If you had asked me last winter which pieces I was most excited to style this summer, I probably would've said tank tops. But these days, it's all about the accessories—specifically, my watch. I'm still pretty new to the world of watches, but I've fallen down the rabbit hole. I've researched brands, tried to understand when to buy vintage vs new, and have become fascinated by how one tiny accessory can completely change an outfit. It's wild how much more put-together I feel the second I put on a watch.
Who What Wear Executive Editorial and Style Director Lauren Eggertsen and associate shopping editor Chichi Offor are also excited about watches this season. Both editors are using their Fossil watches as a styling anchor for their warm-weather outfits. Whether you like to wear the same watch every day or switch things up depending on your look, you'll find a Fossil style that suits you below. Keep scrolling.
For Chichi, versatility is the Fossil Raquel Watch's biggest selling point. "The watch is designed in a really classic style, and the navy colorway is pretty neutral but also gives the piece a fun, modern twist," she says. "These elements make pairing the watch with different outfits totally seamless." Since the silhouette is sleek and architectural, it works with basically everything in her summer wardrobe, from linens and easy dresses to jeans and flowy skirts. "Whether you're leaning into the coastal grandma aesthetic or attending a lovely garden party, this watch can really go the distance," Chichi says.
Chichi treats this watch more like jewelry than a standalone accessory. "I see watches as a form of jewelry, and that's one of the best ways to inject personality into your look," she says. That mindset makes styling this watch easy. "Stacking bracelets with the watch or even styling it with cute flip-flops can help give an outfit a slightly more casual feel," she explains. "In comparison, pairing the watch with pretty heels or a cute clutch can elevate your outfit." Even when the outfits change, this watch never feels out of place. "The Raquel really goes with all my looks. It's easy to dress up or down," Chichi says.
Lauren, meanwhile, likes having options. "I believe a watch can complete any outfit," she says. "I always want the watch to feel intentional without overpowering the entirety of my outfit, no matter the occasion." For dressier moments, she gravitates toward delicate gold-tone styles like the Harlow Mini, while casual looks leave more room to experiment. "A watch can instantly polish your look and add a layer of personal styling," Lauren says.
She thinks a watch's versatility comes down to how you style it. "Stacking and layering watches makes it easy to change up your look," she says. "Casual daytime plans are a good time to experiment with adding a bangle or bracelet to the wrist in addition to your watch. For more elevated events like a wedding or dinner, I find that simplicity is best to evoke that effortlessly elegant feel." If she were starting a small watch rotation for summer, Lauren knows where she'd begin: "The first would be a two-tone style, which will likely be the most worn in the collection because it can pair with anything." She'd also add a more elevated, bracelet-forward style and a classic gold-tone watch to the mix. "Sometimes I want something bold that makes a statement, and other times, I'm searching for something a bit softer," she says.
