How To Style Your Watch Like A Fashion Editor
A fine timepiece deserves to be shown off, but there is an art to pulling together a look that complements your style. Here, NET-A-PORTER’s fashion experts explain how to work a watch into your everyday wardrobe with the perfect finishing-touch jewels and accessories
Kay Barron, fashion director
“I am not the most ‘delicate’ of women. I can be heavy of foot, with an equally weighted turn of phrase, so I find that delicate jewelry or timepieces don’t always complement my personality. Which is probably why I am drawn to the IWC Schaffhausen ‘Portofino’ watch, a NET-A-PORTER exclusive that is oversized but not overwhelming; masculine, but with a refined feminine elegance. It is the perfect companion to this season’s slick tailoring from The Row and Petar Petrov, as their long-line coats benefit from a statement at the wrist. Underpinned by high-waisted wide-leg pants and a fitted turtleneck under a loose shirt, the ‘Portofino’ adds substance, balanced with Spinelli Kilcollin stacking rings and Lauren Rubinski chains that further emphasize the confidence of the watch.”
Helen Broadfoot, deputy fashion director
“Fashion is all about having fun and expressing yourself, and Gucci’s watches epitomize that. I love this ‘G-Timeless’ design, which feels youthful and effortlessly cool – I’d add a gold bangle or two for a layered and playful look. I love the simplicity of an 18-karat-gold bangle by Maor, which would complement the Gucci watch perfectly. In terms of outfit styling, I’d wear it with wide-leg jeans from Khaite, a classic white tee – and, for these colder months, I’d slip on a beautiful camel coat from Toteme, which elevates a more casual look. For a final flourish, I’d go for a classic chunky loafer from Gucci and then I’m good to go.”
Gillian Brett, head of fashion content
“I love a sleek, understated watch design that offsets the delicate jewelry I wear day to day, and Cartier’s ‘Tank Française’ is perfection. It would complement tailoring for the office as well as adding polish to the oversized knitwear and jeans I rely on for off-duty days. It’s even elegant enough to style with eveningwear, so I’d layer it with a slinky tennis bracelet – Suzanne Kalan’s 18-karat-gold diamond-set beauty is at the very top of my wish list – and wear it with a silk shirt with the sleeves rolled back to show it off, a pair of wide-leg pants and ankle boots for dinner dates.”
Libby Page, market director
“It’s easy to be drawn to magpie styles when choosing a new watch, but I try to remind myself that it’s a practical investment purchase that is all about function and versatility. The Jaeger-LeCoultre ‘Reverso’ is exactly that, with a simple but beautiful, elegant face for everyday wear on one side, and an after-dark switch-up with the black face and diamonds on the reverse. As a lover of black, this watch is perfect for me, and the gold accents make it stand out in a subtle way. I’ll be styling it with Khaite’s rib-knit dress, Saint Laurent heels and a black Loewe pouch bag for a sleek all-black look.”
Marquessa Whyte, fashion editor
“I love the wearability of Vacheron Constantin’s ‘Traditionnelle’, crafted in 18-karat rose gold and set with diamonds. Its 30mm face is slightly more understated than the maison’s larger 33mm and 37mm styles – it’s a petite dial that suits my wrist. I love to style a fine watch with accessible fashion, especially as this is a piece that can be worn every day. I’d pair it with Tibi’s azure knit for a pop of color, Slvrlake’s high-rise ‘London’ jeans and Adidas Originals’ ‘Forum’ sneakers for a comfortable yet chic ensemble this winter. I would stack the timepiece with gorgeous rings by L’Atelier Nawbar, Spinelli Kilcollin and Wwake, along with a Foundrae chain necklace and diamond ear cuff for extra scintillation.”
Harriet Haskell-Thomas, head of styling
“After all the sparkle and glamor of the festive period, I’m feeling the need for a bit of a wardrobe reset, and the ‘Cape Cod’ by Hermès Timepieces, with its neutral leather strap, feels like the perfect palate cleanser. A watch or statement piece of jewelry is actually a really good place to start when building out my January wardrobe. My uniform for 2023 will be made up of plenty of denim, knits for layering – scrunched up to bracelet length – and a smart coat to pull everything together. It won’t be all neutrals, though, as I can’t resist a hint of color, no matter what time of year, so I’ll be selecting this Loewe scarf and a Spinelli Kilcollin ear cuff for the finishing touches.”