If you’re a watch enthusiast, you surely know that a well-chosen timepiece is the perfect accessory to complement any outfit.
However, it’s just as true that quality watches often come with a hefty price tag. Certain high-end timepieces can cost as much as a car or a house – that’s how wildly expensive these wrist accessories can get. This means that you probably can’t afford to change your watch as often as you change your outfits.
The good news is you don’t have to expand your watch collection to have them match what you’re wearing and create coherent looks.
You can simply change the strap attached to your timepiece if you want to dress your outfits up or down. The even better news is there’s a watch strap for every occasion, so you can choose from a wide range of bands to make sure your timepieces suit your mood, outfit, or activity.
But with so many options available, you might find it difficult to decide which straps to pick. Since we encourage watch strap swaps not watch strap hoarding, we’re going to make it easier for you to sift through the options with this short guide on how to choose and use watch straps to style your outfits.
Leather straps
Leather straps are probably the most common strap type of all and remain a favorite among watch wearers due to their versatility and the wide variety of textures, patterns, and styles they offer.
This means leather straps are a great choice for all sorts of occasions and you can rarely go wrong with them.
However, it’s the finer details that make the difference and determines which straps would look best with your outfit.
So, if you’re going for a casual look, a simple strap made of soft cowhide should do the job, but if you want to add a touch of elegance to your ensemble, a band made of a more luxurious material such as alligator or kangaroo leather is better suited for a slightly more formal outfit.
Metal bracelets
Metal is another popular material used for watch straps. As with leather bands, they also come in a wide range of finishes, patterns, and colors, giving wearers the opportunity to style them with their favorite outfits.
The timeless oyster bracelet or the popular dive and mesh bracelets are perfect for sporty looks or if you want to create a classic outfit. A gold watch strap can spice up a simple ensemble by adding a touch of elegance and sophistication. As a rule of thumb, if you’re wearing a metal band, there’s no need to add other jewelry or accessories as this can make your outfit look tacky.
Rubber straps
Rubber staps might not turn heads, but they serve a purpose. They are sturdy, flexible, resilient, and most importantly, they come at an affordable price point.
They’re the go-to style for digital watches and smartwatches, but they’re also used by brands that cater to a younger demographic.
As you can assume, a rubber band is the last thing you would wear if you wanted to create a formal look. But rubber straps pair perfectly with sporty outfits and can add a modern and effortless vibe to your attire.
NATO straps
One strap style that has stood the test of time and is probably going to be around for many years, the NATO bands are the perfect wrist accessory for those who live an active lifestyle and don’t care much about dressing posh.
Needless to say, if you want to look like you’re getting ready to go on an adventure that includes outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming, camping, or biking, a NATO strap is the right choice.
If you want to add interest to your outfits and stand out from the crowd, something as simple as swapping your watch straps can help you look stylish no matter the occasion.
