You Can Get Away with That: Wearing a Men’s Watch

An investment watch is like a permanent accessory. You might not wear it every single day, but it’s going to be around for a long time in regular rotation. With a commitment like that, you want it to complement your go-to outfits, your jewelry and accessories and your overall style. So what to do if dainty bands, feminine jewels and heart-shaped dials are not your thing? There’s no reason not to turn to the perfectly androgynous alternative: a men’s watch. With more women walking the guys’ runways at the most recent men’s shows and the rise of unisex fashion, it’s a more appealing option than ever.

Here, Style & Editorial Director Ashley Munns shows you how to get away with it, and shares three things to look for in a watch that’s made for a man, but secretly perfect on a woman’s wrist.

1. Shape

Cartier Tank Francaise Chronoflex Watch, $2,850; Prada Vitello Daino Clutch, $775

“A rectangular shape can actually be really feminine. It’s elongating, lengthening and looks cool on your wrist! This shape is especially fun because it mimics the shape of most clutches, and I love to see geometric shapes take control. Wear a rectangular watch with a rectangular clutch and a boxy coat.”

2. Color

Omega Speedmaster Broad Arrow Watch, $12,850; Rolex 18K Rose Gold Daytona Watch, $25,995; Hamilton Seaview Chronograph Watch, $1,275

“Rose gold is a beautiful color that feels especially unisex. It is strong and sensible as well as fresh and flirty. I would highly recommend rose gold for women as it seems to complement both silver and gold — this way you can mix and match to your heart’s content.  Rose gold looks lovely with tans, browns, maroon (like the Céline clutch above) and of course, with pink tones.  Pink is another good way to offset the masculinity of a watch like this!”

3. Strap

Girard-Perregaux Worldwide Time Control Chronograph Automatic Watch, $10,900; Louis Vuitton Capucines MM, $4,300

“A leather strap can be the coolest accessory. With fall trends in our near future, it would be smart to invest in a watch with an exotic strap. Leather warms up any outfit, even more so with the addition of a lace sleeve. A bright leather bag looks great with a brown strap, and a watch with interchangeable straps also gives you the chance to change it up every now and then with texture and color.”