As our lives become extremely chaotic, messy, and busy, it feels nice to hold on to things that harken us back to the simpler times. Vintage glasses act as a teleportation tool, taking us back to a phase when fashion was at its most innovative and ingenuine. Well, the good thing is that vintage spectacles and sunglasses are incredibly trendy in 2023. They add an elegant and charming touch to all outfits. If you are interested to know about the A to Z of vintage glasses and how to style them, this post is perfect for you!
What are the Trendiest Vintage Eyewear Shapes?
Vintage eyeglasses come in different shapes and sizes. But, as the tides of fashion keep on changing, so does the on-trend variant of vintage frames. Currently, some of the hottest retro frame styles include –
Retro Cat-eye Glasses
Cat-eyes are a classic eyewear shape. They are incredibly feminine, elegant, and graceful. Cat-eye frames have a fascinating history, and they have been the favourite of some of the world’s most renowned fashion icons, such as Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe.
Even after almost a century of their inception, the charm and popularity of cat-eyes continue to thrive. One of the main reasons why cat-eye glasses are so well-loved is because they flatter all face shapes. Their upswept browline tapers at the temples and helps create the illusion of a more defined face.
Aviator Glasses
Aviators first emerged into the eyewear world during the 1930s, and became a massive hit – thanks to famous personas like Tom Cruise, Freddie Mercury, etc. Similar to cat-eyes, aviators are also a classic pair, exuding a timelessly vintage appeal.
Currently, aviators are one of the most iconic eyeglass styles, donned by fashion-forward influencers, celebs, and normies alike. Their chic silhouette coupled with a casual aura makes aviators the perfect pair for all occasions.
Browline Glasses
Another type of men’s and women’s spectacle frame that screams ‘vintage’ is browline. These frames became popular in the 1950s, owing to the admiration from personalities like Malcolm X, James Dean, etc. The journey of browline glasses has been quite undulating, as these styles have witnessed their fair share of ups and downs. Unlike aviators that have been popular throughout, browline glasses have had highs and lows.
Currently, browline glasses are quite trendy. They are adored by high-fashion individuals, owing to their unique design – a thick and prominent upper rim and an inconspicuous lower rim.
Oversized Glasses
Last but not least, oversized vintage glasses are also trending these days. Oversized spectacles make a statement, and are a great way to stand out from the crowd. Many renowned names, such as Jackie O, Gloria Steinam, etc, had embraced oversized frames during their haydays and helped enter into mainstream imagination. In 2023, oversized glasses are getting a much-deserved makeover, and flaunted by personas like Kim Kardashian and Irina Shayk.
A Beginner’s Guide to Styling Vintage Glasses
After a crisp overview of the trendiest vintage glasses of the current season, let us check out some of the styling tips that can help you exude confidence and capture the essence of the bygone era.
1. Do Not Hesitate to Experiment
While flaunting retro frames, do not hesitate to make a bold statement by experimenting with vivacious colours and styles. For instance, you can opt for daring hues like red purple, magenta, green, etc., to express your personality to the fullest.
2. Spice Things Up with Polarised Lenses and Tints
The second step to elevate your vintage frames is by infusing them with unique tints and lenses. Such features not only make your eyeglasses look more stylish but also offer extra protection against glares, UV rays, etc.
3. Embrace the Vintage Vibes
Do not be reluctant to go all-in when wearing vintage glasses. You can pair your retro eyewear with garments, accessories, and hairstyles that nod to different eras, thereby creating a harmonious ensemble. For instance, while wearing cat-eye vintage glasses, you can opt for clothes in a polka-dotted pattern and style everything with pearls and a headscarf.
4. Channel the Influences
Lastly, remember to take inspiration from icons like Mariyln Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, Bette Davies, Diana, Keaon, etc, to create outfits that channel their legendary and evergreen charm. But of course, channelling influences is more than blatantly copying, as you infuse your own contemporary twists into the outfits.
So, there it was, a beginner’s guide to styling vintage glasses in 2023!