Pairing your watch with an outfit isn’t complicated, yet discovering the ideal balance is an entire process. It’s not solely about putting on the first thing you find in the closet. There are watches for various occasions – some are casual, others sporty, luxurious, colorful, made of leather or metal – and it’s a small yet significant detail you should be paying attention to if you genuinely want each outfit you wear to look flawless.
Indeed, there are no absolute rules in fashion, but there are some general guidelines that assist you in achieving the best possible outcome, preventing you from conveying the wrong message to the world.
The watch might seem like a minor accessory, but it can take you a long way and complement any type of look. That’s precisely why mastering the game is essential.
Typs of watches
Dress
Elegant and sophisticated, it features a smooth white face, minimal complications, and a black leather strap. It can have pad indices, Roman numerals, or no numerals at all.
Diving
Crafted for underwater diving, these watches are water-resistant, come with metal straps, and feature a medium-sized dial with easy-to-read Arabic numerals or pad indices.
Racing
This type boasts a large dial with clear Arabic numerals and vibrant, contrasting colors. They typically include a chronograph, date complication, stainless steel casing, and metal or leather straps.
Pilot
Characterized by a large dial, legible numbers, luminous hands, and a date function, pilot watches usually sport a leather strap.
Field
Originating during World War I, these watches are rugged, functional, and versatile. Available in small to medium sizes, they feature leather or canvas straps and dials with easily readable Arabic numerals.
Sports / Smartwatches
These watches are sizeable and robust, often equipped with plastic or other durable casual straps. They come in a variety of colors and may feature digital numerals.
How to Use Your Watch with Your Outfit
This isn’t about the price; there are expensive watches that aren’t necessarily formal. It’s more about choosing the right piece for the type of outfit you’re going to wear.
For formal events, you need a “dress watch,” which is identified by its minimalist design and black leather strap.
For a “business” look, you can go for a watch with a brown leather strap or a diving watch like the Rolex, not too large in size.
For the “smart casual” style, which is a bit more relaxed, you can opt for pilot, racing, or field-style watches.
For the casual style, you can go for anything from field watches to versions with colorful plastic straps.
Some more tips
- Leather straps convey a more formal tone compared to those made of metal, canvas, or plastic.
- Black is suitable for formal occasions, while brown resonates with a business context.
- Worn-out or rugged straps, even if they are leather, are not appropriate for a formal look.
- The color of your watch’s leather strap should harmonize with the shade of your shoes and belt.
- Silver watches harmonize well with clothing and shoes in black, gray, and blue tones.
- Gold watches complement browns, beiges, and earthy or nude shades more effectively.