Eyewear trends for 2023: Retro, bold and environmentally friendly frames
Glasses, for those with poor eyesight, are one of the most functional and reworn things owned.
That doesn’t mean we can’t follow trends and new styles though – whether it’s everyday glasses, sunnies, or fashion frames.
Jake Lawrence, frames buyer at Boots Opticians, says: ‘2023 eyewear will focus on two key colour trends: bold and bright, and soft pastels.
‘Bold colours like greens will be popular, as there are lots of shades that suit different skin tones, so it is a versatile colour for your eyewear wardrobe.
‘Soft pastel colours with warm undertones are likely to continue to grow in popularity, as they work especially well with fairer hair and paler skin tones, helping to add warmth.’
Geometric shapes are also predicted to be big next year, and Jake says they work with lots of different face shapes.
‘They can add angles to a round or oval face shape and soften a squarer face,’ he explains.
‘This trend works especially well in metal frames, colourful chunky acetates or tortoiseshells.
‘We will also see inspiration from the 70s with big retro shapes in chunkier frames.
‘Sunglasses have been lapping up this trend in the past year and it has now made its way over to the optical side too.
‘Oversized frames are also an easy way to get that 70s look – think about sizing up your normal shape or opting for wider and taller lens shapes.’
Tips for style and face shape
Getting this right makes all the difference when picking frames.
Jake says: ‘Knowing your face shape will help you find the right pair of glasses for you as certain styles are better suited to different face shapes.
‘Most styles will suit an oval face shape as this is typically the most common, however we recommend going for styles that are a little wider than the widest part of your face.
‘Square or rectangular frames tend to complement round faces because they can make your face appear longer.
‘Round or oval frames suit square faces, creating balance by softening sharp angles.
‘A cat-eye or wayfarer frame style will flatter a heart-shaped face, making your forehead appear narrower and your cheekbones more defined.
‘Wide frames, such as an aviator style, will flatter a longer rectangular oblong face by making it appear shorter and more balanced.’
However, style is personal – so it’s best to look for a pair that suits you before you consider your face shape.
A focus on sustainability
New materials are becoming more popular. At Boots, they’re looking for brands that consider sustainability.
‘Sustainability will continue to be a key focus and trend in the optical world,’ Jake says.
‘There are lots of exciting new developments in sustainability using recycled products such as water bottles and fishing nets, natural materials like wood and fully bio-degradable glasses.
‘Bio-acetate is also growing in popularity and more brands are incorporating it into their ranges.’
Bio acetate is made with renewable bio-based plasticisers – this avoids using oil-based ones.
As a result, styles that look good and do good will be more readily available next year.
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