If you wear eyeglasses, you know they’re about more than just correcting your vision. They can also make a major style statement, reveal a bit about your personality, and be a fun addition to your wardrobe.

But just like jewelry, belts, and bags, frames can go in and out and back in style. Thin, oval eyewear was hot in the 1990s. Today, bigger, rounder frames are taking over. So, how do you know if you’re on trend or sporting outdated specs?

First, some perspective: Whether your frames are in style might not be the most important thing.

“I think the way you wear your frames and the confidence you wear them with and being your most authentic self will make the glasses you’re wearing the best for you — no matter what people think is in style,” says Mike Vaughan, an optician and retail operations manager with America’s Best Contacts & Eyeglasses in Atlanta.

That being said, it can still be fun to learn about new eyeglasses trends and switch up your style. This is especially true if you’ve stuck with the same frame style for many years. Here’s what you need to know to give your glasses a modern upgrade.

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Staying on Top of Eyeglass Trends

You don’t have to know what’s trendy to take advantage of the latest styles. You can simply walk around your local America’s Best and see if any of the frames on the wall speak to you. America’s Best opticians stay up to date on what’s in style, and new frame styles are added every month.

It’s also a good idea to speak to your optician about what’s “in” right now, as well as your personal preferences. Are you going for something radical — or something more subtle? A swap in color? Metal frames instead of your usual plastic? No clue at all? No problem. Your optician can present you with a variety of new and trendy options that fit your unique style.

Staying up to date on current eyeglass styles is a good idea, even if you plan on keeping your current pair. Maybe you wear one pair of glasses regularly, but you’d like another pair that’s good for special occasions. Or maybe you’ve always wanted to get frames in a funky color that you can wear when you’re feeling bold.

You’ll never know what appeals to you until you see what’s out there. No matter what you’re after, the opticians at America’s Best are here to help you make the right decision.

Tips for Upgrading Your Frame Style

With so many options, it can feel overwhelming to consider switching up your style. A bit of guidance can go a long way. Here are four things to keep in mind when you’re getting a trendy upgrade:

• Be realistic. First, know that your prescription matters. You can use current styles and trends as a guide, but it’s important to look at the frames that are compatible with your current prescription. (Spoiler alert: Not all of them are.) “That influences what types of frames you can have,” says Vaughan.

• Start with size and shape. “I’ve noticed that we’ve had a trend flow from smaller to bigger, bolder glasses over the last 10 to 15 years,” says Vaughan. Why not see if bigger frames suit your face shape? Speaking of shape, that’s important too. Maybe you think you’ll look bad in round frames, so you’ve always picked more rectangular ones. Now is the time to branch out.

• Get inspired. “One of the easiest ways to keep up with what’s in style is to pay attention to your favorite artists and musicians,” says Vaughan. “From a fashion standpoint, they tend to have the biggest sway on what’s cool and stylish — and what’s not,” he says. Instagram and TikTok are other places you can look for inspiration. If you like how a pair of glasses looks on someone else, the extensive selection at America’s Best means you’re bound to find a similar style in store.

• Tap into your alter ego. You can use your eyeglasses to highlight a particular part of your personality, says Vaughan. A new pair of frames can make you feel really different (in a good way), so don’t be afraid to try on many pairs to see what really speaks to you. Maybe you usually wear black, round frames, but you’ve always been curious about vibrant cat’s-eye frames. And as for those frames that are too “out there” or you’re sure will “look bad” on you, try them on too. You might surprise yourself.

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Bottom Line

Following the latest eyewear trends is an easy way to refresh your wardrobe, and it gives you a chance to try something new.

But if you love your current frames, there’s no reason to make a change. It’s just like skinny jeans, leg warmers, and side parts. Trends come and go, but if you like your frames, keep on wearing them.

“The way you wear glasses and the confidence and happiness you feel when wearing them will have a ripple effect on your interactions with people,” says Vaughan. “You’ll look cool whether or not they’re the type of frames pop and movie stars would wear.”

Press play for tips on finding the best glasses for your face:

Looking for a stylish bargain? See how much you can save when you buy two pairs of glasses. Browse our new eyeglass collections.