6 Unique Eyeglass Styles Throughout the Years

Cityscape focused in glasses lenses

Glasses have come a long way since their early days as a plain, utilitarian way to enhance one’s vision. As they’ve evolved, they’ve increasingly become a unique fashion belt and an essential way to prompt the wearer’s sense of style. Below are six of the most standard eyeglass styles throughout the years, and why these frames have retained their staying power through today.

1. The Classic Cat Eye
Popularized in the 1950s and 60s, cat eye glasses have never gone out of style. Characterized by the upwards flare at the outer edges of the frames, this little lift has long been seen as fun, flirty, and just a little sexy. Over the years, cat eye glasses have been made in every color, and the angles have gone from subtle little upsweeps to dramatic points you could practically ski off of. Still, classic black with just a little uptick has reigned supreme year after year, and we don’t see this trend dying down anytime soon.

2. “Lennon’s”
Ultra-round glasses, popularized by John Lennon, are another unique look from the 1960s. Considered a somewhat odd, “granny”-like look even in his day, the Beatle’s signature specs are now an instantly-recognizable part of fashion history. Although thin, metal frames are more in line what Lennon wore, more recent iterations of these glasses have been made with thick plastic frames in a wide range of colors.

3. Tortoise Shell
Horn-rimmed and tortoise shell glasses have been standard since the early 1900s and, like the cat eye, have never really lost their popularity. The habitual look, a dark brownish-black flecked with bright oranges and yellows, is still a favorite across the board for the most conservative classicists to the daringly fashion-forward. Lately, many companies are revamping this look by making a tortoise-shell or horn effect with wild, bright colors. Although this look might not be for everyone, putting a new spin on a classic is a splendid way to keep it alive for a new generation.

4. Buddy Holly Frames
Another iconic, composition-inspired hit, the black plastic frames popularized by Buddy Holly have been a mainstay for decades. Of course, black-rimmed glasses have been around forever, and it’s not hard to see why this look has always been a favorite. The frames are unisex, go with every skin tone and outfit imaginable, and draw attention to your face. The look is at once sophisticated and charming, without being stuffy or over-the-top.

5. Browline Glasses
You might not know these frames by name, but you’ll know them by sight. Characterized by thin metal rims cupping the lens, with thick plastic “brows” on the tops of the frame, this is another mid-century favorite. These glasses combine the best of both worlds: the bold look of plastic with the durability of metal. Although these frames fell out of style for a while, this unique look has made a comeback in the past few years. Classic and stately in appearance, with just a hint of retro panache, browline glasses beyond doubt make a statement without going overboard.

6. Rimless Frames
One of the oldest styles of specs around, rimless glasses have been a hit with past US presidents, the military, and cultural icons like Steve Jobs. These glasses are the ultimate in minimal styling: since the lenses are secured directly to the bridge and the arms, there is little to no frame holding these specs together. The perfect fuss-free look, rimless specs don’t obscure the wearer’s face, and because there’s no frame, they certainly go with everything!

It’s not hard to see why these six eyeglass styles have stayed standard for decades. Simple and straightforward with just a few unique touches, these classic styles will certainly remain in rage for years to come. So, which look is your favorite?

Liskula Cohen is a Canadian-born former model who has worked in New York, Paris, Milan, Tokyo, and Sydney, among other cities. She is the founder and blog editor of Front Row Eyewear. Find Liskula on Twitter: @Liskula