by Dana Li
2023 is already proving to be a big year for watches, with many brands already releasing some notable pieces. At a time of increasing interest and demand for watches, there’s more variety and experimentation with designs than ever before. From big, bold statement pieces to dazzling gem-set watches, here are 4 trends to look out for in 2023 and how to wear them.
Dressing Down a Dress Watch
Traditionally, there’s been a delineation between sports watch and dress watch, but with fashion trends evolving to incorporate more casual pieces into a polished look, an elegant aesthetic doesn’t need to be stiff or overly formal. While a dress watch naturally completes a formal outfit, there’s a certain effortlessly-cool feel when you pair a dressy timepiece with a t-shirt and pair of jeans. With styles like cargo pants and denim fabrics continuing to trend in winter fashion, expect to see more dress watches paired with casual, laidback looks.
How to rock the trend
Pair a dress watch with your next casual outfit. From an edgy leather jacket to the classic white tee and jeans, this will be one of the easiest ways to spruce up your look with minimal effort.
Dress watches
Source: Jaeger-LeCoultre
Revival of Yellow Gold
In the 80s and early 90s, yellow gold was a popular choice for jewelry and watches, but for the last 20 years or so, white metals like steel, white gold, and platinum have been at the forefront. Recently, however, there has been a revival of gold, with many brands incorporating them into both their sports and dress collections. While rose gold currently seems to be more common because of its subtlety, yellow gold has been beloved for millennia for a reason. Get ready to see more of the bright metal incorporated into watches for an eye-catching statement piece.
How to rock the trend
Yellow gold is great to wear year-round. In the summer, pair outfits with coral, cherry red, or even a soft pink for a bright, warm look that makes a statement. For a more subtle, understated aesthetic that will warm up your fall and winter looks, pair a yellow gold watch with neutral tones like black, forest green, beige, or white. To make sure the gold watch shines as a focal point on your outfit, keep the color palette, patterns, and other accessories in your outfit simple.
Yellow gold watches
Bright, Bold Colors
Despite the wintry season, many brands are featuring bright hues like pink, turquoise, and green to bring a colorful twist to their new 2023 releases. Rainbow watches were one of the biggest watch trends last year, and it’s not going away anytime soon. As brands continue to experiment with their designs and expand their core collections, we’ll likely see bolder colors regularly incorporated into their pieces.
How to rock the trend
If you tend to gravitate towards neutral colors for your outfits, use a colorful watch as an opportunity to liven up your look. You can even amplify the colors you’re wearing by pairing a more muted monochrome outfit with a brightly colored watch (example: forest green with a mint green, navy with a bright blue, etc.).
Colorful watches
Bring on the Bling
In recent years, Cartier, Bulgari, Van Cleef & Arpels, and many of the other iconic jewelry houses have made serious investments in their watchmaking business. The brands’ noteworthy pieces have showcased the very best in their jewelry craftsmanship and had considerable influence over gem-setting standards in the watch industry. As gem-setting continues to gain momentum within the industry, expect to see brands continue to experiment with their techniques and release novelties to highlight their gem-setting artistry.
How to rock the trend
Outside of formal occasions, wear a gem-set watch as a statement piece with your casual outfit. In the winter, pair it with a cozy cashmere sweater and for warmer months, a classic, white linen summer dress and instantly elevate your look. If you’re one for stacking your watches, don’t be afraid to layer with tennis bracelets featuring the same gemstones on your watch for a dazzling aesthetic.
Gem-set watches
