In terms of eyewear: 2024 is the year of maximalism and self-expression. It seems like anytime I’m scrolling through any social media I see someone with the coolest, chunkiest or most unique frames. Glasses have become a tool in fashion. There is a problem though: it’s hard to find what fits you. For most people it’s a long process before finding what shape to go for before exploring colors, sizes, thickness, etc.
To make things easier for those people, I made a little list of basic eye shapes and styles along with their strengths and weaknesses. My list of qualifications include wearing glasses since eighth grade and scrolling through Zenni for hours on end after my glasses broke during homecoming weekend.
Round Glasses
Often endearingly referred to as “Harry Potter glasses,” these types of frames compliment almost everyone, especially oval faces. They were a popular choice during the 60s and 70s, mostly popularized by singers such as Ozzy Osbourne, Jerry Gracia and Elton John. They also made a huge comeback in 2020 on the faces of Tik Tokers and other social media influencers alike.
Rectangular Glasses
The rectangle shape is the safest and most common type of frame. They gained popularity in the 60s and have since remained a timeless option for glasses wearers everywhere. Many people recommend them for heart-shaped faces and to anyone looking to make their face look a bit slimmer.
Geometric Glasses
This is a funky style that has been on the rise lately. Usually found in bright colors, these glasses will give you a unique flair, and to be honest, they’re super cute. They might fall out of many comfort zones, but they can be an effective conversation starter for anyone looking to stand out.
These glasses are different because of the way it compliments the wearer. People can opt for more angles to sharpen the face or a softer frame that smooths out any angles they don’t want others to be drawn to.
Harlequin “Cat-Eye” Glasses
Harlequin glasses, known today as cat-eye glasses, were first introduced to the world in the 1930s. Altina Schinasi, an American artist and sculptor, took inspiration from a character in the Italian Commedia dell’arte named Harlequin and won an award in 1939 because of her impact on women’s eyewear. Cat-eye hit its peak in popularity during the ‘50s when stars such as Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn.
Today, it’s associated with old ladies and librarians, or old lady librarians. I’m a bit biased on this because I love a good cat-eye, and I think the “looking like librarian” thing is a bonus. If you have a round face, these will fit you like a dream.
Thin Glasses (a.k.a “Bayonetta glasses”)
There has been a recent increase of people wearing thin glasses and dubbing it “office siren” or “corporate chic.” In other words, it’s the return of business casual that had the 2000s in a chokehold. It’s sleek, it’s chic and it might make you look a bit older and put together.
A lot of glasses wearers have the opportunity to draw attention to or drive attention from different aspects of their face with the frames they choose. It’s a dangerous game, but it’s also necessary in exploring the way you want to express yourself. Obviously, there is so much more that goes into picking out your glasses but this is a good place to start.
I would like to give my thanks to the Italian monks in the 1200s who decided to give me sight. Their genius and centuries of innovation now sit on my nose bridge, and I get to see people become even more creative with eyewear.
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