The very nature of fashion trends is to come and go. From knee-high boots to multicolored jumpsuits, what is considered “vogue” is ever-changing, and glasses are no exception.
As you probably know, large, round glasses are one of the most famous eyewear styles of all time, and they appear to be making a big comeback on the fashion scene. After initially coming into prominence in the 1920s and then again in the 1960s, these stylish specs have become synonymous with “bohemian vibes” and convey a strong feeling of nostalgia, often providing the finishing touches to a vintage or chic outfit.
One famous person, in particular, became the face of round glasses – John Lennon – and since his rise to fame, countless celebrities and influential fashion icons have donned rounded frames to emulate his signature look. However, as it turns out, round specs were here long before any of The Beatles were even born.
Believe it or not, one of the earliest etchings, dating back to the 13th century, depicts a cleric straining at a piece of parchment while wearing a pair of round-frame specs. Going back even further, round glasses show up in the 1600s in a portrait of Cardinal Fernando Nino de Guevara.
This frame style has been around for a long time, and it certainly won’t be going anywhere any time soon. On that note, here are four reasons why you can’t go wrong with picking up a pair of iconic round frame glasses.
1 For the retro vibes
First impressions count, and the type of glasses you wear say a lot about the vibe you want to give off and your particular style. After all, glasses are usually the first thing people will notice about you, so if you want to make a statement, your eyewear is the place to do it.
Large, circular frames are often considered eccentric and quirky, and when paired with the right colors, they’re a great way to convey your individuality and personality instantly. Usually, this shape style is classic, innovative, and retro, the Old Hollywood style. Some people even consider round frames to be bohemian or “hippy” in style, and this is especially true if they’re paired with outlandish patterning or colors.
On top of this, round frames can make you appear sophisticated while giving off an air of intelligence, which is why you should always have a pair in your arsenal if that’s the vibe you’re going for. On that note, check out this guide if you want to know how to rock a pair of large round frames with your unique style.
2 You’ll be in good company
As mentioned, round glasses have been all the rage at numerous points throughout history. It won’t take you long to find examples of famous/influential people donning the round-frame look, with some of the most prominent celebrities, scientists, and even philosophers wearing them at some point in time.
John Lennon, Steve Jobs, Elton John, Janis Joplin, and Ozzy Osbourne have all been known to sport rounded frames at one point or another, and who could forget Mahatma Gandhi!
3 Rounded glasses offer versatility
Round glasses are incredibly versatile. Depending on the style of frame, the size, and the color, they can work with just about any outfit and in any setting. Whether you’re going for the casual intellectual look or a more chick hippie style with a nostalgic nod to the 60s, you can’t go wrong with rounded frames.
Moreover, these glasses tend to remain relevant, as they do not lend themselves to one particular age group, culture, or demographic, which means they do not have a stigma attached to them and can be an appropriate accessory for pretty much any style.
4 They complement angular faces
Did you know that the shape of your face plays a significant role in whether or not a particular style of glasses will look good on you? With this in mind, before you commit to a pair of new spectacles, it’s worth checking to see which style will best compliment your face shape so you can avoid buying glasses that won’t suit you.
In general, those with square/heart-shaped faces will look best wearing rounded frames because the soft shape of the glasses will conform to the more rigid features of your face, complementing your appearance and accentuating your best features.
Even though large round glasses will flatter both square and heart-shaped faces and bring them visually into balance, that’s not to say that those with round faces should avoid circle or oval frames. But, as a rule of thumb, if you feel confident in a pair of glasses and you love how they think, then you’re going to look good in them anyway.
Furthermore, round glasses can be a fit for any face type, as long as you keep in mind that if you are someone with a round or oval face, you will want to balance that out with a pair of more extensive, blockier round frames rather than the usual circular frames that the other face shapes can wear.
Final words
From John Lennon and Steve Jobs to Ozzy Osbourne and Janis Joplin, large, round frames have been worn by some of the most influential people in history. With their timeless look and nostalgic, retro feel, rounded frames can bring the best out of any outfit, whether formal, informal, around the office, or at home.
As mentioned, rounded frames work best with those with more of a square-shaped face, but that’s not to say you should pass them up if you have an oval face. These trendy frames have stood the test of time because they look great on just about everybody who wears them, so don’t be afraid to give them a try.
