Are tiny, geeky eyeglasses becoming a mainstream style symbol?

Put down the contact lenses and cleaning solution—eyeglasses are officially cool again! For everyone who has to wear specs every day, this is incredible news. But what exactly triggered this unexpected wave of “nerdy” fashion?

Historically, glasses have been dismissed as "geeky" accessories, always overshadowed by sunglasses, which, while equally practical, have long held a cooler status. Moreover, it received far more attention in terms of design innovation. Meanwhile, glasses have mostly stayed in their lane as purely functional accessories. It’s no surprise that most people resort to LASIK or contact lenses just to fit in with the “cool” crowd. But times are changing, and the once-overlooked specs are now making their mark as a must-have, with celebs driving this cultural shift.

Eyeglasses in pop culture today

The resurgence of specs as a fashion statement can be traced to microtrends like the “office siren” or “librarian core”—both turning specs from purely functional to bold fashion accessories. A great example would be the rise in Google searches for “Bayonetta glasses,” inspired by the video game character famous for her iconic librarian-style, geek-chic frames.

And of course, these microtrends borrow from celebrities and iconic pop culture moments that defined the 2000s. Gen Z’s obsession with noughties fashion is partly fuelling this revival. Remember Gisele Bündchen in The Devil Wears Prada? Or Megan Fox and Jennifer Garner, who helped solidify eyeglasses as a serious style statement back then.

The influence of celebrities and brands

Celebrities like Billie Eilish, Bella Hadid, Hailey Bieber, Zendaya, and Emma Chamberlain are the ones driving this humble eyewear to the front of the map today. What began as a subtle, under-the-radar fashion choice has now exploded into a full-fledged cultural trend. Glasses, once limited to purely functional use, have officially become a symbol of personal style.

And it’s not just the celebs—brands too are jumping on board, dropping statement designs that might make you want to reconsider your prescription (kidding... sort of)—or at least your entire eyewear vibe. The fresh frames don’t even call for any prescription lenses, but they’ll definitely change your whole look.

Eyeglasses have gotten a makeover

The new wave of spectacles is nothing short of glamorous. We're talking loads of embellishments, bold frames, and some seriously innovative designs. Take Korean brand Gentle Monster, for example— it created a sensation with its PR packages for its collab with French accessory brand D’heygere. This collection featured tiara-inspired glasses, pearl necklace glasses, and more, sparking a global craze. The Gentle Monster x D’heygere collection was so iconic that it led to a second collaboration—this time with fashion powerhouse Maison Margiela. Big names like Gucci, Swarovski, Versace, and Fendi are also playing their part in pushing the eyeglass trend to the forefront of fashion.

Now, if you’re wondering whether this eyewear trend is here to stay, consider it almost a moot point. This resurgence has taught us to rethink our perspective on the styling potential that eyeglasses actually have. So go ahead and adorn your frames with chains, charms, and flair, and transform your specs from “geeky” to undeniably cool. And if you don’t already own a pair, here's your sign to hop on the bandwagon.

Lead image: Getty

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