You want frames that convey “designer” flair without making your bank account cry in response. This guide to designer-look eyewear will save you loads.
You can have that luxury look without the luxury price tag. You’ll have to be smarter, how? With designer-look eyewear that won’t cost you a fortune.
Guide to Designer-Look Eyewear: Focus on the Shape of Your Frames, Not Their Label
Before looking at any labels, take a moment to assess what will really make your features shine. Oval, round, square, heart-shaped, somewhere in-between? Take note of which frames you’ve worn in the past and felt confident wearing.
Fact: Most “designer” frames are merely time-tested silhouettes that have been tweaked slightly by designers.
Some popular trends that fit into the category of timeless shapes include cat-eye frames, clear acetate, thin metal frames, oversized rectangles, and geometric style. If you know where to look, you can easily find these looks at non-designer-friendly price points. Once you quit searching for the label and begin searching for the shape, your options grow exponentially.
Find Ways to Tell That Your Frame Has Designer Vibes
When you’re shopping for eyeglasses, a lot of the designer vibe comes down to the details. Here are some questions to ask yourself: “Does this look polished when I look at it closely?”
Look for:
- Frames with smooth, clean joints where the arms meet the front of the frame.
- Colouring that is evenly matched or has a tortoiseshell pattern that doesn’t appear murky.
- Metal frames that feel solid and durable, not flimsy.
- Hinges that open and close smoothly, without creaks.
Small details, such as gold hardware that is barely visible or a small logo on the end of an arm, give your affordable frames a bit of a higher-end feel.
Opt for Lenses That Make You Feel as Good as They Look
While it can be very tempting to invest your entire budget in the frame itself, savvy shoppers understand that the lenses themselves provide much of the actual comfort of the frame. High-index lenses for strong prescriptions, blue light filtering if you are always staring at screens, and scratch-resistant coating if you tend to be rough on your glasses. Those are the places to find real comfort.
For instance, you could go with Aviator Prescription Glasses with a slim metal frame and lightly coloured lenses. You get that iconic aviator look, but with prescription lenses specifically designed for your eyes, you are both fashionable and able to see clearly.
Build a Small, but Well-Thought-Out Collection
To be stylishly dressed, you don’t need 10 different pairs of glasses. Three well-chosen pairs can suit almost any occasion and complement nearly any outfit.
Examples:
- A neutral everyday pair for use at work and running errands.
- A bold/statement-making pair for night outs or when you want a self-confidence boost.
- An ultra-comfy, lightweight pair for long computer sessions.
Just swap out each pair periodically, and your overall look will seem fresh, even if your wardrobe is quite plain.
Treat Each Pair like It Is Worth Millions
Here’s one last tip for smart shopping: Treat each pair of glasses as if you spent a small fortune on them. Store them in a protective case, wipe off dirt and smudges using the correct cleaning products and wipes, and never toss them carelessly into a bag without a soft sleeve or padding. When your glasses continue to look new after months of wear, they will inherently give off a “designer” vibe.
That is the ultimate designer secret: You do not need a famous logo to present yourself as put-together and polished. All you need are the right frames (shape), quality details, thoughtfully selected lenses, and a bit of TLC.
Image credits:
Ph. Ksenia Chernaya via Pexels
Ph. Andrea Piacquadio via Pexels
Ph. Ann Bugaichuk via Pexels
Ph. Cottonbro via Pexels
Ph. Диана Дунаева via Pexels
