As we age, eyewear becomes the focal point of our look. The right pair of glasses can add a stylish touch, but outdated styles can unintentionally age you. If you want to keep your appearance fresh and modern, it might be time to retire these eyewear trends.
1. Thin Wire or Frameless Glasses
Small, wire-thin frames were popular in the ’90s, but now they can make your face appear older and less defined. They also signal to people that you’re stuck in the last century when it comes to fashion. For a modern and updated look, opt for larger, more substantial frames that add structure and highlight your facial features.
2. Oversized Granny Glasses
Large, round “granny” glasses may have been trendy at one point, but they can now give off a dated old-fashioned vibe. Not only this, but they can overwhelm your face and make you seem unapproachable. Consider switching to a more modern cat-eye or rectangular frame to add a youthful flair.
3. Tortoiseshell and Patterned Glasses
Tortoiseshell glasses are a classic when it comes to sunglasses, but when overdone with thick frames or too much pattern, they can look outdated. If not done right, tortoiseshell can also appear to look cheap and tacky. There are more sunglass styles than tortoiseshell; try a subtler, more contemporary take on tortoiseshell, or switch to a sleek, solid color for a fresher look.
4. Thick Black Frames
Thick black frames used to be a statement, but they can now come across as heavy and overwhelming, potentially aging your face. They also make you look aloof and unapproachable. Unless that’s the vibe you were going for, try opting for a slightly thinner or lighter-colored frame that still offers definition without weighing down your features.
5. Rimless Glasses
Rimless glasses were once considered the pinnacle of subtlety and sophistication, but now they just plainly aren’t fashionable. This style of glasses looks incomplete and doesn’t do anything to add to your face. Consider switching to semi-rimless frames for a balance between subtlety and style.
6. Aviator Prescription Glasses
Aviator-style glasses may give off a cool vibe when in sunglass form, but in the form of prescription eyewear, they can give off a dated, retro vibe – and not in a chic way. These glasses age your overall appearance; for a fun and youthful look, try to shop for a more modern frame shape, like a square or rounded frame, that complements your face better.
7. Color-Tinted Lenses
Color-tinted lenses were a novelty in the past, but nowadays, this is plainly an out-of-date gimmick. This color may also clash with your complexion or outfit, making you look unbalanced. If you want to look chic, stick with clear lenses for a clean, classic look. If you have your heart set on a tint, choose a subtle, light tint that adds a hint of color without overwhelming your look.
8. Thick Plastic Frames
Brightly colored, chunky plastic frames can be fun, but most of the time, they just end up looking overly juvenile or clownish, which can actually make you seem older, by contrast. Switch to neutral colors with a modern design that adds sophistication and elegance to your style. Not only will they complement everything in your wardrobe, but you’ll always seem on-trend in a pair of neutral frames.
9. Glasses with Decorative Temples
Sometimes, you want to add a bit of flare to a boring pair of glasses with decorative temples. However, frames with overly ornate arms can quickly date your look and detract from a polished appearance. When it comes to glasses, you don’t want them to outshine your outfit or draw attention. Choose eyewear with clean, sleek lines and minimal embellishments to maintain a contemporary and stylish look.
10. Rectangular Frames with Sharp Angles
Rectangular frames with harsh, sharp angles were hugely trendy in the early 2000s, but now they can make your face look harsher and older. Rectangular frames already have a stark outline, but if they also have a sharp angle, it can only detract from your face further. Look for sunglasses with a softer outline that will complement your face rather than obscure it.
11. Low-Bridge Frames
Low-bridge frames have the unfortunate ability to create a droopy, sagging look on your face, adding years to your appearance. When it comes to your face, you always want to opt for accessories and makeup that lift rather than drag. In this instance, go for higher-bridge frames that lift your features and give a more youthful, uplifting effect.
12. Plastic Frames with Embedded Rhinestones
While rhinestones and sparkles may have once been a fun way to add some bling, they can now appear tacky, outdated, and cheap. There are more stylish ways to embellish a pair of glasses than with rhinestones and diamantes. Swap these tacky shades for sleek, metallic frames that offer a more sophisticated and timeless charm.
13. Super-Retro Cat-Eye Glasses
While a slight cat-eye shape can be chic, overly exaggerated or retro-styled cat-eye glasses can make you look like you’re going to a costume party and not out to lunch. This doesn’t mean you can’t wear cat-eye-shaped glasses. Instead, choose a modern, subtle cat-eye frame that offers a hint of vintage charm without looking clownish.
14. Clear Frames That Discolor
Clear plastic frames were once trendy, but the problem with these glasses is that they often yellow and discolor quicker than you can imagine. Not only does this look cheap, it draws attention to your face rather than your stellar outfit. Opt for fresh, new, clear frames or switch to translucent colored frames that are less likely to show wear and tear.
15. Wraparound Glasses
Originally designed for sports, wraparound glasses can make you look like you’re perpetually stuck in the ’90s. They also rarely look good with your outfits and can draw unnecessary attention to your face. Ditch the wraparound glasses and choose a more contemporary frame that fits your face shape without wrapping around your entire head.