Eyeglasses have returned as a fashion statement

Cat eyes are back.

The current trends in eyewear have evolved from enduring shapes but give today's glasses a boost in style because of an abundance of patterns and colors, with more choices available in plastic instead of just the former thin metals or titanium frames of the past.

“We still sell a lot of the wireless frames and even the titanium ones,” said Cheryl Krueger, with the Optical Department of Iowa Eye Center in Cedar Rapids. “They don't vary a lot, but companies are definitely coming out with more stylish frames as opposed to just the plain, really narrow titanium metals - even those will always be in.”

Fashion statements

While the trend appears to be moving away from the lighter and smaller look to a heavier look, the possibilities are extensive.

“I wouldn't describe the look as heavy or clunky,” says Amanda Leitza with Miller Family Eyecare. “I would say the trend is more bold and distinctive.

“Geek chic is really popular right now. The cat-eye shape is also making a comeback, as are plastic frames in bold colors.”

Eyewear is now more of a fashion statement than a necessity, Leitza added.

“Frames are just as important as your clothes and your jewelry,” she continued. “I think the more obvious frames help people look the way they feel and really help bring out certain characteristics and personality traits.”

“Absolutely,” Krueger echoed. “The bigger, clunkier look is in right now. For a while there wasn't much plastic or even the tortoise look, but we are getting more patients who are asking for that once again.”

“It's interesting because it's everything from very minimalistic frames to frames that are retro throwback,” noted Elaine Baily with Klauer Optical. “The really large frames are making a comeback as well, and the cat-eyes look - modified cat eyes is what we call them now.”

The cat eyes of former days were flatter on top, Krueger explained.

“If you look on our eyewear boards you will see they have a more modified look. It's not quite as catty but is more rounded on the bottom and the frames are a little bit deeper than what the trends were a few years ago.”

“A lot of people come in looking for them, even our older clientele,” Krueger said. “But instead of just plain old black or brown, they are looking for them in color these days.”

The fashion trends magazines are full of the retro clothing, looking back to the 1970s and the '80s.

And the big round look is also coming back. Baily calls it “the Liz Claiborne look - only in plastic.

“Women come into our store asking for the big glasses,” Baily said. “I get more women, probably 70-plus years of age, saying, ‘You know what? I'm old enough and I can do it and I'm getting away with it.'

“It is a way to make an eyeglass statement, and if you really are trying to conceal circles under the eyes, or wrinkles on the neck, the big glasses pull the focus all up so that people focus on your eyes first,” she noted.

Tried and true

Baily pointed out that the minimalist look is still popular.

“The group that seems to like that look the most are the people who have had to wear glasses many, many years, and they want something that's really lightweight on their face,” she said.

“Glasses don't dictate age as some people feel they do. Glasses still perceive intelligence, so sometimes the baby boomers feel that since they are getting older, they want something on them that nobody will notice.”

Men's double-bar frames are still strong sellers in the Midwest, Baily noted.

“Midwesterners have this hardworking work ethic and they want durability. They need their eyewear to hold up when they are out doing their chores or running their farms. They need a good working piece of equipment, not fashion.”

“Our customers run the full spectrum from conservative to fashion-conscious,” Leitza said. “Some want bold colors and shapes to express their personality. Some like the frame to blend in to let their own beauty shine through.”