforms women's watches into more than an accessory, but a sartorial statement.
