The uncompromising fusion of fashion and technology should set the mood and tone of this season's Spring/Summer 17 trends. The current batch of smartwatches and hybrid connected watches have been designed in a way that they can be as much a part of your wardrobe as your favourite LBD. It's been a long time coming but let's appreciate that we've reached this moment.
We explore which designer smartwatches, with displays, with analogue watch faces and with both, will not only keep you on trend for SS17 but will also help you refresh your wardrobe.
The pieces we've picked out are all on sale this season. If your interest was piqued by new watches from Fossil, Michael Kors, DKNY & Guess at Baselworld last month, most of these will go on sale from this September for Autumn/Winter 17.
A relatively new phenomenon in wearable tech is the idea of collections of watch models, not just one style so where relevant we've pointed to the styles, materials and colour schemes to check out.
The New Feminine
Giambattista Valli, Emilia Wickstead, Erdem and Preen's whimsical summer dresses embrace a romantic and frilly trend that demands the attention of an ultra-feminine wearable like Kate Spade's Vachetta and Gold Metro Grand.
The modern timepiece is the perfect sidekick to feminine silhouettes, bloom prints and chiffon fabrics.
Read this: Kate Spade Metro Grand review
Kate Spade Metro Grand (right) pictured with Scallop & Bangle Trackers
Although it only has basic features like tracking steps, sleep and vibration alerts, in addition to personal goals in the Connected companion app, the chic and functional wristwatch will effortlessly keep you motivated and organised.
Wonderfully feminine, Kate Spade's first hybrid smartwatch could rule unashamedly girly wrists this season.
Glamour Woman Transformed
Unapologetically smart, the Armani Exchange Connected hybrid has enough swagger to complement this summer's form-fitting silhouettes and block colours.
With hints of masculinity, the black AX watch is the ideal choice for this edgy trend.
Armani Exchange Connected hybrid with the AX iPhone companion app
Compatible with both Android phones and iPhones, the timepiece tracks and monitors your sleep and activity. Allowing you to set up discreet filtered notifications, the wearable will also enable you to control your smartphone's music via the pushers (buttons).
A genderless watch with tech charisma, the Armani Exchange Connected smartwatch emits the kind of attitude that works well with a wardrobe inspired by Dolce & Gabbana and Saint Laurent.
Reworking The Classic Shirt
Striking a balance between masculinity and femininity, the deconstructed classic shirt has made a strong comeback.
Transformed with cut outs, extra-long sleeves, added ruffles and removed sleeves, this futuristic play on a simple shirt definitely goes well with a luxe watch like the Michael Kors Access Bradshaw.
The Bradshaw in 8 more styles: tort gold, pavé, silver, metallic blue/brown
Enlivening the modern tailoring of this trend, the glamorous timepiece with crystal pavé links is compatible with Apple and Android smartphones. The water resistant Michael Kors Access is housed in smooth stainless steel with a touchscreen watch face that you can personalise to match either your work wardrobe or your off duty look.
So whether you are more Monse, love Vera Wang or you have a preference for Victoria Beckham, accessorising your summer wardrobe with a distinctive smartwatch will without doubt tech up your personal style.
Supersize Hero Piece
If the supersize jackets with exaggerated shoulder paddings are your thing, then your hero piece could be the Guess Connect smartwatch.
Exuding power and glamour, the designer analogue quartz smartwatch is a fashionable stainless steel piece that will work well with oversized, boxy, puffball and retro-cut shoulder shapes.
Two styles of the original Guess Connect watch
Housed in a case with crystals, Guess Connect features include voice to text messaging, placing and receiving calls, voice commands, and remote smartphone camera control to name a few.
This summer, if you take your cues from Jacquemus, Balenciaga and Jil Sander, then this polished watch should be your go to accessory.
Utilitarianism Stylish Transition
Kenzo and Isabel Marant have taken the utilitarian trend to new heights. More than just a khaki textile, the urban muted shades of olive and beige have elements of softness that beg to be finished off with a mannish Hugo Boss Smart Classic smartwatch.
The 'designed for men' Boss Classic smartwatch in Rose Gold with Brown Strap is a handsome piece that works with this season's oversized trench, cargo pockets, boxy shapes, cords, toggles and drop-waist pleated chinos.
Hugo Boss Smart Classic in rose gold and silver stainless steel finishes
Designed with an analogue movement, the Boss Classic will always keep you connected to your messages and notifications. Like the Guess, it has a small digital display on the lower third of the watch face.
Distinctive enough to convert even the most cynical of us, this is a watch that basks in discreet technology that does not sacrifice its overall coolness.
Digital Life in Pink
Many wardrobes will most likely be awash with loud and proud hues of pink in 2017.
Whether it be Chloé's feminine blush, Valentino's hot fuchsia or Chanel's pastel pink shades, this carryover trend fits right in with Juicy's signature blush pink Couture Connect.
The tech inside the Juicy Couture Connect is built by HP
Engineered by HP, the hybrid watch keeps the time even when it's not charged, notifies you whenever you get phone calls, emails, texts and social media messages.
The perfect antidote to this season's in demand colour, Juicy's hybrid smartwatch is indisputably an attention grabbing, bordering on kitsch, accessory to your chosen shade of pink.
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