The watch is much more than just a functional accessory. Today, it is a key element of style, a piece that can enhance an outfit when paired well. For lovers of fashion and elegance, knowing how to harmonize your watch with your look is an essential skill. Here are our tips for choosing the perfect watch to match your outfit, while keeping in mind the importance of details.
1. The importance of the dial: sobriety or extravagance?
The dial is the face of your watch. It immediately grabs attention and sets the tone. A simple rule to remember: the more formal your outfit, the more sober the dial should be.
Formal outfits
If you’re wearing a suit for a special occasion, a watch with a simple, clean dial is ideal. Opt for classic tones like silver, black or white. A watch with a minimalist design with small numbers or without any numbers will be perfect. Chronograph style watches are also a good option for adding a touch of understated elegance.
Casual outfits
If you are wearing a comfortable sweater or cardigan, don’t hesitate to choose a larger, colorful dial. This allows you to play with contrasts and add a touch of personality to your look. For elegant sweaters and cardigans, you can consult this selection on the Celio.com website.
2. The bracelet: leather, metal or fabric?
The strap is an often overlooked element when choosing a watch, but it plays a crucial role in matching your outfit.
Leather strap
Perfect for professional or semi-formal outfits. A black leather strap pairs well with a dark suit, while a brown leather strap brings a touch of warmth to lighter or earthy tones. Also remember to match the color of the bracelet with your other accessories, such as your belt or your shoes.
Metal bracelet
For a modern, urban look, metal is the perfect choice. Watches with a stainless steel or gold bracelet are ideal for more elegant occasions. However, these watches can also be combined very well with a casual outfit for a chic contrast.
Fabric or Nato bracelet
Perfect for summer or casual outfits, a colorful fabric bracelet can add pep to a simple outfit. This type of bracelet is often associated with sports watches or diving watches, ideal for a casual and dynamic look.
3. Colors: harmonize or contrast?
When it comes to colors, two strategies can be adopted: harmonization or contrast.
Color harmonization
If you want your watch to blend in with your outfit, opt for similar colors. For example, if you’re wearing a navy blue suit, a watch with a blue leather strap or silver dial will look great. Likewise, a gold dial will go well with outfits in warm tones like beige, brown or burgundy.
Create contrast
If you like to attract attention, you can play with contrasts. A bright dial on a dark outfit or a colorful bracelet on a neutral outfit can freshen up your style. Be careful not to overdo it, however; the goal is to attract attention in a subtle way, without overwhelming your look.
4. The size of the watch: it’s all in the balance
Choosing the size of your watch depends not only on your body shape, but also on the style of your outfit. A watch that is too large on a thin wrist can look disproportionate, as can a watch that is too small on a thick wrist.
For thin wristsopt for watches with a smaller dial (36-40 mm). They work best with more elegant and formal outfits, especially if you’re wearing a fitted cuffed shirt.
For larger wristsyou can afford watches with larger dials (42mm and above), especially if you wear loose clothes or casual outfits. Oversized watches often pair best with casual looks, such as jeans and a sweater.
5. The watch for every occasion
It is also essential to know that not all watches are suitable for all occasions. Here are some recommendations:
- For the office : A leather watch with a simple dial is the perfect ally for your work days. It should not distract but rather complement your professional look.
- For formal events : A stylish watch with a metal bracelet and a classic dial will be a great choice for a wedding or a formal evening.
- For the weekend : When relaxing, you can wear a watch with a fabric strap or a sporty watch with additional features like a stopwatch or compass.
6. Match your watch with other accessories
Finally, don’t forget to take into account your other accessories. The watch should not stand alone in your style. If you wear jewelry, glasses, or a belt, make sure that metals, colors, and textures don’t clash. For example, if you wear a belt with a gold buckle, a watch with gold details will be a great choice. Likewise, if you wear cufflinks, they should match your watch, both in terms of color and style.
