×

Eye Wear Trends

By LINDA COMINS

Staff Writer

In eyewear trends this year, “everything old is new again,” but with a sleeker, sassier look than spectacles of yore.

The newest styles of eyeglasses include clear frames or brightly colored frames for making cool or bold looks. It’s not unusual for people to have fun with sunglasses — choosing funky, exotic or outrageous frames — but that playfulness is spilling into selections for regular prescription eyeglasses.

The descriptive names of frames reflect an attitude, with selections including Coquette, Dapper, Ritzy, Hotsy and Bee’s Knees.

Also making a comeback are classic styles, such as wire-rimmed frames and aviator glasses. Reinventing a 1950s vibe are “cat eye” styles and tortoise shell frames. Some of the newest choices have a retro vibe, with names to match, such as Fitzgerald, Roosevelt, Zelda, Charleston and Great Escape. But, never fail, hipsters aren’t history yet. Showing urban style are frames dubbed Juice Joint and Soho. Serious-looking, dark-framed glasses marry suave sensibility with bohemian coolness.

Experts at LensCrafters are exploring new trends in eyewear for the spring season.

Among the latest looks they discovered:

∫ Geek Chic, for “quirky cool.” LensCrafters representatives observed, “Adding a geeky vibe has never been more in. We love the hip nonchalance of this bold, bookish glasses trend.”

∫ Winter Hues, with “fireside and ice.” LensCrafters suggested: “Warm up to a wintry landscape of iced tones and quiet color. Grays, burgundies and tans paint a subtle palette of muted tones and textures.”

∫ Brow Bar, with emphasis placed on the brow line, in frames made of metal and acetate. LensCrafters pros said, “With a strong profile, the brow bar trend is the latest love in eyewear cool.”

∫ Gradient Fades. LensCrafters experts advised: “From translucent to pearls and solids, the gradient trend will flatter your look.”

∫ Metal Works. LensCrafters reps said, “Style up with an edgy mash-up of tone and texture. Metal and acetate collide in this mixed materials trend.”

∫ Mad Tortoise, with “twirls of tones.” According to LensCrafters, “Today’s tortoise amps up classic tones with subtle swirls of surprise color.”

∫ Upswept Glam, featuring “polished curves.” Alluding to the allure of Audrey Hepburn, LensCrafters reps said, “The upturned cat eye dresses you up with the effortless elegance of a little black dress.”

Officials of Vint and York, a maker of eyewear, have examined the latest trends and identified the most popular fashion frames of 2017.

They predicted the frame color trends that will dominate this year are tortoise shell/horn rimmed; clear and white; black rimmed; gold metal wire frame; red, pinks and purple.

“In terms of colors, dark tones dominate the season. The top trendy glasses are painted in tortoiseshell colors, which is the king of colorways. Black, brown, clear and red frames are also very popular,” said Vint and York spokesmen.

They added, “The tortoise shell glasses are your best option if you want to stay in tune with the current eyewear trends. There are so many color palettes of this trendy pattern, so you will be sure to find the perfect one for your skin tone and hair.”

Regarding another trend, Vint and York pros said, “Clear stylish glasses frames can be a great accessory and if your face shape allows, we recommend them in a square shape. Square frames go best with oval, round and heart shaped faces.”

The experts also said, “Round metal eyeglasses are often associated with attention to detail and can do wonders for you in a working environment. These are one of the men’s favorite eyeglasses frame, but can also be a great choice for women.”

Meanwhile, the firm sees the most popular styles and shapes this year as clubmaster browline; hipster square; aviator; cat eye; round; oversized; thick rimmed.

For those unfamiliar with the biggest trend, the pros explained, “Slim and elegant, the clubmaster browline glasses are a power accessory for your professional life. Available for both men and women, semi-rimless frames are both fashionable and practical.”

They said hipster glasses “are a great way to stand out of the crowd” and “are a great fit for creative people.”

They offered this advice: “Hipster glasses are for both men and women and should be worn with stylish outfits that underline your creative personality.”

The experts commented, “Thick glasses, hipster silhouettes, round frames are seeing a rise in popularity, while stylish eyeglasses silhouettes such as cat eye and square frames are as relevant as always.”

Vint and York pros added, “Round eyeglasses frames are a great pick for men and women who want a look change. Their retro silhouette guarantees that you will not go unnoticed.”

Looking at trends in sunglasses, the Vint and York team sees the most popular styles, colors and shapes for this summer as clubmaster; aviator; cat eye; round mirrored; oversized; flat top; tortoise shell; gold; clear and white.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *

COMMENTS

[vivafbcomment]

Starting at $4.73/week.

Subscribe Today