How to Match Your Watch with Other Accessories: Belts, Shoes, and More

A well-chosen watch can sharpen an outfit, but only if the rest of your accessories are playing along. Whether you’re heading to a meeting or a weekend brunch, coordinating your watch with items like belts, shoes, and sunglasses can quietly elevate your look.

A watch is often the only piece of jewelry many people wear regularly. But when paired thoughtfully with the right textures, colors, and materials, it becomes part of a bigger style story that feels balanced and intentional from head to toe.

Start with the Strap and Shoe Synergy

If your watch has a leather strap, it’s worth paying attention to your belt and shoes. Brown works best with brown, black with black. The tones don’t need to match exactly, but they should be in the same family. A distressed tan strap, for instance, still works with darker brown shoes if the overall vibe is consistent.

Sportier strap options like rubber, fabric, or metal bracelets offer more freedom. A steel bracelet pairs easily with sneakers or boots, and a NATO strap in earth tones can add personality to a minimal outfit.

Leather artisan Aaron Pimentel, known as @aaronbespoke on Instagram, said most clients wanted straps that complement both their watch and their personal style. “Color is usually the first decision people make, but texture often comes next,” he explained. For casual wear, they gravitated toward materials with little to no pattern, such as canvas or suede. But for more elevated occasions, he said people often chose something with impact, like ostrich leg or an alligator pattern, especially if the strap was intended for the office or a date.

Fashion-forward collector Dillon Bhatt, co-host of the Time To Taste video podcast, emphasized the value of flexibility. “I like watches that work in different settings,” he said. He pointed to pieces like the Royal Oak or a slim Cartier as examples that could dress up or down depending on the strap and outfit.

Consider Metal Tones

Case material and dial accents also influence how your watch meshes with other details. Gold leans warm and complements browns, tans, and brass hardware. Steel and titanium are more neutral, fitting easily into most color palettes.

This applies to other accessories as well. Matching isn’t essential, but keeping metal tones consistent or at least harmonious helps everything look cohesive. Combining brushed steel and polished rose gold, for example, can look disjointed unless something ties them together.

Bhatt noted that he avoided combining bold watches with bold jewelry. “If the watch is strong, I tend to keep the rest simple. Maybe a signet ring or low-profile bracelet, but never anything too loud unless the whole outfit calls for it,” he said.

Pimentel said some clients wanted the strap to be the statement piece. “My favorite scenario is when someone wants a conversation starter,” he said. “That’s when we go wild. Stingray, toad, even sharkskin. Something that gets noticed but still suits the person wearing it.”

Dress for the Occasion

Context is everything. A formal outfit typically works best with a slim dress watch in gold or steel, clean shoes, and minimal jewelry. Casual settings allow more creativity with color, texture, and strap choices.

Bhatt said his outfits usually began with the occasion. “If I’ve got somewhere specific to be, whether it’s a formal event, something casual, or even a day at the beach, I’ll choose the outfit that suits the setting,” he said. From there, he either picked a watch that fit the look or built the entire outfit around a watch he wanted to wear. Either way, he said the combination had to feel deliberate. “The outfit and the watch have to work together. That’s non-negotiable.”

Don’t Overlook the Small Stuff

Sunglasses, rings, and other accessories can quietly bring a look together. Tortoiseshell frames echo the warmth of a brown dial, while black shades pair well with modern tool watches. A simple ring or chain can reinforce the theme, as long as metal tones aren’t clashing.

Scale is just as important. A large diver might look off paired with delicate jewelry, but it can hold its own next to a leather cuff or thicker chain.

Bhatt said accessories were a chance to create contrast or reinforce a theme. “From there, I either keep everything in sync, or use the watch to add a contrast,” he explained. “If I’m in all black, I might wear a bright blue watch to add a bit of energy.”

Pimentel pointed out that texture preferences have shifted since COVID. “The laid-back aesthetic has definitely taken over,” he said. “We’re seeing more suede, nubuck, canvas, even cashmere. Clients are going for casual but refined.” Still, he warned against letting soft textures dull the overall impact. “The key to pulling off this faded, relaxed style is choosing complementary colors. It should enhance the watch, not overpower it.”

He added one last tip that’s often overlooked. “Don’t just consider the strap in relation to your outfit. Think about your skin tone too. The right strap color can elevate your whole look when it complements your natural tones.”

Final Thought: Keep It Intentional

There’s no need to follow rigid rules. What matters most is that your accessories feel like they belong together. When your watch fits naturally with the rest of your look, through tone, texture, or context, it shows care, not effort.