Sunglasses, Eyeglasses, Frames and More

Sunglasses and eyeglasses, as important as they are for protecting your eyes and aiding visually, have been used as fashion accessories for the past half century, perhaps even longer. Sunglasses have been around longer than most people probably know – since the times of Emperor Nero, if not before him. A form of sunglasses were created back then with the single purpose of blocking out sunlight, although that didn’t stop Emperor Nero from using emeralds to shield his own eyes. Since then, sunglasses have come a long way and, although they’re still used for the same purpose and probably do so better than before, a lot of consideration is usually taken before frames are actually spoken.

This past year and in this new year, 2012, trends for frames have continued to change and it is only more evident that both men and women are using sunglasses not only as a protective form of eyewear from harmful uv rays, but also as a fashion accessory.

When choosing sunglasses or even frames for eyeglasses, people tend to dish out anywhere from $20 to $1000 dollars for a good set of frames that both enhance their face shape and their complexion. The overwhelming amount of styles and designs have not decreased either, although classics like wayfarers and Jackie O’s are still very much around and popular.

Now let’s talk about trends. Popular designs from previous years seem to continue to be popular in 2012, such as oversized sunglasses, often referred to as Onassis or Jackie O’s, and gradient lenses (also referred to as murphy lenses). Other styles that seem to be gaining popularity in this coming year are cat eye shapes, sporty shapes, quirky shapes, and rectangular sunglasses. Least, if not last, colors that seem to be gaining popularity are our classic colors of blacks, greys, and browns. The year is just starting though, so there’s no say in how long these trends will last or what other trends might surge up from decades past (maybe the everpopular teashades of the 1960s?).

When choosing sunglasses, are previously mentioned, people should go for sunglasses that enhance their face shape and complexion. For example, most women can pull of the cat eye inspired frames which add a little bit of sophistication and drama to the face. Rounder faces can easily pull off oversized or Jackie O shape sunglasses (which also help provide a bit of extra coverage from the sun), while smaller faces should stick to round frames that may take the focus away from the head shape or try some vintage glasses for a more updated and geek chic look. Also, if you have lighter colored eyes you should try going for some color tinted glasses, like blue for example. If you’re athletically inclined, you should probably aim for some sporty lenses.

From wayfarers, introduced by Ray Ban in 1952 and made popular by the ever famous James Dean, to aviators, first introduced in 1936, to tea shades and Jackie O’s, full frames, half frames, frameless glasses, plastic nylon, metal there are a variety of sunglasses to choose from, and who says you have to stick to just one style?