These are 20 of the most stylish women's watches

best women's watches 2021 street style

So you've decided that you're going to invest in one of the season's best women's watches. You've had a moon-eyed browse of the best designer watches, decided what you do and don't like, but you're still a little lacking on the inspiration front. Congrats – you've come to the right place.

Finding the right watch isn't an easy task. Whether you're a non-watch wearer wanting to invest for the first time, or you've a longterm love for a particular style or brand and can't find a new one that quite measures up.

Like the best designer handbags or a great pair of shoes, a watch can elevate even the simplest of outfits into a polished, put-together ensemble. But it can also be one of the most meaningful accessories – one that you buy in the hope of passing on as an heirloom.

Or maybe not. At the opposite end of the spectrum, there's a growing trend for functionality over sentimentality when it comes to the best women's watches. Smart watches are only increasing in popularity; with many preferring their watch with a side of step counting and life-admin managing.

But whatever it is that you're looking for in a watch, we've got you covered –from classic time-pieces, to new season trendsetters and smartwatches with all the bells and whistles.

Women's smart watches

Whether or not you're of the old guard belief that a watch should do no more than look pretty and tell time, there's no denying that smartwatches are going from strength to strength. Whether you're looking to track your daily activity, check your emails on the go, or get your sleep schedule in check, these days smartwatches can just about do it all. (If only they could run the 10k for you, too.) Add your best workout clothes for full effect.

Fitbit Sense – £299.99 | Fitbit

Fitbit Sense – <a href="https://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/7143822/type/dlg/sid/marieclaire-gb-4014776330434719000/https:/www.fitbit.com/global/uk/products/smartwatches/sense?sku=512GLWT" data-link-merchant="anrdoezrs.net"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" data-original-url="https://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/7143822/type/dlg/sid/marieclaire-gb-4014776330434719000/https://www.fitbit.com/global/uk/products/smartwatches/sense?sku=512GLWT">£299.99 | Fitbit

Fossil Gen 5E Smartwatch Stainless Steel Mesh – £199 | Fossil

Fossil Gen 5E Smartwatch Stainless Steel Mesh – <a href="https://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/7143822/type/dlg/sid/marieclaire-gb-5309547051393408000/https:/www.fossil.com/en-gb/products/gen-5e-smartwatch-stainless-steel-mesh/FTW6071.html" data-link-merchant="anrdoezrs.net"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" data-original-url="https://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/7143822/type/dlg/sid/marieclaire-gb-5309547051393408000/https://www.fossil.com/en-gb/products/gen-5e-smartwatch-stainless-steel-mesh/FTW6071.html">£199 | Fossil

Gold watches

Just as the best gold jewellery is having a moment, so are gold watches. From pretty mesh bands to fine bracelet bands, you can hardly move for brands offering classic gold watches to match your favourite stacking rings, bracelets and necklaces at the moment. And while it may seem like just another passing trend owing to its current popularity, we have it on good authority that gold watches are one accessory with a trend transcending appeal.

Mesh Gold-Tone watch – £169 | Citizen 

Mesh Gold-Tone watch – <a href="https://www.citizenwatch.co.uk/ladies-eco-drive-gold-tone-ladies-mesh-em0682-58p.html" data-link-merchant="citizenwatch.co.uk"" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">£169 | Citizen 

Rado True Thinline Les Couleurs™ Le Corbusier watch – £1,820 | Rado

Rado True Thinline Les Couleurs™ Le Corbusier watch – <a href="https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=xU%2AITpjPkO4&mid=45884&u1=hawk-custom-tracking&murl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rado.com%2Fen_gb%2Fcollections%2Ftrue-thinline%2Ftrue-thinline-les-couleurs%25E2%2584%25A2-le-corbusier%2FR27090602" data-link-merchant="click.linksynergy.com"" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">£1,820 | Rado

Scroll down for more of the best watches for women to shop in 2021.

Kate McCusker

Kate McCusker is a freelance writer at Marie Claire UK, having joined the team in 2019. She studied fashion journalism at Central Saint Martins, and her byline has also appeared in Dezeen, British Vogue, The Times and woman&home. In no particular order, her big loves are: design, good fiction, bad reality shows and the risible interiors of celebrity houses.