Eyeglasses trends 2022: The must-have styles to invest in this season

The best eyeglasses trends 2022 offer something for every face shape and budget. The one trend you may not have thought about, optical styles also go through trend cycles and as designer frames grow in popularity, so to, does the emphasis on eyeglasses trends.

Now that we're in a new year, it's time to think about the eyeglasses trends 2023. While you might be au fait with the latest sunglasses trends 2022 has to offer, when it comes to eyewear, it's not just sunnies that are making waves in the fashion world. Prescription eyeglasses are having a big moment too. An easy way to switch up your look, the eyeglasses trends are all about accentuating your face. A finishing detail, rather than just a practical piece, your eyeglasses should be an extension of your style and personality, with many designers and stylists suggesting you should build a capsule wardrobe of glasses for different occasions, making it as much of an accessory as investing in the best jewelry brands. 

Just as we eagerly anticipate the latest fashion trends 2023, each season new eyeglasses trends emerge too. Often taking notes from what's happening on the runway, including the jewelry 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. And 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. When considering the best eyeglasses trends 2022 has to offer, think about how and when you wear your glasses. You may want a sharper and more angular pair for work - to show you mean business, as well as glasses that are perhaps, more elegant, embellished or directional for weekend wear.

Eyeglasses trends 2022 - our expert predictions

There are 10 eyeglasses trends 2022 to consider if you're in the market for a frames update this season. Many of these trends will cross over with the best sunglasses, so if you're already a collector of the best designer sunglasses, then lean on your favorite sunglasses shapes to help you navigate these upgraded glasses silhouettes. 

1. Classic Cat-Eyes

A retro classic, a cat-eye frame shape is one of the most timeless eyeglasses trends that will suit virtually all faces, regardless of shape. And when it comes to the eyeglasses trends 2022, experts agree that it's one of the key looks this year. 

Natasha Luthra, Resident Optometrist at David Clulow 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. Bianca 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: 

"To add width to the narrower top half of your face, choose frames with a strong brow-line, such as a full-rim cat-eye shape." - says, Perry Moore, managing director, Silhouette UK Ltd

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. Offering a more dressed up finish, while they can easily be worn as you're everyday pair, a chic design would also work as part of capsule wardrobe of glasses and be ideal for what to wear to the races or what to wear to Wimbledon in the summer months.

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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. When choosing thick rimmed frames, think about your face shape too. More angular styles can add sharpness to rounder faces. 

Given a striking and strong look, this style is ideal when you need a little confidence boost - so make these your go to for important work days, meetings and presentations. 

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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’.

Lighter frames are ideal for summer occasions, so whether you're looking for an update to team with the best mother of the groom dresses or some stylish frames to pair with the best mother of the bride outfits, a pastel or clear acetate offers a dressy but modern finish.

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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."

With a naturally '70s vintage feel, this look is ideal for those wondering 'what is boho style?' and working out how to inject the bohemian vibe into a modern wardrobe.

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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. Not one for the faint hearted, a rounded frame definitely offers a more directional feel to your look, but wear them with confidence and you'll easily pull the look off. While they can be worn for everyday or smarter occasions, the slightly edgier feel does make them ideal for dressed down weekends.

"Just as square frames suit rounded faces, round or oval frames balance out and add softness to a squarer face. Opt for frames that are narrower than they are wide to soften strong, angular features. Neutral colours will also help to elongate the face. Rounded or oval-shaped frames, and those with decorative details along the top line, are an excellent choice for heart-shaped faces to balance out a narrower chin," says Perry.

Style tip

"Just as square frames suit rounded faces, round or oval frames balance out and add softness to a squarer face. Opt for frames that are narrower than they are wide to soften strong, angular features. Neutral colours will also help to elongate the face. Rounded or oval-shaped frames, and those with decorative details along the top line, are an excellent choice for heart-shaped faces to balance out a narrower chin," says Perry.

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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. Perhaps borrowing from some of the best sunglasses trends, where maximum coverage has been in for several seasons, the eyeglasses trend 2022 for 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.

When it comes to face shape, Perry gives this advice:

"If you’re not sure about rounded panto-shaped lenses, try a square frame for a striking look. Angular, squared frames are the best choice if you have a round face, giving it a longer, narrower appearance as their sharp angles balance out the face’s roundness. For the most flattering look, try a pair that are wider than they are tall."

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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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10. Wooden Frames

Yes, you read that right, wooden frames. Influenced by a growing ethical fashion movement, wooden frames are stating claim as one of the top eyeglasses trends 2022 to look out for. From walnut to black and even tortoiseshell-like colors and textures, wooden frames are set to become the latest material to get your specs in.

Stylist tip

This isn't hugely different coloring-wise to the tortoiseshell trend,  making them universally flattering. As they come in a range of silhouettes, again it's simply about working out what frames suit your face and then shopping accordingly. It's a great choice if you're looking to have less plastic in your life too. 

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Eyeglasses style tips

If you've previously researched 'which sunglasses suit me?', you should have a pretty good idea of what eyeglasses style works for you. So, if you've needed a pair of sunglasses for a round face in the past, then you're likely to want a similar shape when it comes to your opticals. However, these tips will help you get the most out of your eyeglasses and choose flattering styles. (But don't forget, eye health is important, so make sure you have the right, up-to-date prescription eyeglasses and best prescription sunglasses, and have regular checkups.)

1. Fit and colour are important

When it comes to any of the major accessories trends, be it shoe trends 2022 or handbag trends 2022, it's all about cherry-picking the looks and styles that work for you. When considering new frames, pick a shape and color that will work for your face. Marie Wilkinson, Style Director Cutler & Gross advises: 

"If the frame you have set your heart on seems too large, then choose a color that matches your skin tone or hair color so the edges of the frame blend in more so making the frame seem less wide."

Finding well-fitting eyeglasses can be difficult, as Kimeze co-founder Clare Kimeze found. With Ugandan heritage, the former asset management analyst found that most eyeglasses didn’t fit the bridge of her nose correctly so alongside her sister Christina, an artist, the duo founded the brand Kimeze in 2021 to fill the gap in the market for black and brown glasses wearers.

2. Build up a wardrobe of eyeglasses

While designer frames can be expensive, with daily wear they’ll soon pay for themselves—you may even want to consider a wardrobe of eyeglasses for different occasions, as recommended by stylist, influencer and proud eyeglasses wearer Alexandra Stedman (pictured above) of The Frugality:

“With the rise of social media and the growing interest in ‘off duty’ looks, celebrities and influencers alike are showing off their specs and showing that glasses are cool and ignoring the male gaze that deems them otherwise.

As my prescription is finally mostly staying the same, I’ve been able to collect a few different styles from more affordable brands like Bird, Ace & Tate and even Specsavers and I love changing them up to suit my mood and wardrobe. Next time I’m going even bolder with my style a la Tracee Ellis Ross.”

3. Treat eyeglasses like jewelry

Yes, your eyeglasses might come with a prescription and are a necessity, but that doesn't mean you can't embrace them and integrate them into your style too. If you've checked out the latest jewelry trends 2022, you'll know that gold is a major trend for this season and while we've been discovering the best jewelry brands, to get this season's accessories into our wardrobe, eyeglasses have subtly been getting sparklier too, and Bianca agrees:

"Specs with stunning gold detailing really sparkle in the daylight and frame the face beautifully. I would recommend pairing with a statement pair of small gold hoops to complete the look."

It's time to make a fashion statement with your specs.