AN ALL BLACK FIT + A WATCH = ELEVATED + TIMELESS

I am often asked how + why I always look so “put together.” I am not entirely sure what that means but I do know that you don’t need to spend a ton of money to look “put together.” I mix and match good basics with fun items in my closet which range from Zara to couture. It’s all about the balance and finding clothes that fit your body well.

One of the mistakes I see, is women of spending too much time and money trying to make both their clothing and accessories stand out. Everything standing out at the same time just doesn’t work. You need to balance color, fit, the amount of skin you show and not worry about flexing big logos or couture brands all over the place. Yes, I know on the street of NYFW it works so save that look for that occasion. If you want to look put together: SIMPLIFY.  Focus on a few simple pieces + add some flair with your accessories. Hint: All black plus a killer watch is the easiest math.

Step 1: Dress for your age. I don’t care how fit you are. If you are getting older (and I won’t put a number here), there is  no reason to wear a crop top and a mini skirt together. I am told I am fitter then most women but, let’s be honest—our skin changes and nobody wants to see it all. Save that look for the younger generations. The only exception to this rule is on the beach. Bikinis are for anyone at any age and body shape if you have the attitude to rock it! If you want to look fashionable and put together off the beach, dress for your age. Leave the crop tops and cross fit shorts combo on the streets for the 20-year olds.

Step 2: Simplify everything. I could design a wardrobe for you in 15 minutes and it would include tons of simple, basic, pieces. Your clothes should be the canvas. You paint with your accessories. I am so far into the basics + accessories routine that I will go days wearing only black. Black isn’t boring if you get step 3 right, I promise.

Step 3: Add your accessories. This is where you should show your style and go nuts. For me, I love small handbags, moto jackets, boots, sneakers, baseball caps and watches. There is nothing classier or more put together than a super simple base, chunky boots, a bold watch, and a moto jacket.

Courtney is showing how it’s done wearing the BDlab Midi Skirt, BDlab Every Day Tank, Christian Louboutin heels, accessorized with a vintage Casio Surfing Timer watch, Miu Miu Matelassé Top Handle Bag and New Era New York Yankees Cap.

As far as your watch goes, here are my rules.

1. Plastic is frowned upon but there are exceptions.
2. Go bigger than you think you should. 
3. Don’t be afraid of color on the dial.
4. Make it shiny.
5. A hat is never wrong.
6. A wide bracelet or strap is a bonus.
7. Always remember women can wear watches that look cheesy on a dude.

In this image, I paired my Bell and Ross BR-03 with a BDlab Flared Trouser and BDlab Long Sleeve Crew, Betty Designs Elite Run Cap + On Cloud 5 sneakers.The Bell and Ross completes the look, becomes a talking point, and adds interest. I went with all black and white but you certainly could have chosen a watch with an accent color.

Another look I love is my custom Betty Watch, a moto jacket, trucker and BDlab Flared Trouser. Denim would have been equally at home with this look. You can’t have my Betty watch but another option would be a bold red or green or blue face watch. Perhaps a Breitling Chronomat in green or baby blue?

Insider notes from the watch nerd:

“Put together.”

That is all I hear when we go out. “You look so put together.” The comment from rando’s in restaurants, on the ski lift, or at truck stops. It was all cringey to me that people routinely comment about how Kristin looks until I asked - “Why?”

As the resident watch nerd I don’t have all of the answers but I know this fashion is more or less a math equation than anything else. There are patterns and formulas that work with watches and fashion. The trick is to learn the formulas and rules before breaking them. What I know now is that most people break them before they learn them. The most basic formula is to use black as the canvas and then just add bits and ends to the periphery for style. 

This also works for dudes. If you want to clean up a dude and/or make him happy, get him 6 black T-shirts (preferably Betty Designs), 3 black pants, 2 pairs of denim, 2 black flannels, a black pair of Vans, a black pair of boots, and 5 watches.

The watch is the style and variety. 5 is the magic number and it doesn’t matter what he picks for the watches. Even a duo tone Tag Heuer Link $100 from the 90’s will work if he is inclined toward gold and the ironically iconic. There are probably better choices but you get the point.

This black basics routine is also a life hack. Because everything mixes and matches there is no stress about what to wear each day. Less stress + watches = happiness. This is basically what Steve Jobs did and he was smarter than all of us put together. He even made this simple Seiko iconic.  

Fashion = math. Once you see it you can’t unsee it.

You can find a link to many of the watches mentioned in this series at my personal link.  If you want, you can use the code KRISTINMAYER to receive a sizable discount. Full disclosure, I will also get a small credit to my account.  We reached out to Bezel because we used their service before this series and will continue to use them in the future. We asked them to collaborate and help make this happen for you guys. This is not a paid partnership.