Clear glasses vs coloured glasses: A style comparison

Choosing what kind of glasses to wear can significantly impact your style. GQ Magazine’s interview with optician and Black Eyewear founder Robert Roope notes that picking the right design can make you look impossibly cool – but making an inaccurate choice can flatter the wrong facial features and worsen your appearance. For example, they might put more emphasis on your nose than you’d like or make you look like Mr. Magoo. 

That’s why, when buying glasses, it’s important to avoid basing your purchases on styles that look good on others, assuming which designs flatter you and which ones don’t – and, most importantly, rushing your decision. Take the time to explore your options so you can better pick specs that flatter you. 

While many of the online articles you’ll find will cover traditional glasses styles like those with black frames, tortoiseshell patterns, and wire rims, you’ll want to go beyond that if you truly want to look at all the glasses options available. So let’s look at lesser-discussed designs – glasses that come with clear and coloured frames. Though polar opposites, they can help you add a pop of personality and flair to your outfit in their own unique ways. 

Style Evolution of Eyewear

Early Eyewear Trends

Eyewear has a rich history dating back to the 13th century when glasses were first crafted in Italy. Initially, these were purely functional, serving the purpose of magnifying written and printed materials for an easier reading experience. Further advancements allowed them to actually correct vision impairments like nearsightedness and even provide clearer sight at two different distances via bifocal lenses.

As time progressed, eyewear evolved beyond its utilitarian roots to become a style statement. In the 20th century, more diverse glasses styles started gaining popularity due to some key developments in glasses designs, allowing wearers to use them both as a corrective aid and a fashion accessory.

Key Milestones in Glasses Designs

Early spectacles boasted frames made out of materials like wood, leather, bone, and horn. That changed in the 1530s, when German eyewear makers Brillenmacher’s introduced the first glasses with metal frames. However, what truly revolutionised eyewear design was the use of lightweight plastic in the 20th century. 

These provided more than just comfort and durability – they allowed for a wider range of frame styles. Industry-standard materials like acetate can be moulded into any shape, like the iconic cat-eyes of the ‘50s and the oversized square glasses popular in the 60s and 70s. More importantly, plastic frames can be kept clear or injected with bright colours, allowing for the two designs we’ll be diving deep into today. 

Clear vs Coloured Glasses Aesthetics

The Sophistication of Clear Glasses

When it comes to visual appeal, clear glasses are known for providing a subtle yet sophisticated look. They’re also versatile: whether they come in styles like the rounded Canary model from London Retro or the swept-up cat-eyes of the Jimmy Choo JC375, the lack of colour in clear frames offers a timeless look that seamlessly blends in with any colour palette and can complement various styles and outfits. That makes them a ‘clear’ (pun intended) choice for individuals seeking a classic yet modern appearance.

A Personality Boost with Coloured Glasses

Coloured glasses can instantly add a pop of personality to any outfit. Whether you opt for frames in the bold red of Vogue Eyewear’s VO4274, the neon green of Etnia Barcelona’s Brutal No. 02, or the vibrant blue in the 449416 model from Olvera, this eyewear design is an excellent way to showcase your unique style and make a bigger fashion statement. They’ll look great on you if you want frames that allow you to better express your creativity and individuality through your eyewear choices.

Trend Influence and Celebrity Endorsements

Trend Impact

Fashion trends greatly affect eyewear choices, with clear glasses and coloured glasses both gaining popularity based on current styles. The evolution of fashion cycles plays a significant role in determining which glasses people wear.

That’s more apparent with coloured glasses, which offer a bold and expressive style statement that appeals to those seeking to make a unique fashion statement. In particular, eyewear brand Mia Burton notes that coloured frames—especially those that come in pastel shades – are in vogue for 2024. Meanwhile, clear glasses become especially popular when other transparent clothing styles are in season, as various see-through coats, shoes, and bags were in 2018. As discussed above, though, clear frames are still versatile enough to outlast trend cycles. 

Celebrity Endorsements

Celebrities have a substantial influence on shaping eyewear preferences among the masses. When a famous personality is seen sporting clear or coloured glasses at high-profile events or on social media platforms, it often sparks trends by driving consumer interest in those specific styles. One only needs to look at the premiere of the Barbie movie in 2023. Starring cast members like Margot Robbie wearing all-pink ensembles to promote the film led to increased popularity for ‘Barbiecore’ eyewear – like Urban Outfitters’ Birdie Wavy Round Sunglasses with whimsical pink frames. 

The release of celebrity eyewear brands further solidifies the association between certain types of glasses and current fashion trends. A great example of this is when Victoria Beckham released her own signature range of prescription glasses with Estee Lauder, including both clear and coloured frames in styles like aviators and cat-eyes. By aligning themselves with popular figures, these frame designs reach a wider audience and establish themselves as trendy options in the market.

Choosing Frames for Your Face Shape

Round Faces

For round faces, opt for angular frames to add definition and angles to the soft curves. In particular, rectangular or square frames like the Hart Gavin can create a more structured look. 

Oval Faces

Oval faces are versatile, so almost any frame shape works well. However, consider frames that are as wide as the broadest part of the face for perfect symmetry. 

Square Faces

Choose rounded or oval frames that contrast with sharp angles. Depending on your preferences, you can pick between options like the oversized Scout Chelsea to the clubmaster-style Ray-Ban RB5154-51 to soften your strong jawlines and high cheekbones. 

Heart-Shaped Faces

For those with heart-shaped faces, select frames that broaden the lower part of the face while minimising the width at the top. We’ve noted that styles like the cat-eye can balance out that width difference for a more balanced look. Models like Kate Spade’s Darcie offer larger frames with a more subtle upward swoop if you want a twist on this classic design.

Outfit Pairings for Clear Glasses

Casual Wear

If you opt for a more laid-back style, consider wearing your clear glasses with a simple white T-shirt and high-waisted jeans. These classic pieces can perfectly complement the minimalistic look of your specs.

For a more trendy vibe, pair your clear glasses with pops of colour through clothing items like denim jackets and sneakers. This effortless combination can add a touch of coolness to your overall appearance. Accessorising with a stylish backpack or tote bag can further enhance your casual outfit.

Formal Attire

Given their versatility, clear glasses can also elevate formal looks by adding sophistication and elegance. When dressing up for formal occasions, such as business meetings or evening events, consider pairing your clear frames with tailored suits or elegant dresses. The sleek design of clear glasses provides a modern twist to traditional formal attire.

To create a chic ensemble, try combining your clear glasses with a crisp button-down shirt and tailored trousers. This smart-casual outfit exudes professionalism while still maintaining a fashionable edge. You can also take notes on what Zendaya did when she wore a transparent corset to the 2024 Essence Black Women in Hollywood red carpet. Here, she paired the corset with streamlined pants and shoes – but also accented her final look with understated yet sophisticated silver bracelets and armbands. In a similar fashion, you can contrast your clear glasses with high-end accessories like statement earrings or a watch to create a polished formal outfit.

Styling Coloured Glasses for Impact

Hair and Skin Tones

Opt for complementary hair colours that enhance the overall look when wearing tinted glasses. However, take note that the hue of your hair and glasses shouldn’t just go well with each other—they also need to match your skin tone. When trying out which colours go best with your complexion, you can try a colour analysis to see what best matches your skin’s unique undertones. Here, professionals can recommend what combination of coloured hair and glasses will make the biggest style impact when you wear them. 

Clothing Styles

When it comes to matching bold-coloured glasses with your wardrobe, the best rule of thumb is to contrast them against neutral-toned outfits. Donning vibrant red frames with a white tank top and slacks, for example, will help emphasise your specs and create a striking effect for a balanced and chic appearance.

Accessories Coordination

Coordinate coloured glasses with matching accessories such as earrings, scarves, or handbags to create a cohesive and stylish ensemble. Avoid overpowering the look by choosing accessories that complement rather than compete with the glasses. Cool-toned shades like blue will go well with silver jewellery, for example, while frames with warmer hues like red, orange and yellow will pair perfectly with gold. 

Care Tips for Eyeglass Frames

Maintenance Tips

Try to clean your eyeglass frames regularly using a microfiber cloth to prevent dirt buildup. This simple habit can extend the lifespan of your uniquely designed glasses. 

Proper Storage

Give special attention to how you store your eyeglasses when not in use. Avoid leaving them in extreme temperatures or direct sunlight. UV exposure can cause the plastic in your clear frames to turn yellow over time. The sun can also reduce the saturation of coloured frames and make them less vibrant. 

Eco-Friendly and Gender-Neutral Trends

Sustainable Choices

Eco-friendly eyewear options are gaining popularity due to their minimal impact on the environment. Since most clear and coloured glasses are made from plastic acetate, you can embrace sustainability by opting for frames made of greener alternatives. Fortunately, acetate has an eco-friendly counterpart – bio-acetate – that offers the same aesthetic appeal without being made from fossil fuels. Brands like Bird Eyewear offer such bio-acetate eyewear in both clear and coloured variants that you can choose from. 

Inclusive Designs

Gender-neutral eyewear designs are breaking traditional stereotypes in the fashion industry. If you’re looking for unisex glasses, clear frames are especially useful for creating a number of inclusive designs that range from the iconic Ray-Ban aviators to Oakley’s Centerboard model. Coloured glasses are even more handy for promoting specific advocacies. Multiple eyewear brands, ranging from retailers like Glasses Direct to those helmed by celebrities like Elton John, often release vibrant rainbow frames to celebrate Pride Month every July. This shift towards inclusivity promotes a sense of belonging and acceptance among all wearers.

Wrapping Up

As you take the time to research what kind of eyewear will look best on you, don’t look past the more unique designs offered by clear and coloured glasses. Buying a pair in either style can help you express yourself fashionably and imaginatively, no matter what kind of style you’re going for – so feel free to use this post to make an informed decision before checkout.

The editorial unit