Winter 2015 eyeglass trends are a study in contrasts. This season, we’re seeing a unique interplay between the subtle and the loud, the ultra-modern and the classic stalwarts, the fashion-forward and the utilitarian. Every look has its own unique little twist or charm, and is bound to add something extra to every outfit. Below, check out seven eyeglass trends that are truly captivating this winter.
- Blue Period
Blues of every shade, texture, and opacity are huge this season. We’ve seen everything from speckled azure tortoise shell, to translucent blueberry, to bright, creamy, sherbet-blue hues. This is a particularly great trend because nearly all shades of blue can act neutral, meaning the more traditional types and the fashion-forward can dive into this aquatic trend and find something to love.
2. Beyond the Pale
The biggest color trend this season is, well, a little light on the color. Translucent specs are all the rage, especially those tinted with the barest hint of color. From peachy-tans to delicate slate-grey shades, pale frames with a crystal finish are absolutely everywhere. Not enough for you? Translucent frames in bright red are also making a splash, perfect for those who like the crystal look but want to stand out just a bit more.
- Dramatic Shapes
While the colors may be muted this winter, the frames themselves certainly aren’t. Although the oversized trend has been popular for a while now, glasses are also taking a turn from the architectural. Dramatic peaks at the temples, angular accents and high brows are just some of the stand-out looks we’ve seen.
- Go Retro
This winter, retro frames—much like winters past–have been all the rage, again. Although cat eye glasses have been popular for ages, this year they’re more sculptural — and brighter — than ever before. Not content with a gentle sweep at the temple, winter’s cat eyes peak dramatically and come in show-stopping shades, like Pantone’s trendy marsala hue. The structured look of the 40’s is also making a comeback in the form of brownline glasses. With black or tortoise shell frames on top and thin gold rims on the bottom, this sophisticated look will pull together any outfit — and turn heads.
- Trippy Terapin
Tortoise shell glasses are perhaps the most classic look around, but even this old standby is getting turned on its head this season. Eyewear designers are creating the tortoise shell effect with a wild range of colors, like marbled purples and browns, blues and greens, and red and black. This style is a great way to brighten up your look in the doldrums of winter, and these bright blends will also look perfect with all your spring and summer outfits, too.
- All Angles
Round frames have been dominant for the past few years, but this season we’re seeing more and more specs with an angular edge. Although large, square-shaped glasses have been the most popular frames we’ve seen, narrow, rectangular shapes are also gaining ground, showing that there’s always room for the subtle and understated in every collection.
- Sporty-Chic
Sunglass-inspired optical glasses are another unique look for winter. Sleek frames with a gentle curve, aviator shapes, and detailing on the arms, like colorful stripes and cutouts, all make us think about our favorite sunnies. Of course, having a pair of the sunglasses in the winter is essential, too — just because you’re not at the beach doesn’t mean your peepers shouldn’t be protected while outside!
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
