Today’s eyeglasses wearer is lucky, since the rise of direct-to-consumer brands likeWarby ParkerandCaddishave democratized quality frames, and we’ve got cool Gen X’ers likeGwyneth Paltrowmaking aviator frames sexy again. Plus, with more variety and more accessible price points than ever before, there’s an opportunity to have a whole wardrobe of eyeglasses, even if you have 20-20 vision (thanks,blue light readers). We asked some leading eyewear industry forecasters to tell us what styles we want to be wearing to look cool now…plus one look we’re happy to see only in history’s rear-view mirror.
The 6 Rules of Looking Cool in Glasses in 2023 (Plus One Style That's Better Left in the Past)
Published Jun 9, 2023
PureWow editors select every item that appears on this page, and the company may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story. You canlearn more about that process here.
Caddis/Warby Parker/Caddis
Meet the Experts
- Kim Nemseris Chief Product and Supply Chain Officer and SVP of Warby Parker and has a career in merchandising that includes time at Tod’s and J. Crew. Warby Parker is an industry leader since its founding in 2010 when it disrupted the eyewear industry with its direct-to-consumer, try-on business model. (Note: Nemser wears Warby’s海斯frame.)
- Susan Yeung is a designer atJ+S Vision, a brand founded in 2015 dedicated to making quality eyewear accessible to andaffordablefor everyone. The two founders, engineers by trade, analyze technical data and product development to createcomputer glassesandsunglassesbalancing cost, performance and style.
- Lysa Cooperis a stylist and costume designer who for many years has been a go-to image consultant, working with top talent including Rihanna and photographer Ellen von Unwerth.
Edward Berthelot/Getty Image
1. Try rectangular and square shapes
“This summer, bold rectangular shapes and bright colors will continue to be on-trend,” says Nemser, “in line with the vibrant and carefree nature of the season.”
Shop the Styles
2. Mixed materials are cool
We're seeing mixed materials, such as acetate and metal on the same frame, trending right now. From glasses with subtle metal accents to acetate-wrapped lenses held on with metal arms, there's a wide range to choose from. Thick gold and silver are popular, as well as a more subtle wire frame.
Shop the Styles
Christian Vierig/Getty Images
3. Wear eyeglass chains, but make it fashion
Eyeglasses and sunglasses are hanging around streetstyle stars’ necks thanks to an update on the old-fashioned glasses chain. Done in new materials like ornamented metals, jeweled strings and acetate chains, these are our favorite new accessories and can replace statement jewelry FTW.
Shop the Styles
Facebook/Caddis LIfe
4. Go for bold colors
When we asked stylist-to-the-stars Lysa Cooper the secret to looking cool in glasses, she said “go as crazy as possible.” (Case in point: theseheart-shaped glassesthat the NYC native designed, based on a popular ‘80s urban style.)
Shop the Styles
Facebook/Warby Parker
5. Match color to your skin undertone
Want to figure out where to start with color in eyewear? “Test out colors based on your skin tone and undertones,” says Warby Parker’s Nemser. “Black, gray or blue frames are often recommended if you have cool undertones, whereas tan, pink or red may be suggested for a warm undertone.”
Shop the Styles
6. Vibe on the 70s redux
“The 70's bold and unapologetic style is set to make a comeback; think aviators with gradient lens and a pair of flared jeans and you're good to go this summer,” says J + S Vision’s Susan Yeung.
Shop the Styles
Georges De Keerle / Getty Images
7. DON’T: Revive the ‘80s bottom-arm eyewear style
Sophia Loren is arguably one of entertainment’s top all-time beauties, but even she looks odd, in retrospect, in the fashionable frames she’s wearing in this 1984 pic. So, while ‘80s styles may been in vogue a few years ago, we’re ready to put them to rest this time around.
Why You Should Trust Us
Dana Dickeyis a PureWow Senior Editor, and during more than a decade in digital media, she has scoped out and tested top products and services across the lifestyle space. Suitcases to sex toys, she's got an opinion on what's best. Dana is based in Los Angeles; her work has also appeared in Condé Nast Traveler, Vogue and The New York Times. Check her out onInstagramandLinkedIn.
PureWow是你从未有过的最好的朋友时,comes to finding the best, most useful lifestyle products online. Founded in 2010, our company’s editors and writers have spent more than a decade shopping online, digging through sales and putting our home goods, beauty finds, wellness picks and more through the wringer—all to help you determine which ones are actually worth your hard-earned cash. From our PureWow100 series, which sees each and every item we test being ranked on a 100-point scale of awesomeness, to the painstakingly curated lists our fashion, beauty, cooking, home and family editors create as vertical experts, you can trust that our recommendations include some of the greatest items you’ll find on the internet. Whether you're looking for travel-size hair dryers you can take on-the-go or women’s walking shoes that won’t hurt your feet, we’ve got you covered.
Want to know which buzzy products are *really* worth buying?Sign up for our shopping newsletterto uncover our favorite finds.
More Stories You'll Love
Kate Middleton Wowed in Green at Her Latest Royal Outing—Here’s How to Replicate Look
The 15 Best Bathing Suits for Curvy Women, According to Experts
Quince Launched a New Swimwear Line & It's Making Us Want to Book an Italian Getaway
The Tory Burch Semi-Annual Sale Is On & We’re Scooping Up These 10 Items Before They’re Gone
So Many Michael Kors Handbags Are on Major Sale at Macy’s Right Now (Plus, Tons of Other Designer Styles)
The Ultimate Guide to Using Boob Tape