Fashion Foresight: Trending Frames That Are Making Waves

What’s in a shape, you say? Well, a lot. Ask any fashionista – specifically an eyewear aficionado – and you will get your answer. The shape – or the frame – of your favourite sunglasses define them in their entirety. They create a bespoke style and add a certain flavour to your appearance, thus making or breaking your dressing up game for the occasion.

The legendary Karl Lagerfeld once said, “Sunglasses are like eye shadow. They make everything look younger and prettier!” We could not agree more! Well, a lot of the charm of sunglasses comes from its frame shape. After all, it is the frame that imparts it an identity, plugging the sunglass or eyeglass into one of many categories that keep evolving and trending as time rolls on.

So, what do the latest trends suggest? Well, if you want to keep your frame game strong, then keep an eye out for aviator sunglasses, square shape glasses, brow bar sunglasses, pentagon shape glasses, and hexagon frame glasses. These five frame types – a mixture of evergreen shapes and the latest runway fad – provide enough variety to the modern designer eyewear connoisseur to grab attention and bag tons of compliments.

Here’s a closer look at each of them which will allow you to pick your favourite(s) for sure.

Aviator Sunglasses for Men and Women

As if in homage to their military perfection, aviator sunglasses for men and women have constantly ranked high amongst trendy frames for decades now. The iconic teardrop shape of the cult-classic black aviator sunglasses with thin yet durable metal frames and a double bridge are often the first things that come to mind when we think of aviators. But, constant reinterpretations of the design by leading luxury and eyewear brands of the world means aviator sunglasses remain a fashion staple. Today, you can choose from not only classic tear-drop shaped aviators but also square aviator sunglasses, ones with rounder lenses, and other shapes as well!

Why this frame?

Timeless appeal: Aviators have stood the test of time due to their classic look, versatility, and association with Hollywood stars and rock icons.

Versatile: Aviator sunglasses have a unisex appeal, with women’s aviator sunglasses highly sought after for their bold looks. They also go well with both formal and casual outfits, and come in a number of materials (including acetate) and designs such as top-bar, transparent, rimless, etc.

Adventure-ready: Originally designed as military-grade eyewear, aviator sunglasses have a design that efficiently blocks out sunlight, making them a great choice for your adventures!

Best suited for: Suit every face shape due to their classic styling. However, they look best on angular faces.

Best brands to consider: Burberry, David Beckham, Prada, Oakley, Tom Ford, Versace, Vogue

Square Frame Glasses

Also typically known as wayfarers, square eyeglasses and sunglasses have rocked are the king of the edgy and cool. Think chunky, solid frames with square or rectangular lenses, often made of acetate. If you are seeking a charming, angular look that grabs attention, then go get square frame sunglasses without hesitation. Square eyeglass frames also come in oversized versions for a dramatic look or smaller versions for a far more subdued look. From traditional tortoiseshell to transparent acrylics, each pair of square shape sunglasses could be personalised with eyewear.

Why this frame?

Make a statement: By diverting attention to the eyes and toning down the facial features, square frame sunglasses give off a very bold and edgy look. They are another of the favourites of global celebrities!

Versatile: Like aviators, square sunglasses also have an inherent timeless appeal to them, and seem to suit almost every occasion and outfit. While most square shape glasses are made from exceptional-quality acetate or plastic, metal square frames are also becoming a popular alternative.

Best suited for: Suit mostly every face shape due to their classic styling. However, they look best on faces with rounded features, adding much-needed sharpness.

Best brands to consider: Burberry, David Beckham, Prada, Oakley, Tom Ford, Versace, Vogue

Brow Bar Sunglasses

Behold, the stunning brow bar frame that is now a trendsetting icon in modern eyewear design! If you don’t know what type of sunglasses we are talking about, then picture this: a sleek, sharp silhouette with a thin horizontal bar above the lenses for a spectacular effect. It’s incredible how such a simple tweak in design produces such an impressive visual effect. Readily available in metal and acetate versions, the brow bar gives shape to more restrained faces and pays tribute to retro styles without taking away from your core contemporary aesthetic.

Why this frame?

A unique aesthetic: The distinctive look of brow bar sunglasses adds a fun element to your look, catching the attention of those around you with ease. Thus, if you are looking to add something unique to your sunglasses collection, this is definitely one to consider.

Homage to the retro era: There’s a reason why styles like aviators are still in trend – because they pay homage to the uber-stylish retro era. Similarly, brow bar sunglasses have a knack of reviving the popular eyewear looks of 70s and 80s, thus upping your style game with panache!

Trendy alternative to aviators: Today, more and more aviator styles are being influenced by the brow bar aesthetic. This makes such brow bar sunglasses a perfect choice if you do not want to settle for another pair of classic aviators in your wardrobe.

Best suited for: The unique design of brow bar sunglasses suits square, oval and heart-shaped faces the best. These shades go really well with tailored outfits.

Best brands to consider: Tom Ford, Alexander McQueen, Bvlgari, Prada, Dolce & Gabbana

Last but not the least, let us talk about geometric frames that continue to emerge as the hottest eyewear trend of recent times. More specifically, it is the pentagon glasses and hexagon glasses that are the eye candy of the moment. Representing a departure from the traditional lens shape, pentagon shape glasses and frames provide an innovative twist to conventional eyewear choices. Similarly, hexagon eyeglasses take the trend one step further with their wacky silhouette. Want to be the talk of the town? Then these futuristic frame shapes are a must-have!

Why these frames?

Geometric chic: Pentagon and hexagon frame sunglasses are a personification of how eyewear fashion trends are evolving today. These frames break away from traditional shapes, with their geometric lines appealing to those who seek a fresh and unconventional style.

Imaginative: When it comes to pentagon shape sunglasses and hexagon shape spectacles, design ingenuity doesn’t end with simply increasing the number of sides of the lenses. As brands like Versace and Gucci will remind you, there is a lot you can play with, right from singular ski mask-like lenses to oversized metal frames. Moreover, these frames come in an assortment of patterns and colours. Ultimately, while consumers want a mix of streamlined wireframes and chunky acetate builds, designers are trying out various combinations to fit their aesthetic tastes.

Best suited for: The best thing about pentagon shape specs and shades and hexagon eyeglass frames is that they flatter most face shapes. Their real power likes in emboldening your look so that you stand out from the crowd.

Best brands to consider: Burberry, Versace, Prada, Vogue

Conclusion

So, still thinking ‘what’s in a shape?’? They are the very essence of sunglass frames that add so much depth to not just our visual aesthetic but also how we carry ourselves at any occasion. As far as current eyewear trends go, aviators, square frames, brow bars, and pentagons and hexagons are what excite both the best luxury eyewear designers of the world, the fashionistas thriving off latest runway trends, and regular eyewear enthusiasts looking for some novelty. So, don’t be afraid to experiment and find your favourite amongst them today!