Match Metal Tones
When choosing a minimalist watch, select one that complements other metals you often wear like rings, bracelets, or eyeglass frames. Aim for cohesion. For an especially coordinated look, match the metals on your watch and glasses. Or pair cuff links and watch metals when wearing a dress shirt. Just steer clear of mixing too many competing metal shades in one outfit.
Play with Proportions
A minimalist watch with a smaller case size and slimmer band works best for a dressier, tailored aesthetic. Go for a watch no bigger than 40mm across to complement a fitted suit or button-down without overpowering. For casual ensembles like jeans and a tee, opt for a chunkier minimalist watch with a case size over 40mm to balance the laidback mood.
Stick to Simple Straps
The minimalist watch look calls for sleek straps rather than ornate. Leather, metal, and nylon straps keep the vibe pared back. Save heavily stitched leather or bracelet-style metal watchbands for non-minimalist watches. A simple strap ensures the watch face remains the focus. Neutral-colored straps in black, brown, navy, or gray are easiest to pair with any outfit.
Tuck in Cuffs
When wearing a dress shirt or blazer, keep sleeves cleanly tucked behind watch bands. Any shirt cuff laying over part of a minimalist watch competes with the watch visually and makes your arm look cluttered. Tucking cuffs behind bands streamlines the look. Similarly, pull sweater sleeves back behind your watch to maintain clean lines.
Roll Up Button-Down Sleeves
Button-down shirts sporting rolled-up sleeves are complemented beautifully by a minimalist watch. With sleeves casually rolled just below the elbow, a proportionally sized minimalist watch stands out as the perfect accent piece. Just be sure to match up rolled-up sleeve heights for a symmetrical style.
Match Leather Textures
When wearing a leather watch strap, incorporate leather accessories like belts or leather shoes in matching earthy hues. Pairing smooth leather dress shoes with a watch featuring a smooth leather band creates a sleek finish. Alternately, for more casual flair, don a watch with textured leather next to leather boots or a briefcase with complementary pebbled leather. When selecting the minimalist watches, pay close attention to the texture of the leather band and how it coordinates with your other leather accessories. Matching the textures creates a polished, coordinated aesthetic.
Layer With Bracelets
Don’t be afraid to stack a minimalist watch with a bracelet or two. Stacking maintains a streamlined aesthetic as long as bracelets follow similar skinny proportions as the watch. Mix metals for visual interest. A watch, metal bracelet, and beaded bracelet create an effortlessly stylish stacked trio.
Go Monochromatic
Choose a watch with a strap or case that picks up the color of other pieces you are wearing for a fashion-forward monochromatic style. A black watch band registers as a chic extension of a black sweater. Or allow a rose gold watch case to echo a hint of rose in a shirt pattern. Subtle matching shades polish the whole look.
Minimalist watches offer versatility in coordinating with ensembles. Follow these guidelines, and you’ll be styling your minimalist timepiece with tailored flair.
