Disclosure: AD, this is a sponsored post, however all opinions are 100% my own.

If you're looking for some style guide tips for wearing smart watches then look no further. When we think about the best way to wear this must-have accessory there are a few basic rules to follow. For instance, it's advisable to always wear a watch on your non-dominant hand, whether this is your left wrist or right. The watch should sit above your wrist bone, and the strap should be just tight enough that it doesn't pinch when you move. For a while now men have had lots of options for customising their watches through brands such as HorusStraps.com It’s great that women can now do the same and combine their sense of style with smart watches.

Smart watches can be practical and stylish

These are all great starting points but with the emergence of wearable tech and our love of combining everything in one device. How do you make sure your smart watch doesn't take over your outfit but still remains a practical part of your wardrobe?

Luckily there are lots of different types of watches to choose from whatever the occasion and these can be customised with apple watch straps, the perfect way to change up your look and make sure your accessories are in harmony with your clothing.

Your overall look

Before choosing a particular watch or strap, consider what your normal week consists of. Which different outfits do you like to wear regularly? This could be business wear for work each day, where you need more formal attire. Or perhaps you work from home and can have more casual wear for a few days a week. Maybe you work within a bakery and need something that is relatively easy to clean. As a general rule are you out at weekends for special occasions and need statement pieces? Or is this your time for a casual outfit?

If you can ask yourself these common questions you will end up with 2-3 situations where you will need a certain style of watch and strap. Being aware of your personal preference will mean you can start shopping for different styles and make a great choice plus a fashion statement too!

Formal watches

A formal watch is a type of timepiece that is designed to be worn with formal attire or on formal occasions. These watches are typically understated in design, with simple, elegant features and a classic look. They are often made from high-quality materials such as precious metals, and may feature additional complications such as a moon phase or perpetual calendar. Formal watches are intended to convey a sense of sophistication and refinement, and are often seen as a status symbol in certain social circles.

So how do you combine a smart watch with a formal event? Matching your shoes, belt and watch is an important thing to consider and often if these are not complementing each other you can look uncoordinated. They don't have to be exactly the same but for example, if you are choosing a darker hue for your outfit, match this with your watch.

Switch up the strap

Similarly, there are metal straps which can be added to a smart watch easily. These transform your smart devices into stunning dress watches and are in tune with any black-tie event. They also look better than a rubber strap which is too casual for formal occasions. Remember that dress watches are designed to be noticed so if you want to choose a strap with some sparkly embellishments this is the time to do it!

Everyday wear

What exactly are the benefits of wearing an everyday watch? Firstly, convenience: An everyday watch is a quick and easy way to tell time, without having to pull out your phone or look for a clock. It can save you time and hassle, especially if you are in a rush or on-the-go. Then comes the style: A watch can be a fashion accessory that complements your outfit and adds a touch of personal style. There are many different watch designs and styles to choose from, so you can find one that suits your taste and personality. Finally, Functionality: Many watches have additional features beyond telling time, such as a stopwatch, timer, or alarm. These features can be useful for everyday tasks or activities.

A wardrobe staple

A great addition to your accessories wardrobe is having a classic style to turn to. This would be a strap such as a leather band which can be worn for work when there is no specific dress code. Or to wear in your personal time when you would like to still appear well put together.

These are a popular choice and a ‘go-to’ item as there will always be a situation where this style can solve your fashion dilemma. You can find them in the brown or black leather watch strap options. You can find them in brown or black leather watch strap options. Sometimes they have different coloured stitching so you can have a bit more personal choice over what you wear.

Watch trends

Once you know you have a formal and everyday option covered it's time to look for something a bit different, and here is where the fun begins. You can use watches as an extension of your personality and style. Choosing a watch is an extremely personal experience and what's the best thing about it is that we can all go for something completely different.

We all see the latest trends for watches and get tempted by them! So try out one or two and see if they work with your outfit of the day.

1. Oversized watches can look modern and striking, as long as you keep the width to the same as your wrist. Be certain to wear them with the correct watch fit. A big watch which is also dangling off your arm will unbalance the rest of your appearance.

2. Bangle bands or a watch bracelet is another option which has become on trend. A watch bracelet is a metal band or strap that attaches to the case of a watch and is worn around the wrist. It is one of the most common types of watch bands and is typically made of stainless steel, gold, or titanium.

A watch bracelet consists of a series of links that can be adjusted to fit the wearer's wrist. The links are held together by pins or screws and can be removed or added to adjust the size of the bracelet. You can either choose watches which are created in a bracelet style. Or combine your watch with a series of thin jewellery items like metal bracelets hung together close to your watch.

Don’t discount colour

If you're wondering whether to go for a gold watch or even rose gold or another metal. Think about which colour jewellery you normally wear. If you love wearing mainly silver and then have a big gold watch it will look slightly odd. So choose something which will be versatile and go with the rest of your wardrobe.

If you'd like some tips on how to choose the correct watch colour for you then you can consider your skin tone: Choose a watch colour that complements your skin tone. If you have a warm skin tone, go for warm colours like gold or bronze. If you have a cool skin tone, choose cooler colours like silver or black as a rule of thumb. However, the idea behind choosing items like this is to have fun so let your personality sing!

If you typically wear bold colours or patterns, a neutral coloured watch like black or silver may be a better fit. If you prefer classic or preppy styles, a watch with a leather strap or a traditional metal watch may be more appropriate.

Watches speak personality

Wearing a watch reveals a lot about your personality. It's thought that watch wearers are more dependable and reliable. There are many ways in which a watch can define your personality. Here are some ways watches can define your personality:

1. Style: The style of watch you wear can say a lot about your personality. A classic, traditional watch may suggest that you are conservative and appreciate timeless design. A sporty or colorful watch may suggest that you are adventurous and outgoing.

2. Brand: The brand of your watch can also define your personality. For example, wearing a luxury watch from a high-end brand may suggest that you value quality and craftsmanship. Wearing a smartwatch or a tech-oriented brand may suggest that you are tech-savvy and enjoy staying connected.

3. Features: The features of your watch can also speak to your personality. For example, a watch with multiple time zones may suggest that you travel frequently and value functionality. A watch with a chronograph may suggest that you are detail-oriented and appreciate precision.

4. Condition: The condition of your watch can also say a lot about your personality. A well-maintained, clean watch may suggest that you are organised and attentive to detail. An older, vintage watch with signs of wear may suggest that you appreciate history and have a nostalgic personality.

Smart watches can be life-changing

Having a smart watch can be life changing, not only do they tell us the time, it can check how many steps we took that day. They serve as an assistant reminding you of special dates. My daughter's even tells her that her blood sugar level is running low as she's a Type 1 Diabetic. They are a fantastic tool. If you plan to use your watch for specific purposes, such as sports or outdoor activities, consider a color that will be easy to see and won't show dirt or scratches as easily.

If before you wondered with all these benefits though, can they really be stylish? The answer is of course! The smart watch has the ability to transform itself into whatever you need and whatever mood you have that day. It can go everywhere with you and the main thing is; it will complement and even enhance your outfit.