Eyeglasses trends 2022—the must-have styles, as seen on celebrities and influencers

We reveal the coolest eyeglasses trends 2022 has to offer. Opticals might be the one trend you haven't thought about, but similarly, with fashion, there are trends when it comes to spectacles too. Once the most neglected accessory of them all, eyeglasses are having a moment right now. 

After thousands of virtual meetings and shoulders up dressing—prescription eyeglasses trends have come to the fore of fashion as an accessory to accentuate your face. A great finishing detail, you should think about your glasses in the same context as you think about a great pair of earrings or the best necklaces. A tool to accessorize your outfit, you can even consider investing in more than one pair, something for smart occasions, such as what to wear to an interview and something more directional for weekend attire. 

After all, if eyes are the windows to the soul, eyeglasses should be seen as complementary curtains to enhance your natural assets. Pick the right eyeglasses and not only will you see better, but your facial features could also be defined and enhanced.  

So, after you've wondered why your eyesight is getting worse, your next question is probably what are the most stylish eyeglasses trends for women this year? And which one will suit your face? Our fashion expert gives you the lowdown.

Eyeglasses trends 2022—our expert predictions

Just as we eagerly anticipate the latest fashion trends 2022 has to offer, each season new eyeglasses trends emerge too. Often taking notes from what's happening on the runway and changing sunglasses trends, we're seeing plenty of bold styles hitting the shops as we all embrace getting dressed up and investing in our wardrobes once again.

1. Classic Cat-Eyes

A retro classic, the cat’s eye is one of the most timeless eyeglasses trends that will suit virtually all faces, regardless of shape. And the experts agree that it's one of the key looks this year both for eyeglasses and sunglasses trends 2022. 

Natasha Luthra, Resident Optometrist at David Clulow (who stock the most sought-after eyeglasses brands and some of the best sunglasses in the world) explained, "cat-eye opticals are having a moment for women’s styles. Brands have homed in on classics shapes and colors—blacks, tortoiseshell, demure light blues and red—likely an impact of the times".

This trend isn't just for designer frames though. Biana Swan, Specsavers frame stylist adds, "The cat-eye style is a statement look that wins every time so I’m very pleased to see this style back as a fashion go-to for 2022. The triangular tips compliments the majority of face shapes, especially those with a defined jawline. Cat-eye glasses highlight your brow arch, drawing attention to your face’s high points and is a great way to inject some fun into your everyday style."

Style tip

When selecting your style, make sure to pay attention to the width of frames—they should extend to the same width as your face or just beyond. For added interest, try a cat’s eye eyeglass style with interesting wingtip details such as diamanté or an exaggerated point. This vintage-inspired style would work really well with any of your best midi dresses, which also have a retro vibe.

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2. Thick rim dark frame glasses

Thick rimmed glasses might’ve once carried connotations of bookish nerds but these days they’re one of the most popular frames amongst celebrity spectacle wearers with Julia Roberts, Elizabeth Banks and Gwyneth Paltrow all rocking geek chic. Their rise in popularity is also partially due to lockdown as noted by Marie Wilkinson, Style Director Cutler & Gross:

"Some crave more angular frames as they can sharpen profiles that have become a little softer over lockdown."

Style tip

If you’re worried that a traditional black frame may wash you out, look for thick-framed eyeglasses in softer shades such as navy, dark red or opt for an alternative such as colored or clear frames in the same shape.

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3. Wire Frame Glasses

The most delicate of styles, wire frame glasses aren’t as visible to the naked eye, particularly when worn in a classic light metallic color such as yellow or rose gold, creating the illusion that the wearer’s face is in fact ‘naked’.

Luthra shares reveals that this is one of the top eyeglasses trends 2022  with many of the top brands endorsing the look, "metal frames are having a big moment—almost every brand has released a distinctive metal double bridge frame to soft round frames".

Style tip

Wire frames aren’t for every prescription as the delicate frames can’t hold thicker lenses. Those with varifocals or stronger eyeglasses prescriptions might need to avoid this style. Ask your optician for advice. 

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4. Clear and pastel colored acetate frames

The eyeglasses trend for invisible frames has been gathering pace as a fashionable alternative for several years. Frames in clear acetate and soft pastels are particularly on-trend right now. Luthra explains the progression of this look has it roots in another trend:

"2022 is an evolution on dainty eyewear but in oversize shapes, as seen at Prada, but what’s a little surprising is the transparent theme, Arnette, Emporio Armani, Oliver Peoples and Tiffany & Co have really added a refreshing take to opticals [with this trend]". 

Simon Jablon, Creative Director of luxury glasses brand Linda Farrow, adds that they expect soft hues to be the most popular this year, 'for 2022 we focussed on a soft pastel trend for our hero acetate styles leading with a lavender, peach and sky blue colour palette'.

Style tip
Wilkinson advises that for truly on-trend frames, opt for ‘ice blue, pink and Granny chic. Deeper transparents like warm Rhubarb and cool aviator blue and colors that fade like the honey burst fade and grey fade are popular’.

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5. Vintage-style aviators

A clear sign that vintage-style aviators are going to be a key style this year, ex-J Crew Queen Jenna Lyons has even swapped out her previous signature chunky frames for cool '70s-inspired aviators. While Sarah Jessica Parker also chose a similar pair for read-throughs for the new series of Just Like That, meaning that you too can master how to dress like Carrie Bradshaw—starting with this just one nifty accessory.

Style tip

Go oversized, for a statement, retro look. Wilkinson suggests opting for an on-trend oversized pair of prescription glasses: "Oversized frames can be a refreshing wear as they offer wide uninterrupted fields of view."

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6. Round frames

Quirky and cool, circular and round frames are once again a key prescription glasses trend for 2022 and look brilliant on women of all ages. 

Style tip

While it may seem that they will only suit those with angular features, they also work if your face is a longer oblong or oval shape. Those with prominent facial features will also find them complemented by a round frame. 

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7. Colorful frames

This is an eyeglasses trend for those who are willing to be bold. If you've already dipped your toe into wearing bright color clothing, then you need to make sure your accessories are up to scratch and British Cooking Show (aka Bake Off) host Prue Leith is proof that you’re never too old to rock the colorful eyeglasses trend. Prue is such a fan of the style that she even teamed up with US eyewear brand Ronit Furst to create her own collection of colorful glasses in a variety of shapes. 

Style tip

Bold framed glasses are really youthful and this season, there is a rainbow abundance of color to choose from. The great thing about this trend is that the frame shapes, vary dipping into a number of other trends mentioned in this piece, so you can embrace some color and still stick to a shape that you're already well-acquainted with. 

Try teaming bright frames with a colorful cashmere sweater or top for an eye-catching look.

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8. Oversized Frames

When it comes to this trend, the bigger the better. As we ease out of lockdown we're seeing real statement pieces when it comes to eyeglasses trends 2022. Perhaps borrowing from some of the best sunglasses trends, where maximum coverage has been in for several seasons, statement frames have made a real comeback. This trend also leans on existing styles listed above, such as wire, thick-frame and colorful frame trends to help solidify its impact. 

Style tip

"In 2022, it’s the bigger the better! We are seeing bigger, bolder and louder glasses as we enter in 2022 and I think they will be at the forefront of eyewear trends this spring," says Bianca.

This look does command attention, so keep the rest of your look fairly neutral and opt for classic tailored pieces such as sharp tailoring and an oversized, androgynous shirt, for a look that is sleek and workwear ready but still very fashion-forward.

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9. Tortoiseshell Frames

Tortoiseshell has been popular in the realm of sunglasses for years now, so much so, that it's basically a wardrobe essential when it comes to sun protection. However, we're increasingly seeing sunglasses trends filter into prescription glasses trends, as consumers gain confidence in opting for more fashion-forward aesthetics for their eyeglasses too. 

Stylist tip

If you've already integrated tortoiseshell into your sunglass selection, you'll need no help here at all, but if you've yet to dip your toe in, what are you waiting for? Tortoiseshell is universally flattering and this trend comes in all glasses shapes, so just pick your fave frame shape and away you go. 

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