The Watch, Elevate The Modern Bracelet Stack
Jewelry styling has stayed fairly consistent over the past few years, with stacking continuing to lead the way. Think layered necklaces (two to three at a time), rings spread across multiple fingers, and bracelet stacks built with three or four pieces. But there’s a familiar accessory making a strong return within the bracelet stack—watches.
In women’s fashion, we’re slowly saying goodbye to the bulky, heavy smartwatch. While practical, it often takes away from a sharp, elevated look. In its place, smaller, more delicate watches are stepping back into our wardrobes. These refined styles blend seamlessly into your bracelet stack, adding an intentional, polished touch rather than overpowering it. Overall, accessorizing has leaned into vintage nostalgia and the quiet luxury aesthetic, and watches fit perfectly into that narrative.
As I pay closer attention to the details and styling shifts each season, I’ve noticed that watches have long felt like part of a “boys’ club.” The industry, marketing, and education around watches have historically been geared toward men, making it easier to navigate with clear guidance and direction. Women’s fashion, on the other hand, tends to focus on handbags and shoes as the primary accessories, leaving watches less explored. With that in mind, I’ve done some of the research for you and am sharing a range of styles to help guide you as you add this timeless accessory to your wardrobe. The watches featured below are investment-worthy pieces—classic, iconic, and never going out of style. Tap each image below to learn see the brand.
One of the biggest takeaways I’ve learned is this: if you’re shopping purely for style, there’s an excellent range of price points available. However, once you begin to consider the mechanics of a watch, prices naturally increase—along with craftsmanship, quality, and longevity. At that point, a watch becomes more than an accessory; it becomes an investment.
Seiko offers great designs at an approachable price point. Frederique Constant steps into higher quality while remaining attainable. Longines, another Swiss brand, provides a wide range of options, starting at accessible prices and moving upward. From there, you enter the realm of forever brands—pieces you can engrave, cherish, and pass down through generations. These are the icons that haven’t changed over time, which is exactly why they carry that vintage appeal: Cartier, Rolex, and Audemars Piguet—personal favorites and true classics.
