The likelihood is that when you visualize vintage glasses cat-eye glasses come to mind. Initially catching our eye as prescription or clear cat-eye frames in the 1950s, these frames became extremely popular when Audrey Hepburn wore her classy tortoiseshell version of sunglasses in the movie Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Since then, the striking design has undergone numerous revisions and entered almost every decade-long glasses fad.
There are countless ways to wear modern cat-eye glasses these days ranging from retro-inspired vividly colored ones to semi-rimless wireframe ones with a subtle eyebrow arch. While the pronounced upper-rim wingtip at the temple is a telltale sign of cat eyes, the bottom rim which sublimely slopes upward to the top of the wearer’s cheekbone is what really gives cat-eye glasses frames their signature look.Â
So how are all these different styles considered cat-eye glasses? Additionally, it is because of these two components that modern cat-eye glasses look great on a wide range of facial shapes. Through elegant angular lines, they draw the eye upward and balance round to rectangular face shapes. If you’re trying to find the ideal pair of cat-eye glasses, think about updating some traditional designs or going with an entirely contemporary take on the iconic style.
Traditional cat-eye glasses
You have numerous choices with regards to feline eye styles because, over their over 50 years of social conspicuousness, cat-eye glasses have consolidated a wide assortment of patterns. For those who prefer the vintage look, there are a few retro-chic versions of the classic cat-eye glasses look.
Cat-eye glasses in black
The typical appearance is this one, which reminds me of the yearbook pictures from the 1950s featuring young ladies wearing large black cat-eye glasses. They’re still simple to locate too. Even though vintage frames might have some filigree or rhinestones on the wingtip, you can still find versions that are a little less ornate. With their extended wingtips, these black chunky Ray-Ban women modern cat-eye glasses complement any outfit.
Cat-eye red glasses
The red cat-eye glasses are another eye-catching example of a retro style that makes a statement. They are bold in terms of both colour and design. Go all out with this Moschino pair if you’re looking for red cat-eye glasses. They are equally playful and audacious, but they offer a contemporary take on the traditional style. Similar to red styles, bright pink or purple cat-eye glasses make a statement as well, though they might go better with your skin tone.
Tortoise cat-eye glasses
The tortoiseshell look is still in vogue today and tortoise cat-eye sunglasses and frames have true longevity. Its allure stems from the playful shape that is presented in a subtle pattern. This Hepburn pair will give you the shape if you’re trying to recreate the iconic cat-eye sunglasses style that Holly Golightly popularized. Although they don’t stand out as much as black or coloured pairs, gold frames were also common in the 1950s cat-eye glasses if you’re looking for a more subdued softer style.
Cat-eye glasses with rhinestones
The elevated vintage appeal of cat eyes is often attributed to the combination of rhinestones and modern cat-eye glasses. Even though they are less common these days, or rhinestone cat-eye glasses are still available. A more contemporary design element, the semi-rimless frame in these Nicole Miller glasses is combined with extremely retro black rhinestone cat-eye upper rims.
Fashionable cat-eye glasses
Even though classic cat-eye glasses are still in style today, you might prefer something that fits the current trends in glasses design and speaks to your more contemporary sensibilities. If that’s the case, check out some of these widely worn variations on the classic cat-eye frame.
Cat-eye glasses with a semi-rim
The semi-rimless cat-eye glasses are a unique take on the standard frame, but the entire look is reminiscent of the 1950s. With highlighted wingtips and almost transparent bottom rims, Marilyn Monroe’s iconic pair from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. These days you can get the same style without having the bottom rim show at all. The teal accent on the eyebrow rim of these gorgeous Ted Baker glasses is marbled and wings out slightly at the corner.
Bigger cat-eye glasses
It’s hardly surprising that oversized cat-eye glasses are popular too given the continued popularity of the oversized glasses trend. Larger cat-eye glasses provide a fun twist on the classic cat-eye style which is characterized by smaller lenses that resemble actual eyes. Instead of the bottom rim that sweeps sharply up the side of the lens, these glasses have a more conventional D-shaped rounded lens.
Accented Cat-eye glasses
Although the 1950s saw the rise in popularity of cat-eye glasses with rhinestones, scalloped edges and metallic or sparkly filigree, modern frames can also feature more subdued angular motifs. Colour-blocked versions of rhinestone cat-eye glasses draw attention to the wing without taking over your face thanks to tiny contrasting-coloured shapes at the edges.
Are Cat-Eye Glasses Something I Can Wear?
Because they are so adaptable, cat-eye glasses complement almost every facial shape. It’s also unlikely that you won’t find a pair of contemporary cat-eye sunglasses that suit you because they come in a wide range of designs, hues and frame sizes. The iconic wing can even be subtle or strong. The question of whether or not to wear modern cat-eye glasses frames actually comes down to what type of cat eyes look the best.
Purchasing Sunglasses And Prescription Cat-Eye Glasses Online
You can increase the number of options available to you when searching for the ideal cat-eye prescription glasses online. By doing so, you can attain the ideal harmony of attributes, the ideal wingtip flair, the ideal colour and the precise form that best accentuates your unique features. It need not be difficult to purchase prescription glasses online even though the procedure is a little different from going into your neighborhood optical store. This is a brief guide explaining how to purchase modern cat-eye glasses on the internet.
Acquire your measurements and prescription
If you haven’t already received them from your most recent eye exam, your doctor can provide them to you. To obtain a new prescription if your current one is over two years old, you will most likely need to schedule an appointment for an eye exam with an eye specialist. The measurements that online retailers need and how to obtain them will also specify them.
Pick an online store
Peruse customer feedback look through the inventory and find out if the website takes insurance if applicable. It is important to review the return and exchange policies to ensure that you understand the procedures involved in returning your glasses. You might think about purchasing the frames from an internet seller and contacting your neighbourhood optical shop to inquire about their ability to insert the lens into your frames. You might be able to take full advantage of an online store’s return policy by doing this.
Pick the lenses that fit you the best
Progressive, bifocal, trifocal clear or single vision. Choose any type of coating such as those that block blue light, reduce glare or are anti-scratch.
Final Words
Try this eye-catching style with reading glasses, computer glasses, blue light-blocking glasses, or even just a classic pair of sunglasses if you’re unsure as to whether you want to wear cat-eye spectacles as your go-to pair of glasses.